Residential
Spot Scams & Fraud
Meralco warns customers against text scams, electricity-related thefts
Meralco reminded its customers to be vigilant against a circulating text message scam that falsely claims recipients are entitled to a refund and instructs them to click on a malicious link.
The fraudulent messages, sent via SMS spoofing to make them appear as if these came from a legitimate e-wallet platform, claim there is an “adjustment refund” and contains links to phishing sites.
Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga clarified that the company does not process any refunds through e-wallets or third-party platforms. Any official refund transaction is directly credited to the electricity bill of the customer without the need to click on any links.
“Meralco will never ask for your e-wallet account details or initiate refunds through text messages. We urge our customers to remain cautious and to avoid clicking suspicious links or providing any personal or financial information through text or email,” Zaldarriaga said.
In addition, the distribution utility reiterated its warning to the public against pilferage of electricity distribution facilities and materials since these can cause accidents and power interruptions.
Under Republic Act No. 7832 or the Anti Electricity Pilferage Act, theft of electric power transmission materials are crimes punishable with possible imprisonment and fines starting from P50,000.
Customers can report their concerns through the My Meralco app or through Meralco’s official social media accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
Meralco reminds public to transact only with authorized personnel, practice electrical safety
To avoid falling for fraudulent activities, Meralco advised its customers to be vigilant and only transact with the distribution utility’s authorized personnel.
All transactions with the company, including payments, are accompanied by an official receipt and should only be done through the distribution utility’s offices such as Business Centers, or through official payment channels and authorized payment partners.
When transacting with Meralco employees, customers should be aware that official representatives of the company are in complete uniform with IDs and are using Meralco vehicles.
Meralco also urged the public to continue observing electrical safety tips such as avoiding using “octopus connections” or plugging in extension cords into a single power outlet as this could overheat and result in a fire and other accidents. Customers should also avoid placing and running electrical cords under rugs or carpets as constantly walking on these could damage the insulation of the wires.
Customers can report their concerns through Meralco’s official social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and X formerly Twitter (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
Energy Saving Devices Don't Help Save - They Cost You More!
What is an “Energy-Saving Device” or ESD?
An energy-saving device is any gadget, device, or apparatus that claims to lower energy consumption. Some are sold in malls, hardware stores, and online.
There are three popular types of ESDs:
- Plug-type (also known as capacitor-type)
- Card-type
- Sticker-type
The DOE doesn’t endorse ESDs.
The Department of Energy has already released a statement saying that they don’t endorse any of these devices, even warning the public against buying them.
DOE warns against products claiming to reduce energy consumption. It does not endorse “energy-saving” devices (ESDs).
Here’s everything you need to know about ESDs:
ESDs don’t work!
Based on Meralco Power Lab tests, there is no evidence of energy or kilowatt-hour savings.
But there are demos, and they seem to show lower consumption!
There are no tricks in these demos – the measurements are real and accurate. However, those measurements only show the current (or amperes) and not the actual power consumption.
With or without an ESD, the actual power consumption (measured in kilowatts) remains the same. That means the appliance has been consuming the same amount of energy.
A reduction in current (measured in amperes) doesn’t mean you’ll get a lower electric bill, because you are being billed for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) used and NOT on current alone.
Risks:
1. It can cost you more!
Meralco Power Lab tests show ESDs actually has standby power consumption that can add up to Php 27 per month.
2. It’s a potential safety hazard.
ESDs don’t have complete mandatory markings as prescribed by the Philippine National Standards, so we have no idea about its manufacturers or how to contact them for technical support. Risky!
