Is this paybill legit?

How the scam checker works

The checker runs three layers of validation:

1. Format check. Real Kenyan M-PESA paybills are 4-7 digits. Numbers shorter, longer, or non-numeric are not valid paybills.
2. Database match. We check the number against our directory of 282+ verified Kenyan paybills. A match returns the merchant name, sector, and a link to full details.
3. Pattern detection. Some scam patterns are structural — paybills starting with 0, all-same-digit numbers (other than 222222 for government services), and other heuristics that map to common attack patterns.

If the checker says "unknown"

Kenya has over 100,000 active M-PESA paybills. Our directory covers the most-searched 282+. An "unknown" result doesn't mean the paybill is fake — it means we can't confirm it from our data. Before you send money:

• Visit the merchant's official website (.co.ke, .go.ke, .org domain) and find their published paybill
• If physical, look for the paybill on in-branch posters
• Call the merchant's customer service line to confirm
• Be especially cautious of paybills shared via WhatsApp or unsolicited SMS — these are common vectors for paybill spoofing

Common Kenyan paybill scams

The four scam patterns that catch the most Kenyans:

1. Phone number disguised as paybill. Number starts with 0 (e.g., 0712345678). Sent to victim as a "new paybill". Victim sends money via M-PESA Send Money (which works for any phone), funds go straight to the scammer's wallet.
2. Look-alike paybill. Real paybill is 522522 (KCB). Scam version is 525252 or 522552. Visually similar enough that hurried users miss the swap.
3. WhatsApp "updated" paybill. Victim receives a WhatsApp message claiming the official paybill has changed and to use a new number. The new number routes to the scammer.
4. SMS impersonation. SMS appears to come from a brand (KPLC, Safaricom, KRA) telling the victim to pay a "new paybill" for an outstanding bill or fine. The number is the scammer's.

Read our full guide on paybill scams in Kenya — and how to spot them for more detail and additional patterns.