Bank Account Being Charged?

  • Vladish
    Vladish
    ✭✭
    xondk wrote: »
    I can only agree with all this, and also on the game part, the GAME itself works and performs MUCH better then other mmo's launches I've seen, and seems to become even better once you get deeper into it, but the account system, where they handle you know...people's money. 1+1 = -2 apparently in that system.

    You do realize that one of the main reasons game performs better at launch than most other is that there is a huge chunk of people that are denied to game time due to company's shady tactics. If everyone was allowed to play it might have been different.
    Edited by Vladish on April 9, 2014 3:13AM
  • Vladish
    Vladish
    ✭✭
    xundeadly wrote: »
    I am actually surprised as to how stupid some people on here can be to not even know what half of us are even upset about... like is it that hard to grasp of a concept?

    I know exactly what you are upset about, but I simply don't agree with it. Bottom line is you purchased a game that is p2p and now you are upset about having to pay. Sure their billing system could use a little work, but I don't remember the last p2p game I've played where I didn't have to setup a payment plan prior to access.

    The only thing different here is pre-authorization, and I'll once again say that I don't blame ZOS for this. In a perfect world pre-authorization wouldn't be necessary but unfortunately we live in a reality where everyone is trying to get something for free. It's why you see pre-auth on just about EVERYTHING now, why renters are often required to supply the security deposit AND first and last month's rent, and why most places refuse paper checks these days. A "promise of payment" isn't what it used to be ... now days there needs to be something behind it, otherwise you are likely to get ripped.

    I'll also once again say that I'm extremely sorry you can't access your game, and I hope it works out for you. I understand the frustration and why you're all angry, but think about it from an economic standpoint. Maybe ZOS took things too far, but can you REALLY fault them for trying to protect their assets?

    Actually not everyone bought the game to play it long term. Some of us bought it for art book and lesser degree statue. Also, even according to TOS (as it was stated before), to access 30 day game time, which for some of us is all we wanted, I am supposed to simply set up a subscription. Setting up doesn't mean PAYING in advance. Also, what's the point of setting something up if I am going to cancel it a second later. If they didn't want to give people free time, they shouldn't have advertised it then. And even if you look at it as simply authorization that will be returned... nowhere when advertising free time did they mentioned I will need a month's worth of subscription on my card on top of the purchase, and to top it off there are people that have been missing those funds for days now. They aren't even ready to support the system they try to enforce.

    As for "everyone is trying to get something for free," is hardly a valid argument when we had to pay for the game which is advertised with free 30 days included. Technically those 30 days aren't free either, as by purchasing the game you paid for it. They are simply included in product cost.

    To me it feels like they are insecure about the product they released and thus they are trying to secure early revenue knowing that when all the bugs and errors come to light they will lose most of it. It shows me the company is weak and insecure, and nothing more.
  • Vladish
    Vladish
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    If their goal was to protect their assets then
    1. They should be clear about it before launch
    2. Somebody has to get fired because what they managed to do is loose more subscribers, current or potential, over a weekend than any other mmo did.

    I won't fault you on #1 ... better communication could have thwarted this entire issue. I'm all for enabling people to make informed decisions.

    As far as #2 goes, I seriously doubt they have lost more subs over a weekend than any other mmo did. Seriously doubt that ... at least the game works. I could be wrong, but we won't know for sure until the dust from launch settles and the real damage can be assessed.

    They will lose subscribers due to:
    - shady business tactics (not being clear about the conditions, not adhering to their own TOS, as it doesn't say setting up a subscription will require any funds on the card, changing TOS without being clear about it, not returning money back to people in timely fashion, etc.)
    - people being unable to access features they paid for (30 days of game time)
    - not providing alternative in timely fashion (game cards not available for people without debit/credit card)
    Edited by Vladish on April 9, 2014 3:36AM
  • vangelis866eb17_ESO
    Vladish wrote: »

    To me it feels like they are insecure about the product they released and thus they are trying to secure early revenue knowing that when all the bugs and errors come to light they will lose most of it. It shows me the company is weak and insecure, and nothing more.

    I dont think thats the issue. Bugs are the easiest thing to fix and so far the game has enough content to keep players for at least two months. Hell, pvp alone is enough. And I dont understand how they couldnt predict that this would crete a problem. 5 days now and not a sigle statement, to say at least that it was poor planning and they apologize or something. So honestly I dont know what they were thinking.
  • Vladish
    Vladish
    ✭✭

    Good luck with it. I used a disposable credit card, so I'm pretty sure that money's completely lost (disposable meaning it's a 1-time use number). Ah well. Live and learn, I suppose.

