I let my girlfriend's younger brother use my iPhone and iPad, and he made about $4,300 in purchases in slot machine apps over several weeks. The devices use separate Apple Accounts, and the charges went to several payment methods.
I've requested refunds from Apple. What else should I try, and how can I prevent any more charges?
Keep the Apple refund requests going for both accounts. Save the purchase history, receipts, dates, amounts and any case numbers so you can match each decision to a charge. With this many transactions, a spreadsheet would make the follow-up much easier.
Tell support that a minor used the devices without permission to make the purchases, and explain that they were allowed to play games, not spend money. Refunds aren't guaranteed, especially for items consumed in apps, but ask what options remain if any requests are denied.
Contact each payment provider promptly and ask about its dispute process and deadlines. Be precise about what happened: you gave him access to the devices, but not permission to make purchases. Don't describe it as a stolen card or an account breach if that's not what happened.
They may investigate and may not approve a dispute. Also ask Apple what effect a chargeback could have on the account before deciding how to proceed. Account restrictions are a possibility, not a certainty.
Stop the spending first. Change the passwords for both Apple Accounts, review who can unlock the devices, and check the purchase authentication settings. Remove any payment methods you don't need and use Screen Time restrictions to block in-app purchases when someone else is using a device.
Since money was reportedly moved into Apple Cash too, check the bank and payment account activity for anything else you didn't authorize. Contact the relevant provider about any unfamiliar transfers.
Talk to your girlfriend and her family about repayment, even if paying the whole amount at once isn't realistic. Bring the transaction records and discuss what they can actually afford rather than assuming the apps will cover it.
The repeated slot purchases also deserve attention beyond the money. That doesn't establish a gambling addiction, but it would be sensible for his family to take the behavior seriously and consider professional help if it continues or is difficult to control.
You could also contact the app developers and ask whether they have a refund process for purchases made by a minor. Check each app's terms and age requirements first. A 21+ label alone doesn't prove the developer is legally responsible, and simulated slot games aren't necessarily treated the same as gambling for money.
Answers are reviewed before publication.
Rennick:
Keep track of which charges Apple refunds so you don't also dispute those same charges with the payment provider.