In a world where digital transactions are increasingly becoming the norm, a seemingly small mistake can unveil surprising truths about the people we deal with. That’s the case for a Nigerian woman, Idayat Omolade Idris, who recently shared her emotional experience after mistakenly sending ₦600 to a vendor—and the vendor outright refused to return the money.
What began as a simple financial error soon escalated into a viral moment that has sparked conversations about ethics, accountability, and the importance of trust in online business transactions.
A Simple Mistake Turns Into Disappointment
According to Idayat, the ₦600 transfer was intended for another recipient, but she accidentally sent it to a vendor she had previously done business with. Thinking the issue could be quickly resolved, she reached out to the vendor to explain the error and request a refund. What she received in response left her stunned and deeply disappointed.
Instead of a polite apology or a quick reversal of the funds, the vendor nonchalantly brushed off the request, telling Idayat she should use the money to buy fabrics from her instead. This flippant suggestion struck Idayat as both unprofessional and insensitive.
“Bank Charges Will Reduce It to ₦550” – A Baffling Excuse
As the conversation continued, the vendor claimed that sending the money back would incur bank charges, reducing the refunded amount to ₦550. This excuse might have seemed plausible—except that both parties were using Opay, a digital payment platform known for charging little to nothing for same-platform transfers.
Idayat pointed this out, noting that no charges should apply to the transaction. But instead of correcting her stance, the vendor cut off communication altogether.
More Than Just Money: A Question of Character
While ₦600 might seem like a small amount to many, Idayat’s frustration was not about the money itself—it was about the principle. She expressed how disappointed she felt that someone she had once trusted with her patronage could show such disregard over something so simple.
“What if it was ₦60,000?” she asked in reflection. “This just showed me the kind of person she truly is.”
This incident serves as a powerful reminder that integrity often reveals itself in how we handle the “little things.” For many online buyers and sellers, ₦600 is insignificant—but when a mistake occurs and it’s handled with dishonesty or apathy, it raises larger questions about trustworthiness and values.
The Internet Reacts
As expected, social media users were quick to weigh in. Many sided with Idayat, stating that the vendor’s reaction was not just unethical but also bad for business. Others noted that a business that refuses to return ₦600 could easily jeopardize its reputation and lose long-term customers.
Some even went as far as calling for the vendor to be named and shamed, while others shared similar stories of unreturned transfers, wrong payments, and unethical vendors.
Lessons Learned: Double Check, Always
While Idayat may not recover her ₦600, her story has gone on to educate and alert many Nigerians—and possibly global readers as well. It’s a wake-up call to double-check all transaction details before hitting “send,” no matter how small the amount.
It also highlights the risks that come with dealing with vendors online without proper agreements or safeguards in place. Even with mobile money services making transfers easier, there’s still a vital need for accountability and customer service ethics.
Final Thoughts
Idayat’s story might seem like just another post on the internet, but it holds valuable lessons about personal values, digital trust, and how even small encounters can reveal deep truths. As e-commerce continues to thrive in Nigeria and around the world, honesty and good character must remain the cornerstone of every transaction.
Because if someone can hold on to ₦600 without remorse, what would they do with ₦60,000?
What do you think about this story? Have you ever been in a similar situation? Share your experience in the comments below!
