The original ZIP code of Bend for some, 97701, is being changed (yes, where I live) to 97703. After I calmed down and realized there was nothing I could really do about it and hearing others describing it as “trendy” and “exclusive,” sort of like “90210,” it began to feel a tad better — not really.

I recently tried to make an online purchase for face cream that I cannot find locally. I selected my items, proceeded to the checkout area, entered my information and hit process. An error returned that the information I entered was invalid — try again. I did it three more times and then decided there must be something wrong with the site. I went online to check my bank account, and there they were: all the transactions in pending status! I called the bank right away and informed them that my intent was to make one purchase, explained the errors and the prompt to try again. I was advised they would monitor the pending transactions. Five days later all of the pending charges dropped off, and no face cream for me.

Later, I attempted to make a regular online payment to our cellular carrier, I got an error, one a little more precise, that my billing information was incorrect. I rechecked my data (I have been known to fat finger the key board). It hit me — 97701, the ZIP code I have used for years! Hesitantly I clicked in the ZIP code field and typed (for the first time) 97703 and hit the process button. The system percolated for a few seconds and gave me back a response of “thank you for your payment!” What? I had not made any changes to my bank information. I logged into to my bank account and searched for address update section in the myriad choices, my ZIP code showed 97703. I had not changed this; I have a year to convert. Calling the bank, I discovered they took it upon themselves to make the change for me. An ah-ha moment sets in; I wondered if this could have caused the issue from last week. Irritated, I wondered if I missed a notice from the bank informing me of their good deed.

I am an analyst. I tested this new theory. Back to the website that gave me so much trouble, I trid to enter the new ZIP code 97703. To my surprise I got a new error that the address is invalid! What?? The cellular service recognized it — why couldn’t they? Frustrated, I call my bank and try very calmly to explain what happened with the new vs. old ZIP code. I ased them to change my ZIP code back to 97701. I go back to the website for a second time using 97701, which I think the site hates, and it still will not process my order. More pending transactions on my checking account, in approximately five business days they will fall off. I do not bother calling the bank.

I understand the decision and need to change the ZIP code but this is so frustrating! My husband, a very organized individual, discovered that this same ZIP code is shared with an area on the Yucatan Peninsula. Is this part of the problem?

This may seem like an overly dramatic reaction to an attempted purchase of facial cream, it goes beyond that. What if you are on vacation or a business trip, one who relies on prescription refills online, or in a purchasing situation (like the gas pumps) where you must use your ZIP code attached to your card to authenticate the user? The decision-makers responsible for separating us from 97701 should get the word out to the rest of the world that Bend has a new trendy and exclusive ZIP code: 97703.

— Cindy Danford lives in Bend.