Police, JAMB warn UTME applicants about fake websites
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the police have urged applicants preparing for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to avoid fake websites.
The two organisations issued the warning during a joint news conference in Abuja on Saturday. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, stated that several phoney websites had been created by unscrupulous individuals with the goal of misleading candidates.
He warned candidates to be aware of their techniques, claiming that the fraudulent websites were created to trick unsuspecting candidates into supplying personal information such as registration numbers, email addresses, and telephone numbers.
“Both JAMB and the Nigeria Police Force condemn these fraudulent activities and hereby reiterate the readiness to safeguard the interests of candidates and maintain the integrity of the examination process.
“We urge parents, guardians and stakeholders to ensure that candidates print their UTME notification slips only from the board’s approved website: www.jamb.gov.ng. Candidates can print their slips from the comfort of their homes or visit any of the over 700 accredited Computer-Based Test centres nationwide,” he said.
Mr Adejobi explained that the force was familiar with the tactics employed by fraudsters, especially during the annual assessment and admission exercises. He, therefore, said that both organisations were actively sensitising candidates and the public about the deceptive practices.
“Any candidate who visits these fake sites will definitely have unreliable information and thereby miss out on the forthcoming exams. Candidates are advised to print their UTME notification slips before Friday, April 19, 2024, to access vital information about their examinations. Any website other than www.jamb.gov.ng offering UTME slip printing services is fake and designed to defraud candidates,” he said.
He also warned candidates to be wary of websites that offer ‘live’ questions and answers, since they were fraudulent and deceitful, and that viewing such materials is illegal.
He went on to say that the board was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force National CyberCrime Centre to handle online scam concerns in a seamless manner. He reassured candidates and the public of the force’s unwavering commitment to a fair and transparent examination process.
He further stated that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the NPF-NCCC to target scammers and fraudsters who commit cybercrimes and create phishing sites/portals. Fabian Benjamin, the JAMB spokesperson, reaffirmed the board’s determination to continue playing its role.
He urged candidates to ignore any unsolicited messages, noting that they were from elements who aim at defrauding candidates. The 2024 UTME is scheduled to commence on Friday, April 19, and end on April 29.
