How can Google screw up so many promising products? Are they on drugs? Is it sabotage?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Google introduced a new browser named Chrome. The title of its home page, Google Chrome - Download a new browser, would lead you to believe you could download it there, but you can't. Nor can you discover the system requirements for Chrome before deciding to download it.
These are screw-ups of basic elements. They would be likely to be fixed rapidly if Google hadn't screwed up in yet another area: There is no contact information! Google pretends to offer access via Help, but it's a nightmare that promises to be a complete waste of time. I just checked ... it's a waste of time.
How can Google screw up so many promising products? Are they on drugs? Is it sabotage?
How can Google screw up so many promising products? Are they on drugs? Is it sabotage?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The very first Google mystery of the universe I discovered has remained unchanged since I first discovered Google, which was ten minutes after they opened their doors to the world.
Here is a snippet from their Corporate Information page that contains their corporate philosophy:
One button is labeled Google Search, as though we might not know where we would be searching when we click it.
The other button is inexplicably labeled ... I'm Feeling Lucky. This apparently is for people who want to do a Google search, but when they get to Google's home page and enter a search term, they are suddenly overcome by a feeling that they are now lucky! Those people are prompted by that button to abandon their Internet search and pursue their new feeling of being lucky.
When Google personnel were questioned about the odd labeling of the second button, they had no explanation. Their only comment was "this is one of our most popular buttons." One wonders what the other popular button is.
The weird button has remained unchanged.
Despite Google's corporate philosophy that calls for a clear, simple interface that's free of distraction, the one button that is needed to begin a search became two buttons whose labels are wordy and highly misleading. Reason, logic, common sense, user feedback, and corporate philosophy have all been flatly ignored. Maybe that explains Google's PageRank of its own home page of 10 out of a possible 10, y'think?
Lordy, lordy, lordy. If Google can't handle the proper labeling of a button -- just one button -- what hope have we of ever seeing Gmail evolve beyond the mess that it is?
Here is a snippet from their Corporate Information page that contains their corporate philosophy:
Ten things Google has found to be trueHowever, Google.com's home page has always had two buttons below its search box and large Google logo:
1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
From its inception, Google has focused on providing the best user experience possible. While many companies claim to put their customers first, few are able to resist the temptation to make small sacrifices to increase shareholder value. Google has steadfastly refused to make any change that does not offer a benefit to the users who come to the site:
- The interface is clear and simple.
- Pages load instantly.
- Placement in search results is never sold to anyone.
- Advertising on the site must offer relevant content and not be a distraction.
One button is labeled Google Search, as though we might not know where we would be searching when we click it.
The other button is inexplicably labeled ... I'm Feeling Lucky. This apparently is for people who want to do a Google search, but when they get to Google's home page and enter a search term, they are suddenly overcome by a feeling that they are now lucky! Those people are prompted by that button to abandon their Internet search and pursue their new feeling of being lucky.
When Google personnel were questioned about the odd labeling of the second button, they had no explanation. Their only comment was "this is one of our most popular buttons." One wonders what the other popular button is.
The weird button has remained unchanged.
Despite Google's corporate philosophy that calls for a clear, simple interface that's free of distraction, the one button that is needed to begin a search became two buttons whose labels are wordy and highly misleading. Reason, logic, common sense, user feedback, and corporate philosophy have all been flatly ignored. Maybe that explains Google's PageRank of its own home page of 10 out of a possible 10, y'think?
Lordy, lordy, lordy. If Google can't handle the proper labeling of a button -- just one button -- what hope have we of ever seeing Gmail evolve beyond the mess that it is?
One of the mysteries of the universe is Google's Gmail. Gmail just doesn't fit with the design principles of the Google User Experience team:
- Focus on people – their lives, their work, their dreams.
- Every millisecond counts.
- Simplicity is powerful.
- Engage beginners and attract experts.
- Dare to innovate.
- Design for the world.
