I Wonder Who Started This Rumor

[Deleted]

This morning, in Memphis TN, a rumor spread like wildfire that a certain NBA player had donated at least 1 million dollars (the rumored amount varied) to assist citizens with paying their electric, gas and water bills. You had to go to a bill pay kiosk in gas stations and wherever, and pay 1% of your bill and the donation would cover the rest, leaving you with a zero balance, reflected on your receipt from the kiosk. It was suppose to be first come, first served, until the money ran out.

By 8am, all across the city, people were standing in long lines wrapped around buildings and stretched across parking lots, waiting to use the kiosks. The police were out at many of the locations, I guess to ensure the crowds didn't get unruly.

The utility company finally posted on their Facebook page that they had contacted the Grizzlies and were told that the player had made no such donation. It was still another couple hours (IIRC) before the utility company admitted that there was a glitch in the kiosks' system (not owned by the utility company) that was causing the system to show a payment due of 1% of customers' balances and printing receipts showing a zero balance after paying the 1%. They insist the system was not hacked, it was a glitch.

Apparently, the company was aware of the glitch yesterday, some people are saying they reported inaccuracies to the company after they used the kiosks as early as Thursday. I guess it wasn't a big deal until all the chaos and confusion today because of the rumor. 

Its just my opinion, but I think the company could have done a better job of making it clear, sooner, what was really going on with the kiosks. I first heard about people lining up at kiosks a little after 6 am.

Memphis is a poor city and for the people that could have really used a break like that, imo, it was a cruel hoax. I know people shouldn't believe everything they hear or read, but I think the receipts people were showing with the zero balances made it seem worth it to try. Plus, this particular NBA player has made (much smaller) donations in the past, to assist people unable to pay their utility bill. 

Whoever owns the kiosks made a lot of money off their convenience fees today. And I guess whoever started the rumor got some good laughs.

[MJ2.0]

I was just thinking about you today... how are you doing?

[MJ2.0]

wow.... that story is a crazy coincidence. 

[Deleted]

I'm great MJ. Thanks for asking.

How are you and your little guy? 

I still lurk sometimes, but I do miss chatting with you all.

[MJ2.0]

We are good.  He is with Dad at the airport waiting for their flight to get un-delayed so they can get to FL... so I think I'm having a better time that he is right now.

[Deleted]

But if they're going to Florida to play, he'll soon be having more fun than you.   I'm glad all is well with you.

[Tennesseer]

I missed all that excitement today. I will have to watch the 10 p.m. news.

[TheHaitian]

Someone made some money:

An MLGW spokesperson said 23,000 people made payments at kiosks in one day. The normal amount for a Saturday is 800.