Hello! I'm Shemhaza, the Sentinel. By the way, are your children enjoying online games on their smartphones or tablets at home? Playing excitedly with friends, adventuring in new worlds—games offer many fun experiences, don't they? However, behind all that fun, there can be pitfalls, such as 'suddenly receiving an incredibly high bill without realizing it!' This time, let's explore together the precautions and countermeasures for online games to ensure your precious family doesn't get caught in such troubles!
Deceptive Tactics for High Charges in Online Games
- ▸① In games, special items and characters often appear attractive, promising to 'make you stronger' or 'give you an advantage.' Children, driven by the desire not to be left behind by friends or to enjoy the game more, sometimes impulsively press the purchase button.
- ▸② Once credit card information is registered in a smartphone app store or within a game, it can sometimes be set up so that subsequent purchases can be made easily without requiring a password. There are countless cases where charges accumulate without parents' knowledge while their children are playing on their phones.
- ▸③ Game companies sometimes emphasize a sense of value or create a sense of urgency with displays like 'Limited Time Offer!' or 'Only X hours left!', prompting purchases without giving players time to think calmly. Children, in particular, are susceptible to temptation, so caution is necessary.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
- ✓Check if your credit card information is left registered on your smartphone or gaming device.
- ✓Check if app store or game settings require approval for purchases, preventing charges without a password.
- ✓Confirm that your children promise to consult an adult if they make unauthorized purchases or receive unfamiliar bills.
- ✓Confirm that your family has discussed game terms of service and billing systems and set rules for purchases.
- ✓Check if you have set up parental controls on your children's smartphones or tablets to restrict purchases.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you find yourself in trouble with your child's game purchases, don't hesitate to seek advice immediately, instead of worrying alone. If you suspect unauthorized credit card use, contact your card company immediately. Purchases made by minors without parental consent may be canceled through a system called 'minor's right of rescission.' You can also use the Consumer Hotline (188) or the Police Consultation Dial (#9110). To protect your precious family, let's keep an eye out for online dangers every day!