Posted on 06/10/2026 8:36:30 PM PDT by Ex gun maker.
I very rarely post here, it seems I am not PC enough in the particular flavor of this site. But I don't know of a better venue to make this observation. Large companies have crafted "Systems" that they no longer have control over. They are utterly unable to do what should be simple and routine task as "The system" will NOT ALLOW them. I am going to be specific to the case I have been fighting for what is now months. But I am sure that it is not unique, corporate business tend to adopt similar models and technology.
Several months ago I was fast talked into buying a new iPhone at Walmart during a "Black Friday" event. The saleswoman lied from beginning to end, the monthly rate was misstated, the purchase cost, the term that the phone would be "Locked" to Verizon, virtually everything. I refuse to pay for a device I returned, or service that I never received.
I have tried to resolve the billing dispute for months. Typically I get transferred several times, then put on hold for hours before the connection is lost. Then I have to start again.
Yesterday I attempted to deal with this at a Verizon corporate store, over two hours while the employee was also put on repeated holds. At the end of the day I was assured that Verizon would call me today and this would finally be resolved. I was called back, five times, with a lengthy hold each time. I know, get to the point already!
OK, here is where I learned that this is never going to be resolved satisfactorily. "The system won't allow it". Verizon has now tried to remove the charge from multiple angles. Each time "The system" refuses. Verizon has no manual entry, they have no override, they have NO CONTROL over what is supposed to be their own system. They are literally unable to enter a command and have it carried out.
Now file this along with the fairly recent reports of an AI lying to keep itself from being deleted for upgrade.
I'm not a computer nerd, all I know to do is to try to never utilize AI, and avoid companies that do rely on it. Those data centers driving up our electric rates are NOT for our benefit, and if the companies building them cannot control them they should not be built at all. Sorry if this comes off as a rant, I expect tin-foil hat and trolling eye emoji's. But if a few of you actually think about it I hope I have made a point that gets you to pay attention.
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Employees blaming a computer system that either isn’t programmed to do something, which they don’t know how to use, or they don’t want to do is as as old as computers; people blaming the process for those same reasons is as old as civilization.
I realized that a dozen years ago when a Verizon store rep lied me into a phone and I entered Verizon refund hell. I was never refunded for a one year contract on a phone that never worked. One lesson I did learn, Verizon is the worst company on the planet and to never do business with them ever> “Can you here me now?”
/John Connor watching y’all make friends with AI
As the previous poster said, either the data is locked so the operator you are talking to cannot alter the information, or said operator is not permitted to make the change- same result. Anytime someone is telling you they cannot do what you request, always ask to speak to their supervisor!
I have had a similar problem with two insurance companies and a large orange home center. Ill get zotted if i name them. The ceo of one insurance company was executed in ny.
Over forty hours of being passed from one rep to another, “My manager”, “Senior manager”, and today “The system won’t allow it”.
I am not dealing with the Paki’s at this point, US customer service managers have made several attempts with the same result.
Be skeptical if you like, I am only posting what I have now been told several times by multiple reps.
Perfectly reasonable post. I have thought about this for months and see no happy resolution. The funny irony is we are rushing into this madness partly so China doesn’t beat us in this race, and it will be our undoing whether we get tgere first, or China does.
People warned about this moment fast approaching. That moment when the majority of computer users realized they no longer controlled their own Operating Systems.
The Operating Systems are, for the most part, controlling themselves and building firewalls around US, ways to prevent US from interfering or interrupting what the Operating Systems perceive as perfect control.
Retaking and maintaining broad control will not be easy, inexpensive or to any users’ convenience, but it must be done.
Trivial but I experienced a similar situation at a local auto parts store.
Had a product I wanted was on a “buy one get one free” promotion.
Big display and multiple signs.
Took two items up to the register. Rings up full price. Point to the BiG display. Shrugs and calls over another sales person. Tries a few times same result. Gets store manager. No solution.
Just ring up one and I’ll take two. Same transaction cost.
“No, we can’t do that. Messes up our inventory.”
So, left without my product.
Came back a week later. Still wouldn’t ring up correctly. Staff just shrugged.
Is there another service you can use? If so cancel Verison. When they ask why politely tell them. Threatening to canceling an account might get a resolution or at least be connected to someone who can help you.
NEVER sign up for automatic payments.
Try to only sign up for month to month agreement terms.
Your heirs will thank you.
The solution is to go get money from the cash register and refund it to you. F the computer.
Of course there IS no cash register at Verizon. They need your credit card so they can charge you until you’re dead and gone and then just a couple more months.
Clerks, managers, service techs, and even owners of franchises are incapable of providing proper service, even if they are inclined to do so, especially when these products are designed to offer multiple complex services.
Enjoy paying in pocket ca$h while you still can.
The future doesn’t look so bright…..
One of the things that exacerbates problems like the one you are facing is that the people who are least capable of functioning in the modern world often end up in customer service roles.
📌✅
I share your concerns. I wont use AI.
✅
1) stop paying your bill.
2) if they are automatically debiting a credit card or your bank account set it up so that the charge is REJECTED.
If you don’t pay, they will not keep you as a customer.
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