A 2025 UTME candidate, Divine, has shared a disturbing experience after receiving a fraudulent message claiming to be from UTME55019 — a format similar to JAMB’s official SMS code — falsely accusing her of exam malpractice and demanding contact with someone who allegedly assisted her.
“I was sent a message from something like UTME55019 saying that I should contact the person that assisted me in doing malpractices, which I still don’t understand because I’m writing JAMB for the first time.”
The Scam Explained
This is a common tactic used by scammers who target JAMB candidates during and after the exam period. Here’s how it works:
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- They create a fake sender name that looks like JAMB’s official shortcode (e.g. 55019)
- The message falsely accuses the candidate of engaging in exam malpractice
- Victims are instructed to contact a certain number for “help”
- Once contact is made, the fraudsters demand a bribe or payment (often ₦20,000–₦40,000) to “clear” the candidate’s name
Important Clarification from JAMB
JAMB has repeatedly warned candidates not to respond to such messages. Here’s what you need to know:
- JAMB will never accuse you of malpractice via SMS
- You will not be asked to call or pay anyone privately to resolve exam issues
- The official shortcode for JAMB is 55019 or 66019, and it is only used for things like checking results or printing slips — never for threats or accusations
What Divine (and Others) Should Do
- Ignore and delete the message immediately
- Do not call or chat with any number mentioned in such texts
- Report the message to JAMB or post about it on trusted platforms to warn others
- Rest assured — if you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about
Final Word
Divine’s case is a reminder that fraudsters are constantly targeting innocent candidates. Stay vigilant, avoid shortcuts, and always verify from official sources. If you ever receive a suspicious message, don’t panic — report it. Protect your future by refusing to fall for scams.