M-Pesa Fraud: How to handle a fake reversal instruction

M-PESA has made it easier for Kenyans to send and receive money, pay bills and carry out everyday transactions. However, the convenience of mobile money has also created opportunities for fraudsters to target unsuspecting users.

One common trick involves criminals pretending to have sent money to the wrong number and asking the recipient to reverse the transaction.

In some cases, the fraudster may call or send a text message claiming to be an M-PESA customer care representative. They then instruct the recipient to follow certain steps to complete the supposed reversal.

According to the telco giant Safarico, most fraudsters direct customers to the nearest agent so that they can use the customer’s number to defraud the agent by pretending to be customer care.

“Fraudsters direct customers to the nearest agent so that they can use the customer’s number to defraud the agent by pretending to be customer care,” Safaricom stated.

In addition, Safaricom noted that fraudsters direct a customer to the nearest agent so that they can use the customer’s number to defraud the agent.

“M-PESA reversal is the process of sending back money to an individual who may have accidentally sent you money. Fraudsters, in this case, direct a customer to the nearest agent so that they can use the customer’s number to defraud the agent by pretending to be customer care,” Safaricom explained.

1. Do not follow instructions from unknown callers

If someone calls claiming to be from Safaricom and asks you to dial a code, visit an M-PESA agent or hand over your phone, do not comply. End the call and verify the information through Safaricom’s official customer-care channels.

Before responding to claims that someone has sent money to your number by mistake, check your own M-PESA account and transaction history.

Do not rely on screenshots or messages forwarded by another person as proof of payment. Safaricom advises customers to verify transactions using their own confirmation messages. m-pesa+1

Your PIN should remain private, even when someone claims to be a customer care representative. Avoid sharing one-time passwords or entering codes provided by strangers.

If you receive suspicious reversal instructions, report them to Safaricom through its official customer-care channels. Keep the caller’s number, messages and any other relevant information that could help with investigations.

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