Meralco warns customers about a text message scam falsely claiming they are due a refund. The utility advises against clicking suspicious links and provides official channels for customer concerns.
Power retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) warned customers to be vigilant against a text message scam that falsely claims recipients are entitled to a refund and instructs them to click on a malicious link.
It said the fraudulent messages, sent via “SMS spoofing” to make them appear as if they came from a legitimate e-wallet platform, claim there is an “adjustment refund” and contain links to phishing sites.
Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said the company does not process any refunds through e-wallets or third-party platforms.
“Meralco will never ask for your e-wallet account details or initiate refunds through text messages,” Zaldarriaga said.
“We urge our customers to remain cautious and to avoid clicking suspicious links or providing any personal or financial information through text or email,” he said.
Any official refund transaction is directly credited to the customer’s electricity bill without the need to click on any links, he said.
The distribution utility also reiterated its warning against pilferage of electricity distribution facilities and materials, which can cause accidents and power interruptions.
Under Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti Electricity Pilferage Act, the theft of electric power transmission materials is a crime punishable with imprisonment and fines of at least 50,000 pesos.
Customers can report their concerns through the My Meralco app, the company’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter (@meralco) or by texting 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211. They may also contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
