How do to fix my account after Verizon servers throw a 418 "I'm a teapot" error coupled with GUIDs

Question

I want to switch from Comcast back to Fios. I used to be a Fios customer for about a dozen years until an outsourced rep accidently did something to corrupt my account when trying to give me a discount. I ended up having to go with another provider because Fios was unable to repair the system errors correctly internally.

Now about six years later, I tried to give them a second chance. I entered my credit card information for a new account (since my old one was corrupt) and once I tired to get the next page I got a "418 I'm a teapot" with a system error and some GUIDs/internal trace information. I'm afraid that since I used my old email address it may be tied to whatever glitched account I previously had.

I want to see if they can fix it, but when I try to log in I get an error. When i ask for support, the response is they'd be happy to help me with my login error once I login. But I cannot do that because the system keeps throwing errors.

I also want to know if I'm actually going to get billed and if a tech is actually coming, but right now I'm getting the same catch-22 runaround.

I'll try with phone support once they open tomorrow but in the meantime what are my options other than hurry up and wait?

Craig_Vz · Accepted Answer

The HTTP 418 I'm a teapot client error response code indicates that the server refuses to brew coffee because it is permanently a teapot.

Originating as an April Fool's joke in 1998, it is a widely recognized tech easter egg, sometimes used to block automated bots, indicate invalid requests, or simply for amusement, such as on google.com/teapot.

smith6612 · Accepted Answer

Sometimes the Error 418 "I'm a Teapot" error occurs as a form of rate limiting. I've seen this with sites running behind Tengine, which is common with some Chinese services. If you move too fast or click too fast, you'll get Teapotted.

Make sure you're not trying to access Verizon's website from behind iCloud Private Relay or a VPN of any sort. This can create issues. Also check that the browser does not have overly aggressive privacy restrictions or blockers.

If you have a Verizon store nearby, many of them can also handle Fios sign-ups if they have a sign posted saying "Fios is here!"