- Plan for today's and tomorrow's business.
- Delight the eye without distracting the mind.
- Be worthy of people's trust.
- Add a human touch.
- It is just barely useful.
- It is very time-consuming.
- Ease of use, speed, visual appeal, and accessibility are ignored.
- It lacks standard features that would make its use intuitive.
- Innovation is dead last on my Gmail wish list.
- The design is for people nowhere, not everywhere.
- I wouldn't dare trust my business with unaccountable Gmail.
- There is nothing beautiful about Gmail. It is a mess.
- Trust? I can't control my Gmail!
- That's just what I need: quirky design elements. Are you nuts?
- Feedback? Please! Good luck with that! Try it.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
PayPal
WARNING! PayPal has begun a new scam. Thirty-six hours after being notified of an order via PayPal, PayPal sent out an e-mail titled "Payment Review Outcome: Cleared, OK to Ship." The body of the message reads as follows:
Dear [redacted],Meanwhile the product has already shipped!
We have completed our payment review and have cleared the transaction below. This payment is now eligible for coverage under the Seller Protection Policy.
You can now ship the item.
Payment Details:
[The rest has been redacted.]
Saturday, May 9, 2009
AOL
If AOL's advertising-strangulated browser gets any slower, it'll go backward. AOL's philosophy is obvious: I bought my hardware, software, and bandwidth solely for AOL's convenient delivery of massive amounts of highly irritating advertising to my eyeballs, and I'm to pay a premium for the opportunity to be enraged.
Enough!
Update 05/11/09: If you, too, are irritated by AOL's ads, tell tech support so they can pass the word to the developers. And don't hesitate to send your own ads to tech support, with an apology for the inconvenience, of course.
Enough!
Update 05/11/09: If you, too, are irritated by AOL's ads, tell tech support so they can pass the word to the developers. And don't hesitate to send your own ads to tech support, with an apology for the inconvenience, of course.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Bayer, FDA
Bayer knowingly shipped HIV-contaminated product to Spain, France, and Japan, with the help of the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Friday, May 1, 2009
GoDaddy.com
Bob, a little more attention to your Web site's user interface and a little less attention to gratuitous sex and annoying marketing would go a long way with your customers and prospects. Your site has evolved over the years, and the result is not as useful as it needs to be. Beef up the usability and you won't have to use so much T&A to sell domain names and Web hosting.
Update 05/05/09: Here is one example of many: Several days ago we attempted to redirect one of your domains to another. Your site said it would take a few minutes. Hours went by, then tech support said it could take 24 hours. The next day tech support said it could take 48 hours. We're still waiting to hear what tech support is going to say today.
Blogger
Sidebar lists need to be able to contract (-) and expand (+). That would make them much more useful.
Humanscale
The Humanscale Freedom ChairA swivel-recliner office chair of unparalleled form and function, featuring leading-edge technology that makes adjustment a breeze, the Freedom Chair has a unique counter-balance reclining system that almost eliminates the need for knobs and levers to provide customized body support and freedom of movement.
This chair even comes with its own video and interactive guide.
One of the best chairs in the world also suffers from a lack of feedback.
Headrest: Self-adjusting and instantly adjustable.
Back: Instantly adjustable.
Armrests: Gel-filled and instantly adjustable.
Seat: Gel-filled and quickly adjustable. Damn! It doesn't tilt!
Footrest: Footrest? What's a foot?
Update 06/04/09: Little by little, legs are beginning to be acknowledged by chair manufacturers. At this rate they should discover that humans have feet in about, say, eight or nine more years. Can you wait?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
YouTube.com, Adobe
Another day of messing with Adobe's Flash and YouTube. At the moment I can reach YouTube.com, but I can't log in. It just hangs, inviting me to broadcast myself.
Hey, YouTube! Broadcast THIS!
More messing with Flash ...
Uninstall, reboot, install MSIE version, install Firefox version. A few hours later it all began to work again.
