Microsoft Refunds $8,000 Video Game Bill

Microsoft has refunded a man whose son used his credit card to spend more than $8,000 on a video game. It's a surprise move given the son is 17 years old.

Lance Perkins's son had used a credit card provided by his father to make "micro transaction" purchases for the FIFA soccer game on the Xbox video game console. The game includes an "Ultimate Team" mode in which players can create a fictional super team using players from around the world, rather than sticking to real world team lineups.

The son claims that although he knew Ultimate Team carried an extra cost, he thought it was a one-off access charge. In fact, every transaction costs points, which are funded by real currency. In the end the son spent a total of $8,206.43, made up of $7,625.88 on the FIFA game, plus a series of charges for previous games. (Source: cbc.ca)

Father Told To Press Fraud Charges Against Son

Upon receiving his credit card bill - and recovering from the shock - Perkins asked his credit card company to refund the money. It refused to do so unless Perkins was willing to press charges against his son for fraud. Even had Perkins done so, it would have been a gray area, as he had provided the card to his son on the understanding it was for emergencies and for buying stock for a convenience store operated by the family. (Source: techtimes.com)

He then asked Microsoft to refund the money. Originally Microsoft refused to do so, but after learning the son was under age, it made a full refund this week.

Apple Had Similar Controversy

The decision has come as a surprise to many observers given that the son was old enough to know better. There's also some question about his story, as normally every in-game purchase on Xbox creates an automated email receipt to the address associated with the account - so there should have been plenty of warning that charges were being accrued. It's also unclear how large the credit limit was on the "emergency" credit card, which was meant to be used for other purposes.

There has certainly been plenty of controversy over in-app purchases in games played by children, particularly younger ones that are not able to understand the consequences. Apple reached a court settlement over the issue on iPhones and iPads, though in that case, the problem was that it wasn't doing enough to stop cases where children were able to make in-app purchases without needing a PIN code.

What's Your Opinion?

Was Microsoft right to make the refund? Should parents bear more responsibility if they are prepared to give children the ability to spend on their card? Should video game companies be allowed to let any players rack up such huge bills?