How to make safe in-game purchases

A survey conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 found that 56% of high-value mobile gamers spend money on in-game currency or gems.¹ This statistic shows the appeal of in-app purchases among players to enhance the mobile and online gaming experience.

This article includes tips, suggestions, and general information. We recommend that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial, and legal advice before making any important decision.

But what does in-app purchase mean? Simply put, it’s an upsell or a premium upgrade to the regular version of the game. It offers players a convenient way to access exclusive content, enhance gameplay, or speed up progress.

While in-app purchases in games can add excitement to the gaming experience, it's essential to spend responsibly to avoid unexpected financial risks. This article explores practical tips on how to make safe in-app purchases and prevent scams.

How in-app purchases work

With in-app purchases, or IAPs, players can opt to buy virtual goods — such as power-ups, skins, or extra lives — directly within a game. These transactions can happen in a couple of ways:

• Virtual currencies. Many games use a virtual currency system where players purchase in-game coins or gems to unlock items, levels, or special features.

• Direct purchases. Some games enable players to make secure payments with digital wallets or credit cards. This method provides instant access to specific items or upgrades without needing virtual currency.

A common question among players is whether Apple Pay can be used for in-app purchases. The answer is yes — many games support IAPs with Apple Pay. Many games also allow players to check out with PayPal for secure transactions.

Safety aspects of in-app game purchases

While IAPs offer convenience and excitement, they do come with potential risks if the user is not careful. Here are possible problems to know about concerning in-app purchases.

Accidental purchases

Younger players, particularly children, might unknowingly make purchases while playing a game, mistaking the process for part of the gameplay. This can quickly lead to unexpected charges on an account.

To help correct the situation, many platforms offer a refund for an in-app purchase made by mistake. It's essential to act quickly and follow the platform’s guidelines for requesting a refund. To prevent accidental purchases, consider setting up parental controls or requiring a password for every transaction, ensuring that IAPs are intentional.

Unauthorised charges

Unauthorised charges can occur if a device isn’t properly secured, leaving payment methods vulnerable. If someone gains access to the device, they could make IAPs without the owner's knowledge, leading to unexpected expenses.

To address this issue, players should know:

• How to stop an in-app purchase. In-app purchases in the device settings can be disabled to prevent future unauthorised transactions.

• How to cancel an in-app purchase. Many platforms allow for recent transactions to be cancelled or refunded.

Securing devices with strong passwords, biometric authentication, or other security measures can help prevent unauthorised charges.

Scams

Scammers often use IAPs to trick players into fraudulent schemes. These may look like legitimate offers within a game but are designed to steal personal information or money. For example, one in-app purchase hack promises free or cheap items but instead puts the device or account at risk.

To stay safe, players should make purchases only through official app stores and be careful of offers that seem too good to be true.

What to consider for safe in-game purchases

To make the best in-app purchase, gamers should consider the following:

• Purpose. Understand what the item or feature will do in the game. Will it help you progress and enhance enjoyment, or is it simply a cosmetic upgrade? Knowing the purpose helps determine if the purchase is worth it.

• Cost. Evaluate whether the price of the IAP matches the value it adds to the gaming experience. Is it a one-time payment, or will additional purchases be needed to achieve the desired results?

• Reviews and ratings. Check feedback from other players. Reviews can provide valuable insights into whether the item or feature delivers as advertised.