iTunes gaming charging system poisons Apple
The latest wayward teen to rack up an extortionate credit card bill courtesy of their parents iTunes account has sparked a wider backlash against Apple’s charging system, after the latest victim turned out to be a policeman.
Doug Crossan reported his 13-year-old son Cameron for fraud after racking up a £3,700 bill purchasing iPad games but rather than grounding him Mr Crossan is turning his ire toward Apple itself.
Mr Crossan claims that Apple makes it far too easy for spendthrift offspring to use credit card details online with no recourse to the parents affected as no crime has been committed.
In consequence Mr Crossan has had to report his son for fraud, raising the prospect that he could be arrested and questioned, but dodge the hefty bill.
The eye watering bill constituded a series of in app purchases made on popular games such as Plants Vs Zombies, Hungry Shark, Gun Builder and Nova 3, all of which were charged to a card registered with that computer.
Mr Crossan explained: “I am sure Cameron had no intention to do it but I had to have a crime reference number if there was any chance of getting any credit card payments refunded. In theory the local police station would contact me and ask for Cameron to come in to be interviewed."
Apple has refused to reimburse the family citing parental responsibility, it also points out that a password lock is intended to block unauthorised purchases.