Detecting Fake Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Receipts

Learn how to spot a fake CBE receipt.

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Common CBE receipt fraud techniques

Fraudsters target CBE users with several techniques:

  • Edited screenshots: taking a real CBE receipt and changing the amount or reference number
  • Fabricated JSON data: creating a fake receipt page that looks like CBE's format
  • Old receipts: reusing a genuine receipt from a past transaction and claiming it's new
  • Reference number guessing: generating plausible-looking reference numbers that don't exist in CBE's system
  • Pressure tactics: rushing you to release goods before you can verify

How to verify a CBE receipt

The only reliable way to detect a fake CBE receipt is to verify it against the bank's own system. Commercial Bank of Ethiopia publishes receipts at https://mbreciept.cbe.com.et/{RECEIPT_ID}. cheki automates this: paste the reference number and cheki fetches the receipt in seconds. If the receipt doesn't exist in CBE's system, it's fake.

Red flags specific to CBE

Before even verifying, watch for these warning signs:

  • The reference number doesn't match CBE's format (Receipt ID from the mbreciept.cbe.com.et link or QR code (e.g. fHCxyV4mg5pRIwEkJO, or v2-... on newer receipts). Older receipts: FT followed by 10 letters and digits (e.g. FT26140P01YB) plus the last 8 digits of the receiving account.)
  • The sender pressures you to release goods immediately
  • 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 or photo that's hard to read
  • The sender avoids phone calls and only communicates via text

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a CBE receipt is fake?

The only reliable way is to verify it against CBE's own system. Every CBE receipt has a unique reference number. Paste it into cheki and we'll fetch the receipt from CBE's public endpoint. If the receipt doesn't exist, it's fake. If it exists but the amount or sender name doesn't match, someone may be using a real receipt for a different transaction.

Can someone edit a CBE screenshot?

Yes. Screenshots can be edited in any photo editing app in seconds. A fraudster can take a genuine CBE receipt screenshot, change the amount or reference number, and send it to you. The edited screenshot looks real but the transaction doesn't exist in CBE's system. Never trust screenshots alone.

What should I do if I detect a fake CBE receipt?

Do not release goods or services. Ask the sender to complete the payment again. If you suspect intentional fraud, report the incident to Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and to the Ethiopian police cybercrime unit. Keep the fake receipt as evidence.

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