Somebody needs a spear in his ear. Barbed, so it won't fall out. Flaming. Let's add a poisoned tip.
YouTube's support for the showinfo parameter returned the next day. Eventually I was able to join a YouTube group. Hold me back!
Hey, YouTube! Broadcast THIS!
More messing with Flash ...
Uninstall, reboot, install MSIE version, install Firefox version. A few hours later it all began to work again.
Somebody needs a spear in his ear. Barbed, so it won't fall out. Flaming. Let's add a poisoned tip.
YouTube's support for the showinfo parameter returned the next day. Eventually I was able to join a YouTube group. Hold me back!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
YouTube.com,Firefox, Adobe, Macromedia, Mozilla, Microsoft, Google
To provide feedback to YouTube, you can join a forum. Maybe someone from Google/YouTube will read it.
To join a forum one must sign in to YouTube. So you sign in.
Then you go to the forum. To post on the forum, one must join the group. So you click on "join."
No luck. To join the group, one must sign in to YouTube. So you sign in, go to the forum, try to join the group, and fail because you must first sign in.
"Note: If you can’t post to the Forums because you are repeatedly being asked to log in, these steps should fix the issue."
LOL! I won't provide the link to "these steps" because the "solution" is not a solution.
I called their offices. No one was home.
Bottom line: YouTube.com doesn't want to hear from anyone.
YouTube has been malfunctioning for days now. There is no solution. No feedback. This reminds me of horror stories of another communist economy where the only thing that worked was one English tank. How about you? Does it ring any bells with you, Boris?
Yesterday, Mozilla delivered update 3.0.10 for Firefox, which ruined the Adobe Flash installation, which made YouTube unreachable most of the time and unusable the rest of the time, unless accessed via proxy like www.hidemyass.com. After multiple attempts to uninstall and reinstall Flash for Microsoft Internet Explorer and for Firefox, using the executable and the plug-in, I discovered that the order that worked is uninstall, install the Flash plug-in in Firefox, then run the latest Flash executable. If the executable fails to install, even though you have "all" applications and any browsers closed, then you have to check your MSIE tools | Internet Options | Security | Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins and set that to "prompt." Reboot. Try to install. Maybe it will work.
Adobe's Flash is so convenient, isn't it? Or is it Macromedia's. And is it Shockwave-Flash, Flash, or Shockwave (no longer supporting Windows 2000 aka Win2K aka NT5)? What's the difference? Who knows? Who cares? The year is 2009, but it sure smells and tastes like 1981.
Today, YouTube suddenly decided to disable the showinfo parameter, so all videos are displaying their ugly titles and ratings again. Disgusting. Nothing says "ignore me" like a misspelled title with an incorrect rating. Nice. Real nice.
At the top of a YouTube page titled "Discussions - Feedback & Suggestions" I find this:
To join a forum one must sign in to YouTube. So you sign in.
Then you go to the forum. To post on the forum, one must join the group. So you click on "join."
No luck. To join the group, one must sign in to YouTube. So you sign in, go to the forum, try to join the group, and fail because you must first sign in.
"Note: If you can’t post to the Forums because you are repeatedly being asked to log in, these steps should fix the issue."
LOL! I won't provide the link to "these steps" because the "solution" is not a solution.
I called their offices. No one was home.
Bottom line: YouTube.com doesn't want to hear from anyone.
YouTube has been malfunctioning for days now. There is no solution. No feedback. This reminds me of horror stories of another communist economy where the only thing that worked was one English tank. How about you? Does it ring any bells with you, Boris?
