The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has warned customers to beware of fraudulent text messages promising electricity bill refunds, describing the messages as a phishing scam designed to steal personal and financial information.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the power distributor said the messages, which are circulating across mobile networks, falsely claim that customers’ bills have been recalculated and that refunds are available.
According to the company, the scam messages often display the sender ID “IBEDC” and direct recipients to click on a suspicious third-party link.
“Our attention has been drawn to SMS messages claiming that customers’ utility bills have been recalculated and that a refund is available,” the management said.
“We wish to categorically state that IBEDC is not conducting any refund exercise through that website or any similar third-party link.”
IBEDC stressed that it is not running any mass refund programme and identified the website mentioned in the messages — www.infodhe.online — as a phishing platform.
“The SMS in circulation did not originate from IBEDC, does not represent our processes, and is not linked to any of our approved platforms or channels,” the company stated.
The distribution company urged customers within its franchise areas to exercise caution and protect their personal data to avoid financial loss.
“Customers are strongly advised to ignore and delete any SMS claiming refunds and are warned against clicking the provided links,” IBEDC said.
“At no point should customers disclose banking details, card information, BVN, OTPs, passwords, or any personal data to unknown callers or websites claiming to represent IBEDC.”
IBEDC added that all legitimate transactions — including electricity purchases, account inquiries, and authorised refunds — are carried out only through its official channels, such as iRecharge, accredited payment agents, and IBEDC business offices.
“All genuine transactions must be conducted through IBEDC’s authorised platforms.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious SMS, calls, or websites using our name to our customer care channels immediately,” the statement noted.
The company also warned that it would not be held responsible for losses arising from dealings with fraudulent platforms.
“IBEDC will not be liable for any losses or damages resulting from transactions or interactions conducted through unauthorised or fraudulent platforms falsely claiming to represent the company,” it said.
Customers seeking clarification were advised to contact IBEDC through its official customer care lines and verified social media handles.
