I recently discovered that a family member under 18 received a letter about a subscription they didn't recognize, and they mentioned using FaceID to access an IQ test result on Instagram. I'm confused because, unlike other purchases like in-app purchases or subscriptions to Spotify and Audible, I didn't get an invoice for this one. Usually, I can see all active subscriptions in the phone settings. Is it possible that a separate payment channel for this subscription could violate Apple's terms of service? I really value the services Apple offers, especially for families, and I don't want to unknowingly face issues related to this subscription.
3 Answers
It sounds like they might have inadvertently paid using Apple Pay outside of the App Store. Does your child have their own credit card linked to their phone? Also, consider how long ago this happened - sometimes receipts take a while to show up after purchases.
That whole situation sounds pretty sketchy, especially receiving a printed letter about an Instagram subscription. Have you checked if the Instagram account is legitimate? It’s crucial to report anything suspicious. Just a heads-up, some scams come from places like Montenegro, so be careful!
The address the letter came from is this: DIE ZEIT-Kundenservice
If this subscription isn't in your child's purchase history, it could be a scam or they might have paid outside of Apple's system using a linked card. Given the details, it honestly sounds like that letter is a scam to me.
They didn't mention when it happened. If they used their credit card, it should show up on my end since I keep track of all Apple Pay transactions. I've checked and can't find anything that matches the amount!