Yesterday, Mozilla delivered update 3.0.10 for Firefox, which ruined the Adobe Flash installation, which made YouTube unreachable most of the time and unusable the rest of the time, unless accessed via proxy like www.hidemyass.com. After multiple attempts to uninstall and reinstall Flash for Microsoft Internet Explorer and for Firefox, using the executable and the plug-in, I discovered that the order that worked is uninstall, install the Flash plug-in in Firefox, then run the latest Flash executable. If the executable fails to install, even though you have "all" applications and any browsers closed, then you have to check your MSIE tools | Internet Options | Security | Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins and set that to "prompt." Reboot. Try to install. Maybe it will work.
Adobe's Flash is so convenient, isn't it? Or is it Macromedia's. And is it Shockwave-Flash, Flash, or Shockwave (no longer supporting Windows 2000 aka Win2K aka NT5)? What's the difference? Who knows? Who cares? The year is 2009, but it sure smells and tastes like 1981.
Today, YouTube suddenly decided to disable the showinfo parameter, so all videos are displaying their ugly titles and ratings again. Disgusting. Nothing says "ignore me" like a misspelled title with an incorrect rating. Nice. Real nice.
At the top of a YouTube page titled "Discussions - Feedback & Suggestions" I find this:
You cannot post messages because only members can post, and you are not currently a member.I need an English tank. I found a place to park it.
Description: Give us your feedback, let us know how we can make YouTube better. This is also the place to post your suggestions.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Cafepress
CafePress.com is effectively closed to new bumperstickers because the maximum image height is locked at 1.17 inches. The developers were notified 15 hours ago and have done nothing to fix it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Skype.com
Before you download Skype ...
"If you still don’t find an answer, you can contact customer support from the Submit support request link on the bottom of the next page."
What next page? There is no next page and no way to reach them. Beware. They are as isolated and unresponsive as ever.
"If you still don’t find an answer, you can contact customer support from the Submit support request link on the bottom of the next page."
What next page? There is no next page and no way to reach them. Beware. They are as isolated and unresponsive as ever.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Twitter.com
Compile a complete glossary of Twitter commands, switches, and options and put it on the main menu. You would think this would be fundamental, especially when users are asking for one and other users have tried unsuccessfully to provide one on their own sites.
Update 05/17/09: After a second e-mail to Twitter, Twitter support sent back another list of useless links, blowing me off and completely disregarding what I asked. That's Twitter. They'll be gone.
Update 05/17/09: After a second e-mail to Twitter, Twitter support sent back another list of useless links, blowing me off and completely disregarding what I asked. That's Twitter. They'll be gone.
Technology Review
When making videos
- Use a tripod.
- Eliminate background noise (wind, conventioneers, bystanders).
- Use a good microphone that picks up the intended sound only (no crackles).
- Speak loudly enough and slowly enough to be heard and understood (force yourself).
- Don't make distracting movements.
- Use a still background.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Gate.com
Gate's performance continues to deteriorate. Their advertised 99.99 percent uptime is a joke.
Nine hours have passed without FTP capability, and all they know is that "it is a global issue, and the administrators are working on it."
Bullshit. They will go out of business.
Update 04/05/09: No improvement. Gate's technical support is located in Bulgaria. Sometimes they answer their 24x7 phone and sometimes they don't. Mergers have left them dazed and confused, without direction or motivation.
Update 06/02/09: No improvement. Gate's technical support is still in Bulgaria and they still don't know anything about operations in Chicago except to say that "it is a global issue, and the administrators are working on it," and the ancient servers should be back up tomorrow sometime. This is what passes for 99.99 percent uptime. Technical support actually hung up on me in midsentence. Nice. After four calls in four hours, there is no progress. No one knows anything. The server is still down. They have to go.
Nine hours have passed without FTP capability, and all they know is that "it is a global issue, and the administrators are working on it."
Bullshit. They will go out of business.
Update 04/05/09: No improvement. Gate's technical support is located in Bulgaria. Sometimes they answer their 24x7 phone and sometimes they don't. Mergers have left them dazed and confused, without direction or motivation.
