Guide
How to spot a fake CBE receipt
Fake CBE receipts are a common scam in Ethiopia. Scammers use image editors to create convincing receipts. Here's how to protect yourself.
Always verify the reference
The only reliable way to check a receipt is to verify it against CBE's database. Use txna.me — paste the FT reference and it will tell you if the transaction exists.
Check the reference format
Real CBE references are exactly 12 characters: "FT" + 10 alphanumeric characters. If the reference doesn't match this format, it's likely fake.
Verify the sender name
When you verify with Tuna, the sender name should match the person who claims to have sent the payment. If the name doesn't match, be suspicious.
Check the timestamp
Real receipts have exact timestamps. If the date/time seems wrong or is in a weird format, it might be fake.