    Shouldn't be gone, if they can't return it to you they should have applied it to your actual subscription. if they don't then you have a legal case on your hands as it will be equivalent of theft.
  • gwessingrwb17_ESO
    The Authorisation placed on my bank account is still there since launch day.
  • Vladish
    Vladish
    ✭✭
    Vladish wrote: »

    To me it feels like they are insecure about the product they released and thus they are trying to secure early revenue knowing that when all the bugs and errors come to light they will lose most of it. It shows me the company is weak and insecure, and nothing more.

    I dont think thats the issue. Bugs are the easiest thing to fix and so far the game has enough content to keep players for at least two months. Hell, pvp alone is enough. And I dont understand how they couldnt predict that this would crete a problem. 5 days now and not a sigle statement, to say at least that it was poor planning and they apologize or something. So honestly I dont know what they were thinking.

    Yeah, bugs and errors were just a quick example. I mean, there may be all sorts of problems. Maybe the servers aren't as stable as they say they are (NA server was down for over 12 hours during pre-release). But those are just speculations and examples. List of possible reasons is endless.

    I agree though that this is an extremely poor planning, and even worse execution. The fact that they are seemingly ignoring the problems that their business tactics have caused speaks volumes. Personally I can't respect and support company that shows complete lack of respect towards their customers. Hopefully one day there will be another single player ES game so I can enjoy the franchise.
  • lepit665b14_ESO
    We want everyone who purchased ESO to have immediate access to the included 30 days of ESO game time. In the event that you enter your payment information for authorization and the transaction cancels due to lack of funds in your account, please contact our Support Team. We’ll work with you to ensure you have access to your included 30 days of game time.

    Support's Answer after 3 days of runaround? Buy a game card!!!!! I am sick of half truths from this company.
  • Girault
    Girault
    Vladish wrote: »
    (NA server was down for over 12 hours during pre-release).
    Fourteen hours and roughly 20 minutes. I was waiting. (Okay, I kid a little; I slept for about six hours in the middle.)
    We want everyone who purchased ESO to have immediate access to the included 30 days of ESO game time. In the event that you enter your payment information for authorization and the transaction cancels due to lack of funds in your account, please contact our Support Team. We’ll work with you to ensure you have access to your included 30 days of game time.

    Support's Answer after 3 days of runaround? Buy a game card!!!!! I am sick of half truths from this company.
    Eh...their charge doesn't show up as a hold on my account, it shows up as a withdrawal.
    In which case, if it was to be denied due to insufficient funds, there'd be a $35 dollar overdraft fee for me to contend with. (Granted, I have plenty of money in my account, but some people live life a little more dangerously than I like to.)

  • PhoenixTheSage
    PhoenixTheSage
    Soul Shriven
    This is shady and should not be treated lightly as some suggest.
    Edited by PhoenixTheSage on April 9, 2014 5:16AM
  • Qaeta
    Qaeta
    To everyone who still does not understand what's happening:
    1. Read the below text word by word
    2. You are not being charged at the time when you set up a subscription
    3. Zenimax Online does not receive a cent from you at the time when you set up a subscription
    4. All that happens is that you Credit/Debit/PayPal card is being asked whether the information you provided is valid, and being asked whether you do or do not have the amount that will be billed ( unless cancelled ) after the free 30 days
    5. IF your bank is blocking the money in question, from the authorization process, it's just your bank being your bank, and as your bank being lazy and not having implemented an authorization reversal
    6. Thus the 30 days FREE you get with your copy, at a price of you having to give ZOS your payment details, are, and I can't stress this enough, REALLY ARE FREE
    7. The authorization amount on your account will be available to you after some period, determined by your bank
    8. Please, please, please understand that the money never left your bank account
    9. If you still don't understand this, start from the top.

    Guess what, my bank is what we call a low-operating-cost bank. They are holding to that money from the auth also. My previous bank did the same thing, even tho it was a multi-multi-billion institute.

    My previous experience coming from World of Warcraft and many $1 trial subscriptions to *** sites, where they pre-auth the full sub plan in addition to that $1 :smile:

    ZOS, the title is misleading and confusing many clueless people :smile:

    No, it's not. I have confirmed with my bank that is was indeed CHARGED not simply an authorization, which backs up what my only banking shows as well, since it actually shows me any holds on the account, which there are currently none, but a 14.99 charge WAS taken.
  • Ummaguma
    Ummaguma
    ✭✭✭
    I'm not amused!
    I may or may not be spending too much time with Sheogorath, but I cant help it... He makes the BEST Nachos! >:)
  • gazumpipes
    Right now, I am just frustrated, I dont care much for the authorization hold as I know eventually it should be refunded. The problem is not having the funds in the account for the hold is blocking me from playing a game that I have paid a lot of money for.