Update 06/02/09: No improvement. Gate's technical support is still in Bulgaria and they still don't know anything about operations in Chicago except to say that "it is a global issue, and the administrators are working on it," and the ancient servers should be back up tomorrow sometime. This is what passes for 99.99 percent uptime. Technical support actually hung up on me in midsentence. Nice. After four calls in four hours, there is no progress. No one knows anything. The server is still down. They have to go.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Amazon.com
Is it any wonder the clicks are so much higher than the orders!
I just tried to buy a book from Amazon and almost gave up. And I'm an Amazon store owner with 30 years of computer experience who has been on the Internet since it started.
I had to log in twice. The first time, because I couldn't see anything else I could do on the page. I had to select the destination twice. I couldn't find the "proceed to checkout button" because it was in the wrong place. And I couldn't determine the shipping charges until I had entered my credit card number!
Holy shit! What the hell are you thinking?
I just tried to buy a book from Amazon and almost gave up. And I'm an Amazon store owner with 30 years of computer experience who has been on the Internet since it started.
I had to log in twice. The first time, because I couldn't see anything else I could do on the page. I had to select the destination twice. I couldn't find the "proceed to checkout button" because it was in the wrong place. And I couldn't determine the shipping charges until I had entered my credit card number!
Holy shit! What the hell are you thinking?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Blogger
Blogger's poll widget can produce an unnecessary and unwanted scrollbar. To get rid of it, expand the widgets, and search for the word "poll" in your blog's HTML code. Look for these two lines:
<div class="widget-content" id="widget-content">
<h2><data:title></data:title></h2>
Swap the two lines to solve the scrollbar probem:
<h2><data:title></data:title></h2>
<div class="widget-content" id="widget-content">
Save your changes.
Update 03/03/09: What worked yesterday does not work today. Blogger is determined to insert a vertical scrollbar in the poll window. However, the fix indicated above was suggested to fix a font size problem and should be implemented.
<div class="widget-content" id="widget-content">
<h2><data:title></data:title></h2>
Swap the two lines to solve the scrollbar probem:
<h2><data:title></data:title></h2>
<div class="widget-content" id="widget-content">
Save your changes.
Update 03/03/09: What worked yesterday does not work today. Blogger is determined to insert a vertical scrollbar in the poll window. However, the fix indicated above was suggested to fix a font size problem and should be implemented.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
T-Mobile
I contacted T-Mobile about a 20-cent charge for an incoming text message on my bill that I never received from a phone number in Vancouver, Washington, where I don't know anyone. I was provided the online chat option to remedy my issue. I would liken the following exchange to partaking in the "Who's on First" routine with Rain Man from Pakistan with poor command of the English language.
This goes in my Book of Moron, so they'll have a guidebook for when the rest of them inherit the earth. I think I got my 20 cents worth out of T-Mobile's third-world customer disservice.
Linda
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to Joven H.
Joven H: It's a great day here at T-Mobile Chat. My name is Joven and I would be delighted to assist you today. I am reviewing your concern and the information you provided.
Linda: Hi Joven
Joven H: As i understand that you have inquries regarding your bill.
Linda: Yes I've been charged for an incoming text message from vancouver washington and I never received any text messages and don't know anyone in Vancouver Washington
Linda: It was on Feb 5 from 360-936-4497
Joven H: Is your handset open last Feb 05?
Linda: I also do not subscribe to text messaging
Linda: What do you mean by open?
Joven H: Text messaging is a handset specific feature, you cannot removed it.
Joven H: Turn on.
Linda: OK, but I've not received any text messages and I don't know anyone in Vancouver Washington. Also someone I know tried to send me a text message yesterday and I didn't receive that either.
Joven H: You may try power cycling your phone. You must turn the power off and turn it back on using the power on/off button. This will enable you to re-register on the Network and may need to be done two or three times in succession. In some instances, turning the power on and off may not work completely and you will need to do what is called an IMSI Detach. To do this, take the battery off the Handset when the power is on, then re-attach it and turn the power back on. This is to only be used as a last resort and only if the previous power-cycling efforts fail.
