I am not a “luddite” but sometimes I hate computers! Strange coming from someone who has several blogs, a Facebook, Twitter and Linked-in accounts and more.
But sometimes “they” are in charge and we mere mortals can do nothing.
Take, for instance, the online system at the local unnamed power company. My wife attempted to make her usual online bill payment earlier this week. We had changed checking accounts recently and she updated the system. She entered the payment amount, click and…it went to the old closed account.
The system has an edit button but it would not do anything. (I guess it was there just for show – much like a politician!)
So the next morning I called the local number and was told to call my bank. The clerk failed to understand it was a closed account (another post on listening in the works!).
Her supervisor advised me that the computer was in charge. In about five days they will get a response from the bank that the account is closed. Further, I could not make a payment from my real account because “the system” does not allow me to pay in advance!
Sometimes it is best to just mail a check I guess…. Could it be the the post office is sometimes more efficient than a computer? Nahhh...
Gary L. Waters PLLC, Florida licensed real estate agent, Century 21 Baytree Realty, Rockledge, Florida serving Florida's Space Coast including the cities and communities of Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Suntree, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and the surrounding region.
Read my blogs Florida Homes for Sale, Moving to Brevard County, Florida, and Brevard County Florida Real Estate Information.
Gary - Computer systems are just like cars in that respect. When they work they're great, but if there's a breakdown in any of the systems, its a real pain. Hope you get things resolved soon and thanks goodness we still know how to handle things the good old fashioned way.
Lora - Thanks. I will know, hopefully next week. Hope they don't turn out the lights first! Thanks.
Gary,
the banking system can get quite complicated. They seem to be able to take out money very quickly and often slow to post credits.
Brian
Gary - sometimes they make it just a bit to hard to use the convenience of the internet, so, sometimes I just mail a check.
If you do mail a check, enclose a flyer of your newest listing. You never know.
Hi Gary! Let me guess--Bank of America?!! LOL We've had these issues in the past too but, lately the computer has been agreeable--THANKFULLY! And, I love Kenneth's idea!
Brian - That is it...Banks and power companies!
Mike - You are right. I am thinking the mail next time!
Ken - Good idea. Who knows? Enjoy your weekend!
Debe - BofA...I wish (kidding!). Thanks. Ken's idea does have merit. Enjoy your 4th!
Gary....The online bank bill paying systems are great when they work properly. We use such a system all the time. However, when anything unusual occurs, the system has a difficult time accomodating your needs, but going to the post office for me is more painful! Good luck!
I used to have a 2005 Nissan Maxima, but Nissan had no way on their web site for me to make my monthly payment. Even after monthly emails to them, for 24 months, nothing. So when my lease was up, they lost me to Ford.
Carra - Online system failed me this time. They did get the returned "acct closed notice"..
Russel - Got a new charge $23 for paying on acct that is closed...even after I was reassured it would not happen. Come Tuesday more phone calls! Enjoy your 4th!
Banks can be so irritating when it comes to charging you for things - and indeed, the money comes out quickly but their records for deposits seem to take longer..................like they want to have a reason to charge us.....................
Barbara-Jo - Banks are our friends! OK, maybe not! Thanks.
Computers only do what they are told to do, and if the programmers told them wrong, or the clerks hit a wrong key, they just aren't going to do what WE want them to do.
Jim - We are all at the hands of some programmer but we choose to be so...things will happen. But it can be frustrating.