Charged for unnotice VM Instance

[nnmd28]

Hi,

I would like to ask about a VM Instance. There is an instance named "config-lpqrow15-92vw5" that have been running for more than a week without my notice. Not until today when I received a bill which cost more than 82$ for that instance had I notice about it. 

I have checked my instance history and notice there are no instance that named "config-lpqrow15-92vw5" were created, and I have also deleted all the instance I created last week beforehand due to the fact that none of them meet my requirements for training model.

So I would like to ask if anyone have encountered a similar situation and how did you solved the problem? As a student that fees is huge and it should be used for other useful tasks such as buying computing unit to train model. 

If possible, I would like to get a refund or at least return the computing unit to my account so that I can use that money effectively, especially when I am trying to save money to complete the project at school.

Thank anybody for help in advance

[lawrencenelson]

Hi @nnmd28,

Welcome to the Google Cloud Community!

This is sad to hear. Which other Google Cloud services have you used? Have you, by any chance, used Vertex AI?

There are services that utilize VMs in Compute Engine, such as Google Kubernetes Engine, where VMs act as nodes.

Regarding refunds, you may contact the Cloud Billing Support team by following the steps in this document.

Moving forward, also as best practice, you may setup budget alerts to avoid surprises on your bill.

I hope this helps. Thank you. 

[syviious]

Hello,

I understand the concern regarding the unexpected charge for the VM instance "config-lpqrow15-92vw5" that wasn't created or noticed until receiving the bill. This situation can be distressing, especially for students managing finances. Engaging with customer care at the cloud service provider can be beneficial. Explain the situation comprehensively, including the instance details, and request a refund or the return of computing units to your account. Promptly reaching out to their customer care or billing support, highlighting the unexpected nature of the charge, and emphasizing its impact on a student's budget could prompt a resolution or a refund. Their understanding and assistance in such situations showcase good customer care, providing relief and addressing financial concerns.

Best regards.