    After logging numerous calls finally someone responded to me over email requesting security information from me in order to make sure I am the valid account holder. I responded quickly to the email in the hopes that I get some assistance. Its been almost 24 hours since and I have not heard back from anyone at all.

    Just getting a bit annoyed, I enjoyed the game very much even for the short early access period and I cant wait to get back into it. I am not deterred much over this billing fiasco and will probably carry on playing once its all sorted. As for the bugs.. trust me when wow came out there were just as many if not more bugs, at least they are working to get them sorted out.

    But dammit ZOS get me ingame again!
  • Rastaban
    Rastaban
    ✭✭✭
    How is this an acceptable practice if a person does not want to continue with a subscription plan after one month of game time? This practice forces gamers to commit to a subscription plan they may not want, as well as forces financial information that may have no relevance to their game play in ESO.

    Why does one need a valid payment method if one has nothing to buy?

    I have another question. This is what is stated obviously when you purchase the product:

    30 days of game time included
    Subscription and account for The Elder Scrolls Online required
    A persistent internet connection is required to play


    So a subscription is required beyond the 30 days of game time. Interestingly, I suppose when I bought the game I assumed the 30 days of game time was the subscription. Who knows.

    Anyway nowhere there does it state that if you buy the game you will be required to pay something or provide CC information in order to play the entitled 30 days game time. Does it state it somewhere else that I missed, like in small print?

    At present I am blocked from playing the game because I cancelled my subscription plan. I don't really want to commit to a subscription plan when i am not ready to commit to it because it's too easy to forget and then get charged. I sent in a support ticket but to not be able to play time I paid for, I don't like that.

    As an aside, I keep hearing people say the 30 days game time is "free". It really wasn't free. It's not "free trial" of any sort. We paid for it, as part of the game package.
    Edited by Rastaban on April 9, 2014 6:37AM
  • Flametyn
    Flametyn
    ✭✭✭
    Ok, I checked my problem is completely solved due the fact my status is still active - non Recurring...
    Flametyn wrote: »
    This is how support solved my case (for real)
    I will just repeat the post i wrote earlier, in this tread, so that you can have your chances to read this as I think it may be helpful.

    If this can help i was in your same situation. The solution came today but i couldn't play yesterday. Thou support was going faster than usually 13-15 hours ago.
    What I did is make a ticket explaining my situation and being kind.
    I got 4-5 copy pasted answer too, but i didn't mind and i answered those explaining again the situation. I also asked for phone support that called me an escalated my ticket.
    Than i was asked more account (game) details in order to give them authorization to check on it.
    After that they asked me the game key in order to redeem it for me.
    This is important: ask them when they will ask you for the key if they can add you a compensatory day in order to set your account status in Active - non-Recurring or you will get your key redeemed but you will still need to set up a subscription plan.
    I still donno if this status will change after the compensatory day ends. Is something i will check tomorrow.
    Hope this can help,
    me and my boyfriend were able to play today.
    Good luck! <3

  • gazumpipes
    Rastaban wrote: »
    How is this an acceptable practice if a person does not want to continue with a subscription plan after one month of game time? This practice forces gamers to commit to a subscription plan they may not want, as well as forces financial information that may have no relevance to their game play in ESO.

    Why does one need a valid payment method if one has nothing to buy?

    I have another question. This is what is stated obviously when you purchase the product:

    30 days of game time included
    Subscription and account for The Elder Scrolls Online required
    A persistent internet connection is required to play


    So a subscription is required beyond the 30 days of game time. Interestingly, I suppose when I bought the game I assumed the 30 days of game time was the subscription. Who knows.

    Anyway nowhere there does it state that if you buy the game you will be required to pay something or provide CC information in order to play the entitled 30 days game time. Does it state it somewhere else that I missed, like in small print?

    At present I am blocked from playing the game because I cancelled my subscription plan. I don't really want to commit to a subscription plan when i am not ready to commit to it because it's too easy to forget and then get charged. I sent in a support ticket but to not be able to play time I paid for, I don't like that.

    As an aside, I keep hearing people say the 30 days game time is "free". It really wasn't free. It's not "free trial" of any sort. We paid for it, as part of the game package.

