Money for Nothing

Here is one of the best ideas to make money that I have ever heard:

Last month, I received an 8-page invoice from Verizon for $8.42. The service that we ordered had not yet been installed (an entirely different, an not unique, problem with telecom companies) but a corporate ID number had been set up based on credit checks, etc. so we’re ready whenever they can figure out their side.

So, before approving this amount for payment, I study it a bit more. There is a line item for Media Services billed in the amount of $8.00. Tax assessed is the 42 cents.

Hmmm, what is Media Services?

Basic curiousity just made me call the 800-number to find out.

I am told that Media Service is the charge to send an invoice.

So, I say to her, it is listed that services rendered is ZERO and we are being billed $8 for just the bill?

Yes.

So, let me get this straight, you are sending me a bill to tell me that I do not owe anything and I have to pay you $8.42 for that to happen?

Yes.

Wow, I wish I would have thought up this brilliant idea! This would be like me sending my clients a bill for ZERO and charging them to tell them that. Or I could just send bills for ZERO to everyone in my town or in the state or in the country and start collecting $8.42 from them.

I guess that would be the same, she says.

Okay, so now that you hear how ridiculous this is, will you remove the charge for this invoice?

No, I cannot do that.

Then I think we have a problem.