HP Instantink Cartridges have chips

I bought a Hewlett-Packard HP Officejet Pro 8610 color printer/scanner. Installed and registered about 3 years ago. Enrolled in InstantInk which seemed like a good idea. I bought additional ink cartridges with a coupon that came with the device. I paid for them myself, not through my InstantInk account. I owned the ink and all cartridges had approximately 75% ink remaining. InstantInk had never sent me ink at all because I don’t print much. Yesterday morning I could not use my printer at all. The printer error message said to go to the InstantInk website, which didn’t work. My debit card was replaced by the bank for security reasons. I could not update my InstantInk account. After about three hours on the phone with HP, I was told an update was in progress complicating the issue and I should wait until that was completed.

Then the problem was explained to me. HP tried to get a very small payment for my InstantInk account, and could not because my debit card was inactive, I had already received the new card. As a result HP locked me out of the computer I purchased which used ink I purchased over $2.99. And was told the ink cartridges have chips inside that allows HP to do this. So rather than just not sending ink I didn’t need or just letting my account expire, HP locked me out of my printer. For nearly 3 years HP took my money and did absolutely nothing for me. Never sent me ink because I didn’t need any. This is outrageous.

While talking with HP, they agreed to withdraw my InstantInk membership and send me replacements cartridges that do not have the chip installed. While the outcome was in my favor, had I known HP could lock me out of my printer in my home, I would have never participated. Consider this: you buy a new car, you put gas in the tank and drive it. Then due to a relatively minor issue beyond your control, the auto manufacturer denies you use of your own car. My printer was held hostage for $2.99. I advise anyone reading this to not participate in InstantInk. If you do, remember, the manufacturer can deny you service of your own property after they have done nothing for you....ever.