How to Check if a Receipt is Fake

Complete guide to detecting fake Ethiopian bank receipts.

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Common receipt fraud techniques

Fraudsters in Ethiopia use several techniques to create fake receipts:

  • Edited screenshots: taking a real receipt screenshot and changing the amount or reference number
  • Forged PDFs: creating a PDF that looks like a CBE receipt but has a fake reference number
  • Old receipts: reusing a genuine receipt from a past transaction
  • Reference number guessing: generating plausible-looking FT numbers that don't exist
  • SMS spoofing: sending fake SMS notifications that look like bank confirmations

How to verify any receipt instantly

The only reliable way to check if a receipt is fake is to verify it against the bank's own system. Every Ethiopian bank publishes receipts at public URLs. cheki automates this process: paste the reference number, and cheki fetches the receipt from the bank in seconds. If the receipt doesn't exist in the bank's system, it's fake.

Red flags to watch for

Even before verifying, these signs suggest a receipt may be fake:

  • The sender pressures you to release goods immediately before verification
  • The reference number doesn't match the bank's format (CBE starts with FT, Telebirr is alphanumeric)
  • The receipt shows a different amount than what was agreed
  • The date on the receipt is from days or weeks ago
  • The receipt is a low-quality screenshot that's hard to read

Frequently asked questions

How common is receipt fraud in Ethiopia?

Receipt fraud is increasingly common as mobile banking grows. Fraudsters create fake screenshots or forged PDFs that look identical to real receipts. The only reliable way to detect them is to verify the receipt directly with the bank's endpoint.

Can screenshots be fake?

Yes. Screenshots can be edited in any photo editing app. A fake screenshot may show a real-looking reference number, amount, and sender name, but the transaction doesn't exist in the bank's system. Always verify through cheki or the bank's official app.

What should I do if a receipt is fake?

Do not release goods or services. Contact the sender and ask them to send the payment again. If you suspect fraud, report it to the bank and to the Ethiopian police cybercrime unit.

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