Many children like to play video games, and they may do so on their own tablet, computer, or even smartphone.
While many can be downloaded and played for free, some allow you to purchase add-ons that, if you’re not careful, can really add up.
One grandmother is sharing her story after her eight-year-old grandson, Dominic, who loves playing Roblox, began purchasing in-game accessories racking up $2,000 in charges without her knowledge.
“Roblox is the best game in the entire world,” Dominic told CTV News.
The young boy loves playing Roblox, an online platform where users play games, hang out with friends, and build their own virtual worlds.
While the game is free to use, Dominic purchased premium avatar items, tools and clothing while playing the game and used his grandmother’s credit card to make the purchases.
“How did I get the purchases? How did I get access to her card? I went through her purse,” Dominic explained.
His grandmother, Lynne Ramsbottom, of Wasaga Beach, Ont., told CTV News that the charges accumulated over a two-month period last year.
She doesn’t blame her grandson, saying he didn’t understand he was spending real money.
“He’s a smart little boy, and the fact that he was able to find out everything he needed to use the phone was unbelievable,” Ramsbottom said.
No refunds
Ramsbottom reached out to Roblox regarding the charges, but she was told there were no refunds.
When CTV News reached out to the company on her behalf, a spokesperson said in a statement, “Our team confirmed that the purchases were made through the Apple App Store. Any refund requests for purchases made through the Apple App/iTunes store are managed by Apple, and these charges cannot be refunded by Roblox. She would need to work with Apple and her card issuer for a refund or to file a chargeback.”
As for Ramsbottom, she told CTV News that Dominic was very apologetic for the charges that had been racked up.
“He said he was sorry, but I don’t think he really understands the ramifications of that kind of money being lost,” she said.
If you have children who play video games, Consumer Reports recommends setting up parental controls and creating passwords to prevent surprise charges.
“That could mean anytime they go on the app stores, and anytime they go to make an in-app purchase, whether it’s for Roblox or anything else, you, as a parent, could get a notification on your phone stating your child is trying to make a purchase, which you could then accept or decline. You would be able to make the decision,” said Nicholas De Leon with Consumer Reports.
Using gift cards for games instead of linking a credit card can also help prevent overspending.
“Once that gift card runs out, there is no more Roblox, no more whatever,” said De Leon.
Ramsbottom said losing $2,000 has been a hardship, but she’s used the situation to help teach Dominic about money.
The eight-year-old said he learned a valuable lesson.
“Not spending people’s money and to be thankful for what I have,” said Dominic.