Linda: How is powering off my phone going to correct my bill?
Joven H: May i ask is your handset is turn on last Feb 05?
Linda: It's always on
Joven H: If you will receive a text message, there is a charge.
Linda: I didn't receive a text message and don't know anyone in Vancouver
Joven H: You may try power cycling your handset to properly register on the network.
Linda: What does that have to do with my bill?
Joven H: Someone from vancouver send you a text message last feb 05. However your handset maybe not properly register on the network that is why you did not receive it.
Linda: Who sent me a text message?
Joven H: I cannot assume who send you the text message.
Linda: Why would I assume someone I don't know in Vancouver sent me a text message if I didn't receive a text message?
Joven H: Someone send you a text message from vancouver accidentally or intention. However your handset does not properly register on the network that is why you did not receive it. Please be advice that once a person send you a text message,you will be charge even you did not receive it.
Joven H: Even you did not receive it properly.
Linda: Why is it I receive 800 e-mails and all my phone calls if I'm not properly registered on the network?
Linda: So, then you're saying T-mobile can pad my bills with text message charges that may or may not have existed because if I didn't receive it I have no way of knowing if it was really sent.
Joven H: To properly set up your text messages, i advice you to power cycling your handset.
Linda: I've done that and I have received no text messages.
Joven H: Are you referring to the Feb 05 text message?
Linda: I've never received a text message since I've owned this phone - about four months.
Joven H: There is really a incoming text message register on your handset last Feb 05.
Linda: And how do I verify that and know who it's from and what it supposedly said?
Joven H: There is 24 hours message time frame on handset. If you send text message on a off handset they will receive it for 24 hours. However if they did not open for 24 hours they will no longer receive it and the charges are valid.
Linda: I have never gone 24 hours without viewing messages.
Joven H: There is 24 hours message time frame on handset. If you send text message on a off handset they will receive it for 24 hours. However if they did not open for 24 hours they will no longer receive it and the charges are valid.
Joven H: Is there anything else we can assist you with today?
Linda: I have never gone 24 hours without viewing messages.
Linda: Learning English would be helpful.
This goes in my Book of Moron, so they'll have a guidebook for when the rest of them inherit the earth. I think I got my 20 cents worth out of T-Mobile's third-world customer disservice.
Linda
Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to Joven H.
Joven H: It's a great day here at T-Mobile Chat. My name is Joven and I would be delighted to assist you today. I am reviewing your concern and the information you provided.
Linda: Hi Joven
Joven H: As i understand that you have inquries regarding your bill.
Linda: Yes I've been charged for an incoming text message from vancouver washington and I never received any text messages and don't know anyone in Vancouver Washington
Linda: It was on Feb 5 from 360-936-4497
Joven H: Is your handset open last Feb 05?
Linda: I also do not subscribe to text messaging
Linda: What do you mean by open?
Joven H: Text messaging is a handset specific feature, you cannot removed it.
Joven H: Turn on.
Linda: OK, but I've not received any text messages and I don't know anyone in Vancouver Washington. Also someone I know tried to send me a text message yesterday and I didn't receive that either.
Joven H: You may try power cycling your phone. You must turn the power off and turn it back on using the power on/off button. This will enable you to re-register on the Network and may need to be done two or three times in succession. In some instances, turning the power on and off may not work completely and you will need to do what is called an IMSI Detach. To do this, take the battery off the Handset when the power is on, then re-attach it and turn the power back on. This is to only be used as a last resort and only if the previous power-cycling efforts fail.
Linda: How is powering off my phone going to correct my bill?
Joven H: May i ask is your handset is turn on last Feb 05?
Linda: It's always on
Joven H: If you will receive a text message, there is a charge.
Linda: I didn't receive a text message and don't know anyone in Vancouver
Joven H: You may try power cycling your handset to properly register on the network.
