Tumblr doesn't believe this account is mine, after giving them the proof they explicitly wanted.
This is going to be a long rant about customer support, so please bare with me. So a few days ago, I decided to try to regain access to my account on my computer. For those who don't know, I've been locked out of everything except my mobile device, thanks to two-step authentication and having my phone number deactivated. This has been the only way I've been able to still view posts, and with the mobile app being as trash as it is, I can't really resolve this issue here. So after looking through the poorly organized help section, I decided to open a ticket stating my issue, and requesting that TSA be removed from my account, because I literally cannot access my account on anything but my now-useless phone. I said I had verification info, email, username, etc, any info I would need to verify its mine. The next day, I got an email saying if I forgot my password, I should click "Forgot My Password." After clarifying what I still hope to be a copy-paste or automated message, they said that they require a bit more info to verify this account is indeed me. I was prepared to give them whatever they wanted... But was taken back when they asked for a damn picture to compare to one on my blog. I understand their skepticism, someone sending an email requesting a piece of security be deactivated tends to raise a few alarms. But sent from the email associated with the account? A damn picture of myself on both my blog, to be compared with an attached picture of me holding up a piece of paper saying "Tumblr, This Is Literally Me"? I guess it's effective, but what of those that prefer anonymity as well as security? Smh. Anyway, I replied after a day or two with the 'info' they wanted (those days spent searching for a picture of myself I may or may not have even posted of myself, hence my recent selfie). I figured it would be best to post a picture of myself through mobile (as I still have access), then take and attach a different picture for the email. I thought this would clear up any doubts that I was indeed the owner. Evidently not. This morning I received a reply saying that this isn't enough information for them to verify, and because security is important to their users, they will not be deactivating two-step authentication. Why even fucking ask at that point? A freaking photo of myself? With a sign held up written on paper? I guess it's effective, but simple and evidently useless. Because the person I took a selfie of on my phone is apparently not the same frustrated person who took another selfie and sent it in an email. I don't know what I was expecting from customer support. But I was hoping it'd be more professional than this. I can't even deactivate my fucking account thanks to a number that does not exist. They suggested I just make another account, which I'd really rather not do, and leave this one eternally unattended. Along with my security and privacy, I like to leave no traces when shutting down or changing accounts. I have no idea how people still use this social platform when the staff are so relaxed and unprofessional with everything they do.
