I just had this same problem with Comcast. I started my service on 6/11 and submitted a request for autopay on July 1, which was validated on 7/2. Comcast also "pinged" my credit card (AMEX) on 7/2, so I KNOW they have checked out the card. There was no disclosure I could find when I set up the auto pay saying that it would take 45 days or whatever before it was started.
The first bill was due on 7/8, so I assumed it would be charged to AMEX. On 7/1, Comcast issued a bill for the second month of service, which combined the two bills and stated that the entire amount was PAST DUE. This is ridiculous because the first bill wasn't even due.
I had two internet chats with Comcast personnel today. (It takes forever but I prefer it because everything is in writing, and I can save the transcript). Essentially, they said there was a 45 day delay for setting up the auto-pay, and they had no explanation as to why it took so long. I've done auto pay with banks and other providers, and it never takes more than a few days to set it up.
In any event, I agreed to pay the amount due 7/8, so I went online, and it said two things: (1) The combined bill was past due, and that it would still be past due even if I paid the amount due 7/8; and (2) The account was on auto-pay--the implication being that the payment would be taken care of. I made the 7/8 payment, so we'll see. I got the rep online to agree that any late payment charges would be waived.
This company is INCOMPETENT and their practices are DISGRACEFUL!