    Right now the unfortunately it doesn't help to *** and moan on the forums as ZoS doesn't give a damn. I've found all we are doing here is moan to each other and its not like one client can help the other, Zenimax is unwilling to help or does not have the knowledge or staff capacity to efficiently help anyone.
  • BoiThePumpkin
    Allonsy wrote: »
    I pre-ordered the game but I promptly returned it, unopened. I had opened a ticket asking why the authorization charge in the amount of a full sub, but kept getting canned responses. Finally, I accused the CSR of either failing to understand my question or circumventing the answer (why is the fee charged before the 30 days free time, and why is it for the full sub amount?). I got a lightning fast reply. The CSR stated flat out that they were not trying to circumvent the answer and that they honestly did not know why the full amount was "pre-authorized". They then gave me a game key for 1 day of time. Well, I re-purchased the game. This time, through the zeni site and I paid with PayPal. My account only shows the $59.99 for the game. They have not withdrawn the "pre-authorizaton" charge as of yet, even though I did set up the monthly sub when I purchased the game.

    I am religiously checking PayPal to see if they have charged me the $14.99, and will keep doing so until I am certain it's not coming out. So far, so good. In my case, ordering from the site directly and paying with PayPal via instant transfer was the answer. Hope this helps someone....

    Good luck all. Will let you know how it turns out in the end.

    OH... It is showing a full 30 days on the account, which is probably the 29 plus the complimentary day they gave me...

    well good job enjoy the game, i myself dont pay directly unless i cant get to the store lol, ima try the pre-paid game card, i hope that works for me. tnx for ur post it does help alot, for people that are payin direct/ :smiley:
  • BoiThePumpkin
    Flametyn wrote: »
    ah guys, i'm with you hope you will sort this asap <3

    not to sound weird its cute how u looked up the meaning of redonk when u took that screenshot :stuck_out_tongue:
    but anywho i just hope to get in the game soon

  • serelonb16_ESO
    My reply from Zenimax : “this is only a authorization check to make sure that there are funds in the account”

    Well this makes absolutely no sense, does it? Just because there are funds in my bank account right now - doesn’t mean they will be there in 30 days.

    Money taken on Friday - it’s still not back in my account. Calling bank when it opens later to report fraudulent card use.
  • Calistrasza
    Calistrasza
    ✭✭✭
    To everyone who still does not understand what's happening:
    1. Read the below text word by word
    2. You are not being charged at the time when you set up a subscription
    3. Zenimax Online does not receive a cent from you at the time when you set up a subscription
    4. All that happens is that you Credit/Debit/PayPal card is being asked whether the information you provided is valid, and being asked whether you do or do not have the amount that will be billed ( unless cancelled ) after the free 30 days
    5. IF your bank is blocking the money in question, from the authorization process, it's just your bank being your bank, and as your bank being lazy and not having implemented an authorization reversal
    6. Thus the 30 days FREE you get with your copy, at a price of you having to give ZOS your payment details, are, and I can't stress this enough, REALLY ARE FREE
    7. The authorization amount on your account will be available to you after some period, determined by your bank
    8. Please, please, please understand that the money never left your bank account
    9. If you still don't understand this, start from the top.

    Guess what, my bank is what we call a low-operating-cost bank. They are holding to that money from the auth also. My previous bank did the same thing, even tho it was a multi-multi-billion institute.

    My previous experience coming from World of Warcraft and many $1 trial subscriptions to *** sites, where they pre-auth the full sub plan in addition to that $1 :smile:

    ZOS, the title is misleading and confusing many clueless people :smile:

    That's all well and good for someone who is using a credit card going through their bank. It doesn't apply at all to someone who doesn't have a credit card (or for whatever reason chooses not to use one) and must purchase a 60-day game card in order to access something they've already paid for. The 30 days was included in the price of the pre-purchased game. It's sort of like walking into a store, buying a candy bar and then being told you have to buy a bag of chips if you want to take the candy bar you've just paid for.
    Your good fortune does not negate someone else's bad fortune.
  • Luigo
    Luigo
    I had 30 days free cause i pre-ordered the game. But when i entered a subscribtion plan they charged me with 15 dollars right away anyway to play for this month. BUT THEY SAID I HAD 1 month free? Where is the free month? F*ck this.
  • mccobleb14_ESO
    6. Thus the 30 days FREE you get with your copy, at a price of you having to give ZOS your payment details, are, and I can't stress this enough, REALLY ARE FREE

