As it happens, both my son and I actually did try to pay a utility bill for someone else (on separate occasions). It was frustratingly difficult to the point of being nearly impossible but we both persevered to the point of success.
Ah, the joys of modern-day living. . .and scams. . .and electronic surveillance. . .and forgetting the answers to the damn security questions you set up yourself. . .and robocalls you get from companies you never contacted telling you they’re cancelling your service. . .
I didn’t realize how friggin’ true this one was until a ruptured appendix put me in the hospital in mid-October. I normally pay my bills using my desk-top computer – no problem. My friend who was helping me and I quickly learned not to talk to anyone (with a couple of notable exceptions) – just used the auto system for the company. The one that frustrated me most our local electric company who used a company that charged 2.00 to take the payment by phone – what a ripoff!
Or this one – I pay some of the bills that are in my husband’s name but if I need to call for service they want to talk to him to get his permission first! Yet if he calls on the ones in my name? No problem!
I once asked a similar question when my Bank asked me for ID while I was making a Deposit.
I told them that anyone who wanted to Give me money was welcome to make as many Deposits as they liked, so long as they didn’t write any Checks or ask for a Debit Card.
potrerokid over 4 years ago
YES!!!!!
blunebottle over 4 years ago
This is a rerun, but it still holds true!
pony21 Premium Member over 4 years ago
As it happens, both my son and I actually did try to pay a utility bill for someone else (on separate occasions). It was frustratingly difficult to the point of being nearly impossible but we both persevered to the point of success.
1953Baby over 4 years ago
Ah, the joys of modern-day living. . .and scams. . .and electronic surveillance. . .and forgetting the answers to the damn security questions you set up yourself. . .and robocalls you get from companies you never contacted telling you they’re cancelling your service. . .
WCraft Premium Member over 4 years ago
Excellent perspective. I think next time I’ll say: “Hey, if you don’t want me to pay the bill, then never mind!”
karlykru Premium Member over 4 years ago
I didn’t realize how friggin’ true this one was until a ruptured appendix put me in the hospital in mid-October. I normally pay my bills using my desk-top computer – no problem. My friend who was helping me and I quickly learned not to talk to anyone (with a couple of notable exceptions) – just used the auto system for the company. The one that frustrated me most our local electric company who used a company that charged 2.00 to take the payment by phone – what a ripoff!
arianseren over 4 years ago
Or this one – I pay some of the bills that are in my husband’s name but if I need to call for service they want to talk to him to get his permission first! Yet if he calls on the ones in my name? No problem!
David Peters over 4 years ago
Try paying from outside the country with a credit card and no mobile phone (for the phone) connection.
bakana over 4 years ago
I once asked a similar question when my Bank asked me for ID while I was making a Deposit.
I told them that anyone who wanted to Give me money was welcome to make as many Deposits as they liked, so long as they didn’t write any Checks or ask for a Debit Card.