Safaricom has clarified the process for customers who mistakenly buy airtime from M-Pesa and wish to reverse the transaction. While the company allows such reversals, some customers face challenges, especially if they have already used part of the airtime for calls, subscriptions, or settling Okoa Jahazi debts.
Steps to Reverse Mistakenly Purchased Airtime
According to Safaricom, customers can recover their funds by following these steps:
1. Top Up the Used Amount – If you have already used part of the airtime, you must recharge with an equivalent amount to restore the original balance.
2. Send the Original Transaction Message to 456 – Once the balance matches the initial transaction amount, forward the M-Pesa confirmation message to Safaricom’s reversal code 456.
3. Wait for Reversal Confirmation – The process is usually instant, and a confirmation message will be sent once the amount is successfully reversed to your M-Pesa account.
How Long Does the Reversal Take?
Safaricom assures customers that the reversal is immediate. Upon approval, the refunded amount will reflect in the M-Pesa wallet. Customers are advised to check their messages and M-Pesa balance for confirmation.
Be Cautious When Buying Airtime
Safaricom urges customers to be vigilant when purchasing airtime via M-Pesa to avoid accidental transactions. A past incident involved a customer who mistakenly bought KSh 5,000 airtime instead of KSh 50, prompting netizens to offer various solutions.
By following the outlined steps, Safaricom customers can easily reverse airtime transactions and recover their funds efficiently.
