The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has warned the public about a fake social media account impersonating the institution and fraudulently offering clearance certificates.
In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) account, HELB shared screenshots of the fraudulent profile, revealing that it was asking members of the public to pay KSh1,999, falsely claiming the money would be refunded once a compliance or clearance certificate was processed and emailed to them.
The board advised applicants seeking compliance or clearance certificates to use only HELB’s official communication channels and platforms, cautioning that any payments or requests made through unofficial accounts are fraudulent.
“Beware of fraudsters masquerading as HELB spreading false information. Always verify all communication through HELB’s official channels only,” said the notice.
HELB has urged the public to report social media accounts that impersonate the board or solicit unofficial payments. It also advised applicants to verify any information through its official communication channels before making payments.
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According to the board’s official website, loan beneficiaries who are up to date with their repayments or are still within the repayment grace period can apply for a Loanee Compliance Certificate through the HELB Portal or the eCitizen portal.
Borrowers who have fully settled their loans are eligible for a Certificate of Clearance upon meeting the prescribed requirements. Meanwhile, individuals who have never received a HELB loan can apply for a Non-Loanee Compliance Certificate through the same platforms.
To obtain any of the certificates, applicants are required to log into their HELB accounts, navigate to the compliance certificate section and submit the necessary information.
Eligible applicants seeking a Certificate of Clearance are required to pay a processing fee of KSh1,000 through the approved payment channels provided during the application process.
The board reiterated that all certificate services are offered exclusively through authorised platforms and warned the public against using unofficial accounts or shortcuts that promise faster processing.
By Frank Mugwe
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