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A 15-year-old from Belgium has spent more money on "gold" (that doesn't really exist) in a free-to-play mobile game than most people make in years of working every day.
According to Kotaku, the unnamed boy spent more than 37,000 Euros on in-game gold while playing online strategy game, Game of War: Fire Age.
The teen had access to his grandfather's credit card details after helping his mother purchase ebooks for her tablet. After linking the credit card to his iTunes account, he proceeded to spend money on in-game purchases to further his gaming experience.
According to the teen's mother, the boy was not aware that he was spending real money.
Spending money
This is the not the first time we've seen kids having access to a parent or guardian's credit card details go on a spending spree. Among many others, a 5-year-old spent over R22,000 on similar in-game purchases just last year.
Because issues like this are not unheard of, Apple has started refunding parents whose children had made "accidental" purchases.
Stay safe
In today's world where purchasing online is no longer a strange or scary experience, there are a few rules you should always follow.
1. Never leave your credit card details saved on your child's iTunes or Google Play account.
2. If possible, add password protection before purchases can be made and keep that password a secret.
3. Teach your kids about making purchases online and that they should never do so before consulting you.
4. Keep close tabs on what your children are playing when left alone with their phones or tablets.
READ MORE ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY
Is your teen internet safety savvy?
Using software to protect your kids
Rules for kids online
Parenting in the digital age
Check your child’s phone!
Do your kids have access to your or a family member's credit card details?
A 15-year-old from Belgium has spent more money on "gold" (that doesn't really exist) in a free-to-play mobile game than most people make in years of working every day.
According to Kotaku, the unnamed boy spent more than 37,000 Euros on in-game gold while playing online strategy game, Game of War: Fire Age.
The teen had access to his grandfather's credit card details after helping his mother purchase ebooks for her tablet. After linking the credit card to his iTunes account, he proceeded to spend money on in-game purchases to further his gaming experience.
According to the teen's mother, the boy was not aware that he was spending real money.
Spending money
This is the not the first time we've seen kids having access to a parent or guardian's credit card details go on a spending spree. Among many others, a 5-year-old spent over R22,000 on similar in-game purchases just last year.
Because issues like this are not unheard of, Apple has started refunding parents whose children had made "accidental" purchases.
Stay safe
In today's world where purchasing online is no longer a strange or scary experience, there are a few rules you should always follow.
1. Never leave your credit card details saved on your child's iTunes or Google Play account.
2. If possible, add password protection before purchases can be made and keep that password a secret.
3. Teach your kids about making purchases online and that they should never do so before consulting you.
4. Keep close tabs on what your children are playing when left alone with their phones or tablets.
READ MORE ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY
Is your teen internet safety savvy?
Using software to protect your kids
Rules for kids online
Parenting in the digital age
Check your child’s phone!
Do your kids have access to your or a family member's credit card details?
