Free Apps May Not Be So Free

[The Straight Story]

DeBARY, Fla. -- The free apps and games downloaded for children may come with a hefty price tag after all. A Central Florida mother learned that lesson the hard way, after a shocking call from her bank.

Brittany Bates’ children, Ansley and Camden, enjoy playing a popular game called “Pet Hotel,” which is a free app downloaded on Bates’ iPad.

Bates allows her children to use the iPad because the games are not only creative, they travel.

...

In order to play the game you need a bank of virtual bones, which allow the player to buy new pets and add on rooms to your hotel.

When the player’s stash of bones runs out, "Pet Hotel" asks if the player would want to buy some more.
And unknown to most kids and parents, it costs money.

http://www.clickorlando.com/money/28817723/detail.html

[onehandle]

1. Only if you let the kids' accounts make charges without your authorization.

A good friend has two eight year olds with iPod Touches. They can't buy anything without the parents entering their password.

In app purchases are common. Buyer beware.

[RebelOne]

2. That's an old scam.

Clark Howard talked about that last year on his TV program.

[SidDithers]

3. In-app purchases can be disabled (or disallowed)...nt

Sid

[JimDandy]

4. Thanks!

This was news to me, but then I'm extra careful about what apps I download. I'm going to disable In-App purchases anyway, just to be safe, because I sometimes allow others to use it.

[Shagbark Hickory]

5. Just a new form of slamming and cramming. My dad got fucked over by some app that

started buying shit or something.