In a screenshot shared by the board, a victim questioned why money they had sent was reflected in different accounts. /AI ILLUSTRATION
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has warned students and the public against a fake social media page impersonating the agency to defraud unsuspecting Kenyans by soliciting payments for purported services.
HELB issued the warning after identifying a fraudulent Facebook page whose administrators allegedly direct users to make payments through unauthorised accounts while falsely claiming to offer official board services.
In a screenshot shared by the board, a victim questioned why money they had sent was reflected in different accounts.
"It's not different account but it's the usual integrated HELB SasaPay account for the query raised," the administrator of the fake page responded.
When the complainant sought further clarification, the administrator falsely claimed the payments were being processed through HELB's official M-Pesa paybill number 202020.
"You can alternatively share the payments number to receive the usual SasaPay trust prompt so that you can confirm the payments on your end directly," the administrator added.
HELB's official M-Pesa paybill number for loan repayment is 200800, with the borrower's national ID number used as the account number.
Borrowers can also check their loan status or make mobile repayments through the HELB portal or by dialling *642#.
The board urged students, parents, guardians and the public not to interact with the fake account or share personal information through unofficial channels.
"We have noticed fake social media pages impersonating HELB with the intention of misleading and defrauding members of the public. Do not engage with or share personal information on unofficial accounts," HELB said.
The board advised members of the public to use only its verified communication channels, including 0711 052 000 and its official @HELBpage account on X.
It also said enquiries can be sent through its official email address, [email protected].
"Fraudsters thrive on misinformation; don't fall for their tricks. For HELB inquiries or services, reach out to us through our official communication channels only," the board said.
The warning comes amid a surge in fake notices and impersonation scams targeting education sector institutions.
In recent months, agencies including the Teachers Service Commission, the Kenya National Examinations Council and the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service have repeatedly disowned fraudulent advertisements and fake social media posts relating to teacher recruitment, national examinations, university placement and student funding.
The latest warning also comes as thousands of students prepare to report to universities and colleges in August and September, a period when fraudsters often exploit heightened demand for education-related services.
