At Sigma, we receive over 1,500 CVs every month. In 2024, we noticed a disturbing trend: the sophistication of "fake" applications is rising.
We aren't just talking about people exaggerating their Excel skills. We are talking about manufactured university degrees, non-existent previous employers, and coordinated "reference rings" where friends pose as former managers.
For an SME owner, hiring a "Fake" is dangerous. It’s not just about competence; it’s about integrity. If they lied to get in the door, they will lie about your inventory, your cash, and your customers.
The "Business Center" Degree
The most common fraud we see is the fake certificate. In Lagos, "Business Centers" can now replicate university degrees with frightening accuracy—stamps, seals, and signatures included.
The Sigma Filter: We do not trust the paper. We use a Direct Verification Protocol. We contact the school’s registry directly (often physically) to verify the matriculation number. If the school has no record, the candidate is blacklisted instantly.
The "Reference Ring"
You call the reference number on the CV. A professional-sounding voice answers, confirms the candidate worked there for 3 years, and praises their work ethic. You hire them.
The Trap: The "Manager" you spoke to was actually the candidate's cousin or a paid actor. The company might not even exist, or if it does, the candidate never worked there.
How We Catch Them
- Official Lines Only: We never call the mobile number on the CV for references. We look up the company's official landline or website and call the HR department directly.
- The "Specifics" Test: We ask specific questions about software used, reporting lines, and office location details that a fake reference wouldn't know.
The "Guarantor" Illusion
Many Nigerian businesses rely on Guarantor Forms. "Get two guarantors to sign this." The candidate brings back a form signed by a "Civil Servant" and a "Clergyman."
The Reality: Without physical verification, that form is just paper. We have seen cases where the guarantor address was an empty lot, or the "Clergyman" was non-existent.
At Sigma, our Enhanced Background Check involves a physical visit to the guarantor’s home and office. We take a geotagged photo and confirm they actually know the candidate and understand the liability they are signing up for.
The Solution: Professional Vetting
You cannot do this level of vetting yourself for every hire. It takes time, resources, and access to databases.
This is why Sigma OS includes background checks as part of the recruitment process. We don't just read the CV; we investigate the person behind it.
Our Vetting Checklist Includes:
- Academic Verification (Direct to School)
- Previous Employer Confirmation (HR to HR)
- Criminal Record Check
- Physical Guarantor Verification
Conclusion: Trust, but Verify
In a high-unemployment market, desperation drives dishonesty. Protect your business by ensuring that the person you interview is the person you actually hire.
