If you’re gearing up for the 2025 JAMB exam, one of the first steps is purchasing your JAMB form. However, there’s a growing concern among students about the possibility of being scammed during the registration process. With numerous fake websites, fraudulent agents, and scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting students, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid scams and ensure you get your JAMB form safely.
1. Register Only on Official Platforms
To avoid falling victim to scams, always make sure you’re registering for your JAMB exam on official platforms. The only legitimate website for JAMB registration is the official JAMB portal (https://www.jamb.gov.ng). Any other website claiming to offer registration services could be fraudulent.
Steps to register safely:
- Visit the official JAMB website only.
- Look for the “UTME Registration” section on the homepage.
- Follow the step-by-step guide on how to complete your registration.
Never trust third-party websites or agents that claim to offer registration services for a fee. They are likely scams looking to steal your personal information or money.
2. Avoid Unofficial Agents Offering Registration Services
There are many agents and individuals who claim to offer registration services for JAMB at an additional cost. These agents often take advantage of students who are unfamiliar with the process. If someone asks for payment outside of the official registration fee, it’s a red flag.
How to avoid fraudulent agents:
- Always double-check the registration process on the official JAMB website.
- Never pay money to an agent unless they are officially authorized.
- Remember, you can complete the registration on your own by following the guidelines on the JAMB portal.
If you’re unsure about an agent’s legitimacy, contact JAMB directly for clarification. It’s better to spend time verifying than to risk losing your money.
3. Use Reliable Payment Methods
When it’s time to pay for your JAMB form, always use reliable and secure payment methods. JAMB supports payments via bank branches, as well as online payments through trusted payment platforms. Avoid transferring money to individuals directly, as this could lead to a scam.
Trusted payment methods include:
- Online payment through the official JAMB portal.
- Bank payment via authorized JAMB agents or branches.
- Payment via approved mobile platforms, like the official JAMB mobile app.
If an agent insists on asking for direct payment or offers to “help” you complete the process in exchange for cash, beware. Stick to the authorized payment systems to avoid scams.
4. Check for Signs of Fake JAMB Websites
Some fraudulent websites look almost identical to the official JAMB portal, making it hard to tell the difference. To avoid being tricked into using a fake site, here are some signs to watch out for:
Signs of a fake website:
- Suspicious website URL: The official JAMB website URL ends with “.gov.ng”. Any website that differs from this is likely a scam.
- Unprofessional appearance: Fake websites often have poor design or broken links. A genuine government website will be clean, organized, and easy to navigate.
- Too good to be true offers: Be cautious if a website promises to sell JAMB forms at a price lower than the official rate or offers discounts for registration.
Before entering any personal details or making payments, ensure that the website you’re on is official and secure.
5. Be Cautious with Social Media and WhatsApp Offers
Many fraudsters use social media platforms or WhatsApp to advertise fake registration services. These scammers often post offers that seem too good to be true, such as “discounts” on JAMB registration or promises of guaranteed success in the exam.
How to stay safe on social media:
- Do not trust messages or posts from unknown sources.
- Never share your personal information or make payments through social media or messaging apps.
- Always verify the details with the official JAMB website or call their helpline for confirmation.
Stick to trusted sources like JAMB’s official social media accounts for any updates or announcements.
6. Know the Official JAMB Registration Fees
Familiarize yourself with the official JAMB registration fees to avoid falling for scams that charge you more than necessary. JAMB regularly publishes the official cost of the UTME form on their website, along with details of other related fees (such as examination centers, and the use of facilities).
How to avoid overpayment:
- Check the JAMB website for the latest information on registration fees.
- Avoid any agent or third-party service that charges more than the official price.
By knowing the fees upfront, you can confidently reject scams that try to overcharge you.
7. Keep Your Personal Information Safe
When registering for the JAMB exam, you will need to provide personal information, including your name, email address, phone number, and educational background. It is crucial to keep this information private and share it only on the official JAMB platform.
How to protect your information:
- Never share your JAMB registration details with anyone who isn’t officially part of the JAMB process.
- Be wary of websites or individuals who ask for sensitive information like your bank details or password.
The only place where you should input your information is on the official JAMB portal.
8. Verify Your JAMB Profile After Registration
After registering for the JAMB exam, you will receive a confirmation email and a personalized profile on the JAMB portal. Verify your profile immediately to ensure everything is correct.
How to verify your registration:
- Log in to your JAMB profile using the credentials you created.
- Double-check that your details are accurate (name, date of birth, etc.).
- Print your confirmation slip and registration details for future reference.
If you notice any discrepancies, contact JAMB support immediately to correct the error.
9. Report Suspected Scams to JAMB
If you encounter any suspected scams, it is important to report them to JAMB to help protect other students. JAMB has a dedicated support system for dealing with fraudulent activities.
How to report scams:
- Use the “Contact Us” page on the JAMB website to report any suspicious activities.
- You can also call JAMB’s helpline for guidance.
- Keep all receipts and records of your transactions in case you need to file a complaint.
JAMB is committed to preventing scams, and your report could help protect others.
Getting your JAMB form should be a straightforward process, but scams are a real threat that can cause stress and delay. By following the steps outlined above and staying vigilant, you can ensure a smooth and secure registration. Always use the official JAMB website, verify the legitimacy of payment methods, and protect your personal information.
Don’t fall for offers that seem too good to be true. Stay informed, stay cautious, and take the necessary steps to avoid being scammed during your JAMB registration. Best of luck as you prepare for the 2025 JAMB exam!