Dad charged $700 after son downloaded ‘free’ game on iPad

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A 3AW listener is shocked and outraged by a $700 bill that turned up after his son was playing games on his iPad.

This is starting to become a real problem for parents. The games are advertised as free but only allow you to progress to new levels when you click the big bright buttons asking you to pay money.

The kids are caught in the moment and click, with mum and dad copping the bill.

Michael Griffith told Neil Mitchell the creators of ‘Clash of Clans’ need to be held responsible.

“My 11-year-old son racked up all these bills, which are still growing,” he said.

“From what I see online, the games are designed for this type of thing.”

Ben, Michael’s 11-year-old said he doesn’t play the game anymore.

“Mum and Dad were speechless. I can’t play the game anymore,” Ben said.

His Father said it’s just like putting all the lollies near the tills at the supermarket, except in this case the lollies cost hundreds of dollars.

“We’re only learning now this is widespread,” Michael said.

The Australian Competition Consumer commission is investigating.

LISTEN: Michael Griffith and his son with Neil Mitchell

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Blog comments

Clearly the son knows the password for the App Store account so maybe the parents should change it and not tell their son! You can’t “rack up” purchases without knowing the iTunes Store password and it prompts you. Parents should take more responsibility!