Notification emails go out for Google's $19 million refund for in-app purchases

Refund emails for unauthorized Google Play in-app purchases start going out

Google Play refund notices are being sent out to customers as a result of Google's $19 million minimum settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. If your Google Play account was charged between March 1, 2011 and November 18, 2014 as a result of unauthorized in-app purchases made by young children, you can apply for a refund through Google.

Google is sending out notices in email form to its customers who have made in-app purchases during that time period.

Our records show that your account was previously charged for in-app purchases. If any of those charges were the result of unauthorized purchases by a minor between March 1, 2011, and November 18, 2014, and you haven't already received a refund for those charges, you might be eligible for a refund.

The email asks customers to visit their account to verify their in-app purchase history and select the ones that could qualify for a refund. Customers will have up until December 2, 2015 to make their refund requests

As part of the settlement with the FTC, Google's refund amount is no less than $19 million. The FTC said in a release:

Under the terms of the settlement, Google will provide full refunds – with a minimum payment of $19 million – to consumers who were charged for kids' purchases without authorization of the account holder. Google has also agreed to modify its billing practices to ensure that it obtains express, informed consent from consumers before charging them for items sold in mobile apps.