Sending money to the wrong number always happens to many of us, especially when we are in a hurry. The biggest worry that comes to mind when this mess happens is how to recover the money.
Don’t panic — Safaricom has made reverse money sent via M-Pesa easier. Whether you entered the wrong number or sent the incorrect amount, here’s a quick and clear guide to help you reverse it fast.
How to Reverse M-Pesa Money After a Wrong Transaction
If you realize you’ve sent money to the wrong person, act immediately. The faster you take action, the better your chances of recovering your money. Safaricom provides an easy way to initiate a reversal using just your phone.
Step-by-step process:
Go to your M-Pesa message inbox.
Look for the transaction message you received after sending the money.Forward the entire M-Pesa transaction message to 456.
Simply open the message and tap “Forward,” then type 456 as the recipient. Send it exactly as it is without editing.Wait for Safaricom’s response.
You will get a confirmation message telling you that your request has been received.Safaricom will begin the reversal process.
If the recipient has not used the money yet, the reversal will be successful, and you’ll get your money back within minutes to a few hours.Keep your phone on.
You may receive calls or follow-up messages from Safaricom agents for vMPESerification. Always be honest and provide the right details.
What Else You Should Know About Reversing M-Pesa Money
Safaricom’s reversal service is free and works best if reported quickly. Here are a few tips to improve your chances:
Act within 5–10 minutes. Most people don’t check their phones immediately, so you have a better chance if you report early.
Avoid calling the wrong recipient. They may withdraw the money once they realize it was an error.
Do not send money again until the reversal is complete. You might make the same mistake twice.
Always confirm details before sending. Use the Hakikisha prompt to double-check the name before finalizing the transaction.
In rare cases where the money is already used or withdrawn, Safaricom may not be able to recover it. But in most situations where the funds are still intact, Safaricom can successfully reverse it.
