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I have received partial refunds from the App Store

My daughter made a bunch of purchases in a game on an old phone of mine and I wasn't aware my card was even still on it and it never asked for a pin or password, I disputed it with Apple they denied it so I went through my bank and disputed the charges. Apple then immediately refunded about half, randomly refunded only some purchases even though they were all the same and in the same game some even on the same day. Why? Why did they only give my some of it back and why randomly choose to refund a few but not all when they are the same? So frustrating!




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 17

Posted on Nov 21, 2024 6:37 PM

Reply
2 replies

Nov 21, 2024 7:07 PM in response to Mamaof6littles

In most cases all transactions in the App Store are final. At times Apple may issue you a compassionate refund, but it should never be expected. Anyone that knows the device passcode is authorized to use it and that includes for purchases. Apple does offer an option to use an additional password for purchases, but that must be used by you to prevent others that know your passcode from making purchases. You are in control of what is allowed on your device.

Require a password for purchases in the App Store and other Apple services - Apple Support


After the first refund denial, you get one appeal. If Apple does choose to issue a compassionate refund, it is very unlikely they will refund multiple purchases, and as we have seen here, it will usually only be for a couple of the transactions at most. Your bank is the one that approved the charges, so continue to work out a resolution with them to dispute the remaining charges. It would not be unusual to find that the card will no longer be able to be used for Apple purchases if there is a claim for fraudulent charges as it would no longer be a valid payment method.

Nov 22, 2024 7:28 AM in response to Mamaof6littles

The people responding on this support forum are users like you. We have no special access to Apple information or your accounts, so unfortunately all we can do is guide you to the information Apple does provide. Apple, however, does not have much on its criteria for refusing refunds. Here are two sections from Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple


- "All Transactions are final."

I understand this as meaning Apple is starting from a point where any refund is considered an exception. Apple may provide a refund but can also simply say no without having to provide a reason. I understand this can be frustrating but by using the service you agree to the terms.


- "From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim." Remember that Apple has no way of removing a purchase from your device. They have to trust you are being honest when asking for a refund. It may be certain refund requests might be considered suspicious.


You can see if the terms are different for where you live by clicking on this link Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple select your location and then your language.


If you feel you want to discuss a refund request, try to contact an Apple representative using a telephone or chat request.


Click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.


or:


"See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." Click here --> Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Apple’s position appears to be that people need to be proactive with purchases, canceling subscriptions at least 24 hours before trials end, and ensuring that others are not able to make purchases on a user’s account. Note that if you allow another person access to purchasing on a device, or through Family Sharing if you are the Organizer, you are taking responsibility for things they do. Apple offers these proactive features:


On your device you can use Screen Time to prevent unintentional or unauthorized purchases from the App Store, in-app, and other Apple services. —> Use Screen Time to turn off in-app purchases on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Also on your device, require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases —> Require a password for purchases in the App Store and other Apple services - Apple Support


Use Screen Time as part of parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch —> Use parental controls on your child's iPhone and iPad - Apple Support


If a child made this purchase on their device, consider activating Ask To Buy—> Approve what kids buy with Ask to Buy - Apple Support


I have received partial refunds from the App Store

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