Verizon says it's rounding up my bill for charity?? Not.

GeekGirl1

I logged into my account to check my bill and was presented with this:

Huh? I never signed up for any charity. Online chat wasn’t very helpful, as they stated that I should be able to configure my charitable contributions in the Payment Settings option. I’m using the Verizon website (not the app) and didn’t see anything about charity settings.

They suggested I try the app, so I did. Nope. There’s nothing there about charities.

On the Verizon website, my auto-pay details show that I’ll be billed the correct amount, and would I like to sign up for a charitable contribution? No.

My auto-pay configuration shows how to add a charity. Online chat suggested I can manage my contributions at that window. Since I never had a charity, that’s not going to work. I do not agree to the terms and conditions and closed the window.

The Verizon app has no mention whatsoever about charitable contributions.

I’m assuming that this is yet another quirk with Verizon’s billing databases. Hopefully, my payment will be for the correct amount (no charitable contributions). I give to charity, but not through Verizon.

This reminds me of the original Office Space movie. Shaving a few pennies can be quite profitable.

Since I’ve never used the app before, I deleted it off my phone.

px_eliezer_

GeekGirl1

You can file a complaint with Verizon.
https://www.verizon.com/about/nod/notice-dispute-form

Also with your State Attorney General.
For Pennsylvania:
https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/

PL1

GeekGirl1 My auto-pay configuration shows how to add a charity.

I saw this as well and I could not figure out where I approved of it. Out of curiosity, I tried adding the charitable contribution to my autopay, and it says it’s not available with autopay. ❓️ Very strange. I just had an autopay payment made today and it was for the correct amount.

GeekGirl1

px_eliezer_ My account has not yet been charged, so there’s nothing to dispute. If it does, the first attempt to fix anything will be via online chat. From that perspective, they’re very responsive.

PL1 That’s good to know, thanks. The first screenshot is what got me upset. Further checking suggests that my account won’t be charged.

When I see stuff like this, my first thought is that their backend database processing is broken. Large systems have multiple databases to keep track of everything and something broke.

Rook

I got an e-mail about this today. I don’t have my July bill yet, so I don’t know about any shenanigans.
We’ll see.

DWDM

I donate to my charities on my own and would never let Verizon or Pet food stores or anyone else “act on my behalf”. With all of the alleged charity fraud going on, I want to be in control.

geek

”I understand that RIUA will have exclusive control over my donation, and that in rare situations it may not honor my requested disbursement. If that happens, I agree that my donation will be treated as if made to RIUA. I understand that all donations are final and non-refundable, and that the donation program may end at any time.*

Essentially they can direct your donation to Verizon’s execs or anyone, anything if they wanted. No accountability!

https://www.verizon.com/support/charitable-donations-legal/

GeekGirl1

My auto-pay just kicked in. I was indeed charged the correct amount of $44.99. Let’s see how it’s handled next month.

PL1

GeekGirl1 My auto-pay just kicked in. I was indeed charged the correct amount of $44.99. Let’s see how it’s handled next month.

At least if they ever DO round up you are only out 1 penny! 😄

GeekGirl1

PL1 I recently had a mobile deposit to my checking account that was off by a penny. The online check image and deposit receipt was correct, but the amount which posted to my account was short by $0.01. I had them correct it just because it annoyed me and to prove a point. Also, their audits would be off.

Cue the obligatory Monty Python skit -

PL1

GeekGirl1 he online check image and deposit receipt was correct, but the amount which posted to my account was short by $0.01.

I read somewhere where someone was skimming everyone’s accounts for small amounts like that knowing that most people wouldn’t notice or complain. The details I remember are sketchy, but I think they were able to make a lot of money.

Also, one time I made a mortgage payment and someone in the bank changed the MICR number at the bottom of my check from $1200 to $1700. When I brought the check in to the bank (this was before the images on-line), they said it would take 30 days to investigate. I closed my account that day, I was so pissed. 😤😤

GeekGirl1

PL1 I read somewhere where someone was skimming everyone’s accounts for small amounts like that knowing that most people wouldn’t notice or complain. The details I remember are sketchy, but I think they were able to make a lot of money.

You must mean the mortgage scheme in the original Office Space movie. Oh, and I need those TPS reports…