In-app games giving parents nasty surprises

Citizens Advice has launched new online advice to help parents avoid in-app costs as the OFT gives the industry two months to clean up its act.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Parents can find themselves footing unexpected bills after their children accidentally rack up costs through in-app games. One father came to Citizens Advice for help after his son ran up charges of £200 because the free app game he was playing charged for extras.  

“Many families will find it difficult to cover these surprise costs. The OFT is right to take action on this and I hope the industry is swift in making sure that people are given information up-front about costs and how their data will be used.

“The new advice page from Citizens Advice recommends checking your payment settings and getting to grips with how the app works and where costs may be.”

The advice is available at www.adviceguide.org.uk/children_using_online_games_top_tips/

This year Citizens Advice is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website .

  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk . You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk

  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.