7. Online and card payments safely

There are several ways to pay digitally in Ethiopia. It helps to know the differences between them:

1. Mobile wallets (TeleBirr, CBE Birr, Amole, HelloCash) — these are apps or USSD menus on your phone. You top up the wallet with cash, and then send money, pay bills, or buy airtime directly from your phone balance. No physical card is needed.

2. Bank debit cards — issued by your bank (CBE, Awash, Dashen, etc.). The card is linked to your bank account. You can use it at ATM machines to withdraw cash, at POS (Point of Sale) terminals in shops and hotels, and on some online payment pages.

3. Online checkout pages — when you buy something on a website, the site shows a payment form asking for your card number, expiry date, and a 3-digit security code (CVV). This is common on airline sites (Ethiopian Airlines, Fly Africa), hotel booking sites, and international shopping sites.

4. QR code payments — you scan a shop's QR code with your TeleBirr or CBE Birr app and the amount is deducted from your wallet. This is growing quickly in Addis Ababa shops, cafés, and markets.

All four methods are safe when used correctly — the risks come from careless habits or scammers, not from the technology itself.

When you use a bank debit card — at an ATM, at a shop POS terminal, or online — follow these safety rules every time:

At an ATM:

• Use ATMs inside bank branches or hotel lobbies when possible — these are harder for criminals to tamper with.

• Shield the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN. A camera or a person nearby cannot steal your PIN if they cannot see you type it.

• Never accept help from strangers at an ATM. Politely decline and wait until they leave.

• If the machine looks unusual — extra plastic attachments over the card slot, a loose keypad, a hidden camera cover — do not use it. Report it to the bank.

At a shop POS terminal:

• Never let the card out of your sight. The cashier should swipe or tap it in front of you, not take it to another room.

• Check the amount on the screen before you enter your PIN.

• After paying, check your phone for an SMS receipt from your bank. If the amount is wrong, tell the cashier immediately.

Online payments:

• Only enter your card details on websites that start with https:// (the padlock icon). HTTP without the S is not secure.

• Look for trusted payment logos: Visa, Mastercard, or a local gateway like eTranzact.

• Never save your card number on a website you do not fully trust.

• Use one-time passwords (OTPs): your bank will send an SMS with a 6-digit code to confirm the payment. Enter it quickly — OTPs expire in a few minutes.

Scammers use clever tricks to steal money from people making digital payments. Knowing their tactics helps you stay safe.

Scam 1 — Fake payment confirmation message

Abebe is selling a used laptop. The buyer says he will pay via TeleBirr and sends Abebe a screenshot showing a "payment sent" notification. Abebe gives the buyer the laptop. But the screenshot was fake — no money ever arrived. Rule: always check your own TeleBirr or bank app to confirm the money is actually in your account before handing over goods.

Scam 2 — Phone call from a "bank agent"

Almaz receives a phone call. The caller says he is from Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and that her account has been frozen due to "suspicious activity". He asks for her card number, expiry date, and PIN to "verify her identity". This is a scam. Real banks never ask for your PIN or full card number over the phone. Hang up and call the bank's official number (printed on the back of your card) yourself.

Scam 3 — Too-good-to-be-true online shops

Sara sees an ad on Facebook: brand-new iPhone 15 for 5,000 birr (real market price is 90,000+ birr). She pays via bank transfer. The phone never arrives and the seller disappears. Rule: if the price is unbelievably low, it is almost certainly a scam. Buy from known, established sellers or platforms.

Scam 4 — QR code replacement

A scammer places their own QR code sticker over the real QR code at a shop checkout. When customers scan it, the payment goes to the scammer, not the shop. Always check that the QR code is the official one — ask the shopkeeper to confirm the payment amount and their business name on your phone screen before you approve.

Mobile wallets like TeleBirr are the most common digital payment method for everyday Ethiopians. Here is how to use them safely:

Sending money:

1. Open the TeleBirr app and choose "Send Money".

2. Type the recipient's phone number carefully. Double-check the number before confirming — once sent, transfers are very difficult to reverse.

3. Check the recipient's name that appears on screen. If the name does not match who you intend to pay, stop immediately.

4. Enter the amount and confirm with your PIN. Do not share this PIN with anyone.

5. Save the confirmation SMS as proof of payment.

Paying bills:

• TeleBirr lets you pay electricity (EEPCO), water, school fees, and other utilities directly from the app — no need to queue. Always use the official TeleBirr app (download only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store).

Receiving money safely:

• If someone pays you via TeleBirr, wait for the confirmation notification to appear in your app (green checkmark and amount) before handing over goods or services. A screenshot from the other person is not enough.

If something goes wrong:

• Call TeleBirr customer support at *127# or the call centre number listed on the official app.

• Contact your bank immediately if your card is lost, stolen, or you notice an unauthorized charge. Ask them to block your card and reverse any fraudulent transactions.