Level 1

15 points

Inadvertent $1500 in app purchase Tap Zoo - warning!

My young cousin played some free games on my girlfriend's iPhone and somehow managed to purchase Tap Zoo (it must have logged in beforehand). Within this game, players can buy gold coins which I understand buys animals.

My cousin who is 8yrs old proceeded to make nearly AUD$1500 worth of purchases of these gold coins within the app, without any need for password or any warnings. Remember this game is designed for children.

I checked the developer's website and it appears they have acknowledged they have done the wrong thing and have supported people to seek refunds.

We have emailed iTunes support OVER 48 hours ago and no response. Can someone recommend what we can do as this is a lot of money and our credit card has been cancelled because the bank thought it was a suspicious purchase.

I have posted link to Streetview Labs - please be careful and don't let your kids play this till the developer fixes the problem which is over 10 days old and doesn't seem to be fixed yet.

*Any advice on how to get iTunes to respond all we have is an email and it has been 3 days since the first email we sent.*

iMac 21.5, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Sep 22, 2010 6:08 AM

477 replies

Leann O.

Level 3

642 points

Dec 25, 2013 4:13 PM in response to DoctorMeriones

Here is a post I made earlier in this thread:

Last night I downloaded a game called "Snoopy's Street Fair." (Yes, I am an adult, but I like Peanuts and this game is very fun.) Here's what it says in the app description section:

"PLEASE NOTE: Snoopy’s Street Fair is free to play, but charges real money for additional in-app content. You may lock out the ability to purchase in-app content by adjusting your device’s settings."

It also says this:

"ADDITIONAL NOTES:

iOS will keep you logged on for 15 minutes after an initial in-app purchase. Additional purchases won’t require a re-entry of the password during this 15 minute interval. This is a function of the iOS software and not within our control."

So, parents need to read the manual and adjust settings accordingly. Don't gripe about something that is entirely in your control. Apple is not "preying on" or "taking advantage" of anyone.

Canamuk

Level 1

0 points

Jan 16, 2014 7:22 AM in response to mazstar

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2429601,00.asp

Topping tech headlines on Wednesday, Appleagreed to refund customers at least $32.5 million in a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over unauthorized in-app purchases made by children.

The FTC complaint found that Apple charged customers millions of dollars for in-app purchases made by children without their parents' consent. As part of the settlement, Apple must also change its billing practices to ensure that it has obtained "express, informed consent" from customers before charging them for items sold in mobile apps.

Jan 21, 2014 9:15 AM in response to mazstar

We saw our credit card bill today and there were $114+ in purchases from the itunes store from an in app purchase. $100 for a trunk of diamonds on a friendly farming game app. My 5 year old son purchased it and he can't even read and I didn't enter my password. I'm awaiting a reply from apple. This is totally wrong!

Nov 22, 2011 2:44 PM in response to DavidK2010

I think YOU should go back where you belong.

Jan 26, 2012 8:51 PM in response to debbyfrommn

The appropriate contact is iTunes Support...
http://apple.com/support/itunes/



deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Jan 24, 2013 12:12 PM in response to Evjorenoliv

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,324 points

Sep 7, 2013 5:57 AM in response to Rachley

http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

This is a technical support forum, not a 12 step program. If you have a suggestion for Apple, send it to them here: Contact Us

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,324 points

Sep 7, 2013 6:09 AM in response to Rachley

You may want to read this: Apple Support Communities Terms of Use

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Sep 22, 2010 6:32 AM in response to mazstar

I can't help you with the refund but you can disable in app purchases. Go to Settings - General - Enable Restrictions - Disable in app purchase.

Oct 23, 2010 4:10 AM in response to mazstar

I have had a similar thing happen to me.

This is illegal in the United States.

This practice will be stopped. Like I said, it is illegal in every US state.

<Edited by Host>

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Oct 23, 2010 4:27 AM in response to michuss

You do know that if you read the manual, you can turn off In App purchases so your kid isn't spending your money?

Dec 9, 2010 6:24 AM in response to Myhobycat

And what if your child were to dial a 900 pay per minute type number? Would you also be blaming Apple that they allow the phone to make these types of calls?

Dec 17, 2010 10:45 AM in response to UtahMacFan

I agree with you but how can Apple I tunes allow this to happen?

Tamara

Level 6

13,744 points

Dec 19, 2010 6:16 PM in response to Marc in Montreal

I would suggest reading the manual. It can be very informative about this sort of thing.

Dec 28, 2010 10:27 AM in response to mazstar

Paperback or hardcover books may be archaic but it saves me from all the iTunes charges. My children are content.

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Inadvertent $1500 in app purchase Tap Zoo - warning!