Huge goof by Google drains Fi subscribers' bank accounts
Under the terms of the sale, which was held on April 22nd, pricing for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL was as follows:
- Pixel 3 64 GB – $399 (usually $799)
- Pixel 3 128 GB – $449 (usually $899)
- Pixel 3 XL 64 GB – $449 (usually $899)
- Pixel 3 XL 128 GB – $499 (usually $999)
On Reddit, there are quite a few pissed off Google Fi subscribers, some of whom were not even notified about the screw up by Google. Others had the transaction adjusted but still were charged tax based on the full price of the phone. And there could be an even bigger issue for Google Fi subscribers. If they complain to their bank too much about Google’s error, their account can be flagged by Google for security reasons. And that could lead them to get locked out of Google Payments. If that occurs, they won’t be able to pay their Google Fi bill, and they won’t be allowed to port over their number to another carrier. That might not be a big deal to many, but some consumers have had the same phone number for years.
Google says that it is aware of the error and “is actively working on a fix.” Anyone who has ever tried to get an overdraft fee waived by their bank knows that Google has its work cut out for it.