A boy of 7 years in Germany blew a whopping 2,753 euros, about 1,238,309 naira, on in-app purchases, a statement from the consumer advice centre in the state of Lower Saxony, released to mark safer Internet Data
The source closed to the mother of the minor gave her 7 years old son her smartphone to occupy himself with an online game, and gave him access to a voucher with small amount of money which he could use, however, unknown to the mother, her credit card was attached to the account.
It was learnt that son continued to play the online game in secret, and at the time have spent over 2,500 euros, purchasing in-app items, while playing the addictive game.
Kathrin Koerber, a legal expert with the state consumer body, said, “German law only allows for children to make purchases without parental permission within the limits of their pocket money, so in such cases as this, it is worth challenging the bill.”
“Following a letter sent to the company on her behalf, the bulk of the mother’s bill, 2,654.31 euros, was dropped.”
“It is common, particularly during the coronavirus lockdown, for parents to hand their smartphones over to children to keep them occupied, however, Parents need to check their settings before they give their children, “she added.