Linda: What does that have to do with my bill?
Joven H: Someone from vancouver send you a text message last feb 05. However your handset maybe not properly register on the network that is why you did not receive it.
Linda: Who sent me a text message?
Joven H: I cannot assume who send you the text message.
Linda: Why would I assume someone I don't know in Vancouver sent me a text message if I didn't receive a text message?
Joven H: Someone send you a text message from vancouver accidentally or intention. However your handset does not properly register on the network that is why you did not receive it. Please be advice that once a person send you a text message,you will be charge even you did not receive it.
Joven H: Even you did not receive it properly.
Linda: Why is it I receive 800 e-mails and all my phone calls if I'm not properly registered on the network?
Linda: So, then you're saying T-mobile can pad my bills with text message charges that may or may not have existed because if I didn't receive it I have no way of knowing if it was really sent.
Joven H: To properly set up your text messages, i advice you to power cycling your handset.
Linda: I've done that and I have received no text messages.
Joven H: Are you referring to the Feb 05 text message?
Linda: I've never received a text message since I've owned this phone - about four months.
Joven H: There is really a incoming text message register on your handset last Feb 05.
Linda: And how do I verify that and know who it's from and what it supposedly said?
Joven H: There is 24 hours message time frame on handset. If you send text message on a off handset they will receive it for 24 hours. However if they did not open for 24 hours they will no longer receive it and the charges are valid.
Linda: I have never gone 24 hours without viewing messages.
Joven H: There is 24 hours message time frame on handset. If you send text message on a off handset they will receive it for 24 hours. However if they did not open for 24 hours they will no longer receive it and the charges are valid.
Joven H: Is there anything else we can assist you with today?
Linda: I have never gone 24 hours without viewing messages.
Linda: Learning English would be helpful.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Trilegiant Corporation
I filed this complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Texas today.
Corporate Offices
Wells Fargo
420 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94104
Dear Sirs:
I received my new debit card on Saturday, January 10, 2009. This is a Visa debit card through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Richmond Office, 700 Jackson St, Richmond, TX 77469. I was told in writing to activate my card by calling Wells Fargo at (877) 294-6933.
When the call was answered I was told to enter the card's 16-digit number, which I did. Then I was asked if I wished to hear how I could get a copy of my credit report anytime I wanted, online, for $1.00. (Press 1 for yes, or 2 for no.) I pressed 1. Immediately a voice informed me that I could now get my credit report and that I had hereby signed up for the service with the Trilegiant Corporation for $12.99 per month. I was also told that if I did not want this service that "all I had to do" was call and let them know that I wanted it canceled. I was given no contact information for them. That was the end of the call, which they terminated. Even if I actually now wanted the service, I would have to hunt it down before I could access it.
I did not and do not want this product, nor did I request it. I only allowed Wells Fargo to tell me information about a $1.00 online credit report. I called four different numbers at Wells Fargo and was told in each case that there was nothing they (Wells Fargo) could do about it. Please bear in mind that my name and Visa number were transferred to Trilegiant by Wells Fargo Bank during this call to validate my debit card, without my consent. Now Wells Fargo refuses to correct the problem.
I called the Wells Fargo Hotline to report the fraud and was referred to other Wells Fargo phone numbers, including their fraud department and their executive offices. None would take any responsibility for this. The final number (866) 867-5568, the executive offices, said I would need to deal with this third party, Trilegiant, directly, even though it was Wells Fargo Bank's actions which are causing consumers this problem. I asked them if they thought it was right that a Wells Fargo customer be treated this way; that he be required to clean up a mess caused by the bank. The individual said that they did not, but did nothing to take any initiative to rectify
the misdeed against me.
Wells Fargo Bank gave me the number of Trilegiant and hung up after the customary "Is there anything else we can do for you sir?"
