Ipod "in app" purchases

playfordsimon

Hi there. I wonder if anyine can help me with this. My daughter has, by accident, spent rather a large amount of money buying "in app" purchases on her ipod on a sort of "build a community" game (she thought she was using game money not real money). I'd like to get my money back. How do consumer rights to refunds for accidential purchases work on this sort of purchasing? Any advice appreciated. thanks

visidigi

There is no 'accident' or 'accidental purchase' in this situation - its a misunderstanding on your daughters part.

You have provided her with an iPod with access to in platform purchases - you may like to get your money back, but unfortunately you won't - you provided permission for Apple to charge you in app purchases as part of the agreement.

There are no consumer rights here you can use, your daughter purchased a service they used, therefore you have to pay and learn from the mistake unfortunately.

playfordsimon

hi. thanks. A tough lesson learned. Still think that its unfair considering that my daughter didn't know what she was spending. Apparently theres a setting on an ipod to block in app purchases. I'd prefer if the things were sold with that setting turned on so that the owner chooses (and changes) the setting if they want to make such purchases.

visidigi

Thing is it is - I have an iPhone, I have iTunes, if I want to buy something I use a giftcard, Apple doesn't have any of my credit cards or bank accounts, therefore problem can't happen....easier and less hassle.

somethingcorporate

A tough lesson learned but you could try giving them a call - no harm in it. Otherwise dock it from your daughters pocket money :P

Corpsebride86

You wont get the money back.

But whenever I purchase anything "in-app" I have to re key my password so there is no possibility of accidental purchases the steps all seem clear to me, you are shown a monitry value of the purchase, you choose to purchase it, and you key in your password.


There is a parental setting that you can use to switch off the "in app" purchases.

1. Go to “Settings” -> “General”.
2. Scroll to “Restrictions” and tap the “Enable Restrictions” button.
3. You’ll be asked to set a passcode which will be used to lock certain iOS functions.
4. Scroll down to the “Allowed Content” section and slide the “In-App Purchases” to “Off.”

halibut2209

Or jailbreak it, and use IAPcracker*

*not a serious suggestion, as that would be naughty

pulliptears

halibut2209 wrote: »

Or jailbreak it, and use IAPcracker*

*not a serious suggestion, as that would be naughty

:D

Jailbreaking in itself isn't naughty anymore though, I'm a firm advocate of it myself.

playfordsimon

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't think I had any chance of getting my money back but amazingly, Apple has (or the guy from Apple I've been emailing) has a heart.
Just now I got an email confirming that although the charges taken from my account for in app purchases are legit, as they understand the circs I explained in the email I sent to them (my 9 year old spent £230 in 10 minutes thinking she was spending "in game" money and not mine), they will refund (it'll take 3-5 days for the money to hit my account).
So, a happy ending. And a very relieved dad.

halibut2209

Another example of Apple's excellent customer service. Great result!

pulliptears

playfordsimon wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't think I had any chance of getting my money back but amazingly, Apple has (or the guy from Apple I've been emailing) has a heart.
Just now I got an email confirming that although the charges taken from my account for in app purchases are legit, as they understand the circs I explained in the email I sent to them (my 9 year old spent £230 in 10 minutes thinking she was spending "in game" money and not mine), they will refund (it'll take 3-5 days for the money to hit my account).
So, a happy ending. And a very relieved dad.

Bloody Hell I didn't think we were talking those sums!!!

Well done Apple, great result there.