iPod Touch Game 'Tap Zoo' Brings Expensive, Unexpected Charges
BOSTON (CBS) - When it comes to kids and electronics, there's nothing more popular than the iPod Touch.
Some parents are now finding surprising charges they never expected with a game meant for children.
It happened after 6-year-old Eileen Smith played with her iPod Touch.
A screen on the game "Tap Zoo" prompted her to buy animals for her cyber zoo. Without realizing it, she spent $420 on sea turtles, crocodiles, and tigers.
Applications like these have been wreaking havoc in families across the country because of a supposed glitch.
WBZ-TV's Joe Shortsleeve reports.
Only Eileen's parents had the pass code to authorize purchases, but they didn't know the pass code stays valid and doesn't automatically log out for 15 minutes.
Katie Smith, Eileen's mother, is irritated by her expensive experience.
"I got taken advantage of, when in fact we thought that we were doing what we should be doing, by not having her have access to the pass codes," she explained.
Eileen's father Matt added, "I don't think it's a glitch. I think that it's a predatory means to take advantage of an unassuming child who is playing a simple game."
The Smiths also believe this was an example of predatory pricing.
Tap Zoo starts selling items for 99 cents. Some purchases, however, actually cost $99, which could confuse a child.
The Smiths don't think that's a coincidence.
"The fact that it's a $99 charge, that they are trying to sneak through, I mean who in their right mind would, even an adult, would allow, a $99 purchase for a bucket of stars," said Matt.
The company that makes Tap Zoo didn't respond to questions about their pricing policies.
They did, however, issue a statement saying they have approached Apple and hope they improve the pass code mechanism.
Click here for more information on setting parental controls on Apple products.