    My previous experience coming from World of Warcraft and many $1 trial subscriptions to *** sites, where they pre-auth the full sub plan in addition to that $1 :smile:
    Yeah but people have money in their accounts, then they don't have money in their account meanwhile they still can't play and the money doesn't come back. That isn't my issue but it is some peoples issues. I don't participate in the banking system so I was going to use cash to buy a time card but they have not released any time cards
    Einharjar
    Die Before Us, One and All!
  • jaschacasadiob16_ESO
    jaschacasadiob16_ESO
    ✭✭✭✭✭
    Gunner59 wrote: »
    I was looking for that to back up my claim and couldn't find it so I assumed ZOS removed it. Where did you find it?
    ToS point 5. Note that in update 1.0.2 they changed something.
    "Yesterday while searching a barrel in vVoM I found a lemon. Best drop of the whole run."

    Protect the weak. Heal the sick.
    Treasure the gifts of friendship. Seek joy and inspiration in the mysteries of love.
    Honor the Earth, its creatures, and the spirits. Use Nature's gifts wisely. Respect her power. Fear her fury.
  • vangelis866eb17_ESO
    gazumpipes wrote: »
    After logging numerous calls finally someone responded to me over email requesting security information from me in order to make sure I am the valid account holder. I responded quickly to the email in the hopes that I get some assistance. Its been almost 24 hours since and I have not heard back from anyone at all.

    Same here. Send my info yesterday and still no reply. 3 days without access to a game I bought just one week ago.
  • Punizher
    Punizher
    Soul Shriven
    same here 3 days gone and my £8.99 is still been held "hostage"... nice way to start a MMO Zenimax by pissing off people!
  • vangelis866eb17_ESO
    After sending a 4th ticket today I just recieved finally a code with 3 Day Compensatory Time. I only hope this means I dont have to go through the same process again before the 30 days are up.
  • echodelta31
    Just a heads up for people. Been reading this thread since the beginning and had the same problem as many of you. Tried 2 different cards to subscribe, but both failed due to lack of funds.

    I didn't contact support, mainly out of principle that it's not my mess to sort out. Was starting to get fed up with no real responses, but I just tried again on the accounts page.

    CARD ACCEPTED! And it's a cash account card...it can't go overdrawn and it certainly doesn't have the funds in it for a sub (at the moment).

    But it worked and it didn't work the other day. Looks like some things have changed.

    Zenimax, if you did something your end, thank you so much. But you might reduce the backlash slightly if you tell people to try again...

    PS...just to add that initially I was worried as the subscription went through, only to leave the screen showing '0 days remaining'. Once I cancelled the sub (so I can properly set it up when I know there are funds in there), it reverted to '29 days remaining'.
    Edited by echodelta31 on April 9, 2014 9:37AM
  • vangelis866eb17_ESO
    I heard that from other people too, but I tried today and got the same results. Failed transaction. And yes a statement would be helpful.
  • Flametyn
    Flametyn
    ✭✭✭
    Flametyn wrote: »
    ah guys, i'm with you hope you will sort this asap <3

    not to sound weird its cute how u looked up the meaning of redonk when u took that screenshot :stuck_out_tongue:
    but anywho i just hope to get in the game soon
    :D Yea i don't know all the slangs but it's nice to learn them

  • gazumpipes
    Just a heads up for people. Been reading this thread since the beginning and had the same problem as many of you. Tried 2 different cards to subscribe, but both failed due to lack of funds.

    I didn't contact support, mainly out of principle that it's not my mess to sort out. Was starting to get fed up with no real responses, but I just tried again on the accounts page.

    CARD ACCEPTED! And it's a cash account card...it can't go overdrawn and it certainly doesn't have the funds in it for a sub (at the moment).

    But it worked and it didn't work the other day. Looks like some things have changed.

    Zenimax, if you did something your end, thank you so much. But you might reduce the backlash slightly if you tell people to try again...

    PS...just to add that initially I was worried as the subscription went through, only to leave the screen showing '0 days remaining'. Once I cancelled the sub (so I can properly set it up when I know there are funds in there), it reverted to '29 days remaining'.

    Was hoping your solution would work, alas nothing, still the same old screen "not authorised"

    Just a update, with the constant trying to authorise on the account (which had about $12 in it) All the failed authorizations has eventually because of service charges eventually eroded the $12 to about $5. Make sure your bank isnt charging you for everytime you try to auth and it fails.
    Edited by gazumpipes on April 9, 2014 9:46AM
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