Online, I found a number for Trilegiant Corporation, 100 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850, which is (800) 323-1137. I was told that I would need to call back during business hours. This, of course, will be at my expense. These will be business hours for which I will not be able to bill my customers. Time is money, as the old adage goes. I am being ripped off by Wells Fargo Bank, who are colluding with the Trilegiant Corporation.
By searching on line I have found thousands of other Americans who are having this fraud perpetrated against them. Trilegiant Corporation is being sued by many states already. Banks have sued and won judgments against Trilegiant, for impersonating an affiliation with banks that they were not affiliated with, in fact. In this case, Wells Fargo Bank actually is affiliated with Trilegiant Corporation. The reason for most of the class action suits is identical to mine: jamming.
All I asked of Wells Fargo was and is to correct the problem which they caused. They have simply replied like a broken robot, "I am sorry, sir. There is nothing we can do." How convenient. When are businesses going to start being held accountable for systemic fraud committed by their computer systems and computer-operated personnel, against customers?
Corporate Offices
Wells Fargo
420 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94104
Dear Sirs:
I received my new debit card on Saturday, January 10, 2009. This is a Visa debit card through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Richmond Office, 700 Jackson St, Richmond, TX 77469. I was told in writing to activate my card by calling Wells Fargo at (877) 294-6933.
When the call was answered I was told to enter the card's 16-digit number, which I did. Then I was asked if I wished to hear how I could get a copy of my credit report anytime I wanted, online, for $1.00. (Press 1 for yes, or 2 for no.) I pressed 1. Immediately a voice informed me that I could now get my credit report and that I had hereby signed up for the service with the Trilegiant Corporation for $12.99 per month. I was also told that if I did not want this service that "all I had to do" was call and let them know that I wanted it canceled. I was given no contact information for them. That was the end of the call, which they terminated. Even if I actually now wanted the service, I would have to hunt it down before I could access it.
I did not and do not want this product, nor did I request it. I only allowed Wells Fargo to tell me information about a $1.00 online credit report. I called four different numbers at Wells Fargo and was told in each case that there was nothing they (Wells Fargo) could do about it. Please bear in mind that my name and Visa number were transferred to Trilegiant by Wells Fargo Bank during this call to validate my debit card, without my consent. Now Wells Fargo refuses to correct the problem.
I called the Wells Fargo Hotline to report the fraud and was referred to other Wells Fargo phone numbers, including their fraud department and their executive offices. None would take any responsibility for this. The final number (866) 867-5568, the executive offices, said I would need to deal with this third party, Trilegiant, directly, even though it was Wells Fargo Bank's actions which are causing consumers this problem. I asked them if they thought it was right that a Wells Fargo customer be treated this way; that he be required to clean up a mess caused by the bank. The individual said that they did not, but did nothing to take any initiative to rectify
the misdeed against me.
Wells Fargo Bank gave me the number of Trilegiant and hung up after the customary "Is there anything else we can do for you sir?"
Online, I found a number for Trilegiant Corporation, 100 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850, which is (800) 323-1137. I was told that I would need to call back during business hours. This, of course, will be at my expense. These will be business hours for which I will not be able to bill my customers. Time is money, as the old adage goes. I am being ripped off by Wells Fargo Bank, who are colluding with the Trilegiant Corporation.
By searching on line I have found thousands of other Americans who are having this fraud perpetrated against them. Trilegiant Corporation is being sued by many states already. Banks have sued and won judgments against Trilegiant, for impersonating an affiliation with banks that they were not affiliated with, in fact. In this case, Wells Fargo Bank actually is affiliated with Trilegiant Corporation. The reason for most of the class action suits is identical to mine: jamming.
All I asked of Wells Fargo was and is to correct the problem which they caused. They have simply replied like a broken robot, "I am sorry, sir. There is nothing we can do." How convenient. When are businesses going to start being held accountable for systemic fraud committed by their computer systems and computer-operated personnel, against customers?
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