M-PESA scams
M-PESA scam warning signs: reversals, fake support, and urgent payment traps
Common warning signs in M-PESA scam attempts and what to do before entering your PIN or sharing transaction details.
Quick check
Got a suspicious number, Paybill, Till, email, website, or company name? Search it before sending money.
Watch for reversal pressure
A common scam starts with a message claiming money was sent to you by mistake, followed by pressure to reverse or send money quickly. Check your actual M-PESA balance and transaction history before doing anything.
Never rely only on a forwarded screenshot or SMS-style message. Scammers can imitate message formats.
Do not share PINs, OTPs, or full transaction details
Legitimate support should not ask for your M-PESA PIN or one-time passwords. Treat any request for those details as a stop sign.
If someone says they are Safaricom, a bank, or police, end the chat and contact the organisation through a known official channel.
Check and report the identifier
Search the phone number, Till, Paybill, or name involved. If you were targeted, submit a short report with the identifier, what happened, and any safe evidence you can share.