JAMB and Admission Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them

By JAMB Advisor Editorial · 11 Nov 2026

Every admission season, scammers target anxious candidates and parents. They promise higher scores, guaranteed admission or leaked questions. All of these are false, and some can get a candidate's result cancelled. Knowing the patterns protects your money and your future.

Scam 1: "We can upgrade your JAMB score"

No one can legally change a UTME score. Results are stored in JAMB's systems and verified by institutions. People who claim to "upgrade" scores either take your money and disappear or produce fake result slips that are detected during screening — which can lead to admission being withdrawn.

Scam 2: "Special centres" and "miracle centres"

These claim candidates will be helped to cheat during the exam. JAMB actively investigates such centres, and results from them can be withheld or cancelled. Write your exam honestly at your assigned centre.

Scam 3: Leaked questions ("expo")

Sellers of "expo" claim to have the real questions in advance. They don't. You lose money and valuable study time. Use the official syllabus and genuine practice instead.

Scam 4: Admission agents and "admission racketeers"

Some people claim they can secure admission through "connections". Legitimate admission is given by institutions through JAMB CAPS based on published criteria. If an admission is not on CAPS, it is not valid.

Scam 5: Fake portals and phishing

Scammers create websites and social media pages that copy JAMB's or a university's name and logo. They collect payments, passwords and personal data.

Protect yourself:

  • Type official website addresses yourself rather than clicking links in messages.
  • Check the web address carefully for misspellings.
  • Never share your JAMB password, ePIN or one-time codes.
  • Pay only through official payment channels shown on the official portal.

Scam 6: Fake scholarship and "registration help" offers

Be careful with offers that ask for an upfront "processing fee" to release a scholarship or register you. Genuine scholarships do not usually charge to apply, and official registration happens at accredited centres.

Warning signs

  • Guarantees of a score or admission.
  • Requests for your password, PIN or OTP.
  • Pressure to pay quickly "before the slots close".
  • Payment requested to a personal account.
  • Messages full of urgency, spelling errors or unofficial email addresses.

If you've been targeted

  1. Stop all payments and communication.
  2. Change your JAMB profile password and email password.
  3. Keep evidence (messages, account numbers, receipts).
  4. Report to JAMB through its official channels and, where appropriate, to the police.

The honest route works

Preparation, correct subject combinations, realistic choices and careful use of official portals are what lead to admission. Use our guides and tools to plan properly, and always confirm details on official sources.

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