8-year-old boy unknowingly spends Php100K on mobile games using parents’ debit card

An eight-year-old boy from Davao City unknowingly spent over Php 100,000 on mobile games using his parents’ debit card in just two days.

Julmar, the child’s mother and owner of a consultancy firm, shared in a viral Facebook post Wednesday that she was shocked to see the charges when she tracked the bank statements of her finance team.

“I was mad,” Julmar told GMA News Online on Thursday. She said the Google Play app on her husband’s old phone, which they gave to their son last Christmas, was still linked to the card.

“They were only allowed 2 hours daily (max) of tech time and the allowed apps they can use were Super Book, Messenger for Kids and War Robots,” said the mom.

“Later, I found out that I think the purchases were still in the War Robots but there were also other games I think he downloaded that were suggested or promoted within the War Robots.”

Julma said her son loved mobile games and wanted to be a robotics teacher in the future.

“He explained that he needed to have gems to upgrade his robots and new hangers for his robots. He thought those options were all free so he went for it,” she said.

Julmar said her son received “some spanking” because he downloaded more games without permission.

“He was very sorry (and was too cute with those irresistible eyes). We explained that they are worth more than all the money in the world but following rules is also a good life skill to abide,” she said.

“[Does] finding out that the purchase is P100k [change] our feelings for our kids? Nope. Again, we know how our kids and our parenting more than anyone else. This is a complete mistake (he thought all the downloads are free). We trust them and they are responding to discipline with the fear of God in their hearts,” she added.

“We moved on as a family after the incident. We are just surprised now how this learning moment as a family interests others as well.”

To prevent further surprise charges, Julmar said they had added parental controls and passwords for purchases. They also filed for a refund, although it’s not yet reflected on their account as of writing. – RC, GMA News