The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has warned the public against fake and artificial intelligence-generated employment letters being circulated in the commission’s name, saying it is not currently conducting any recruitment exercise.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by NUPRC’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu. The commission said it had received reports of fake employment letters bearing the names of people unknown to the organisation.

NUPRC also raised the alarm over an extortion scheme involving individuals who allegedly demand money from members of the public while falsely claiming they can secure employment with the commission.

According to the regulator, the activities of the suspected fraudsters have been reported to law enforcement agencies, with the commission awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

The commission stated categorically that there is currently no ongoing recruitment exercise at NUPRC.

It added that whenever it decides to recruit, the process will be conducted strictly in line with applicable laws and government regulations.

NUPRC urged job seekers and other members of the public to exercise caution when receiving employment-related communications purportedly issued by the commission. It specifically warned against individuals requesting payment in exchange for securing jobs at the agency.

The latest warning follows an earlier NUPRC scam alert issued in February, when the commission cautioned the public against individuals using its name to solicit money through purported contract offers. The agency said legitimate processes are conducted transparently and in accordance with applicable regulations.

The commission’s latest statement therefore serves as a clear warning to prospective applicants: NUPRC is not recruiting at present, and anyone demanding money in exchange for a job at the agency should be treated with caution.