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Emails are going out to Apple iTunes customers with instructions on how to request a refund of unauthorized in-app purchases “made by a minor.” The emails are part of a $32.5 million settlement reached with the Federal Trade Commission earlier this year.
“We’ve heard from some customers that it was too easy for their kids to make in-app purchases. As a result, we’ve improved controls for parents so they can better manage their children’s purchases, or restrict them entirely. Additionally, we are offering refunds in certain cases,” the email reads.
The FTC said it received tens of thousands of complaints from parents who said their children were able to make in-app purchases of virtual items that cost real money without their parents’ permission, even if the app was password-protected. In some cases, parents were billed hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in unauthorized in-app purchases.
After the FTC announced in 2011 that it was conducting an investigation into Apple’s billing practices, several consumers filed class action lawsuits against the company. In May 2013, a federal judge approved a class action settlement that would give eligible consumers a $5 iTunes store credit or cash payment if an unauthorized Apple in-app purchase was made.
To request a refund from the FTC iTunes settlement, consumers must do the following, according to the email notice:
- Find your in-app purchase records. Check your email for iTunes receipts or use a computer to sign in to your iTunes account and view your Purchase History.
- Use this link [provided in the email] to submit your refund request to Apple.
- Provide the requested information and enter “Refund for in-App Purchases made by a minor” in the Details section.
“Apple will review your request and contact you via email about your refund status. All refund requests must be submitted no later than April 15, 2015. If you have any questions or need further assistance with your refund request, please contact Apple. To learn more about parental controls in iOS, please see this article.”
In addition to the customer iTunes refunds, Apple has agreed to adjust its billing practices to prohibit unauthorized in-app purchases. Any unclaimed refund money from the $32.5 million Apple iTunes settlement will be paid to the FTC.
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3 thoughts onApple Sends In-App Purchase Refund Instructions to iTunes Users
How do I find the contact information for the law firm that brought a class action lawsuit against Apple for app purchase that was not approved by the parents of the children that were buying them? I would like to start the same type of suit against Microsoft.
UPDATE 5/9/14: Viewers have reported that they received their $5 Apple iTunes In-App Purchase settlement reimbursement!
Does the original class action still stand ? Will they still send those settlements or will those people need to submit a new claim thru Apple ?