If you notice a Google Play charge on your Google Account that you did not make, you can take action. This practical tip explains how to ensure that you are not billed for an unauthorised purchase.
Google Play Store: Unauthorised Google Play purchases
- Google’s fraud protection policies safeguard you against any unauthorised Google Play charges made via your Google account.
- So, if an unauthorised purchase has been made via your account, Google will ensure that you are not charged for it.
1. Debit not made by Google
First, check whether the charge was actually made by Google. All purchases made on Google Play will appear on your bank statement as ‘GOOGLE*name of the app developer’ or ‘GOOGLE*content type’.
- If the charge in question does not appear on your bank statement as described above, it did not originate from Google Play. In such a case, you should contact your bank to report the charge.
2. Unintentional Google Play purchase by members of your household
Speak to members of your household, such as children or friends. It may be that someone in your household has accidentally caused the charge, for example by making in-app purchases.
- In this case, whilst it is an unauthorised charge, it does not constitute fraud. To receive assistance in such a special case, please contact Google Play Customer Service.
- If you or a member of your household accidentally makes an app purchase, you can cancel the order within 15 minutes. We explain how to cancel an app purchase on the Google Play Store in another practical tip.
3. Unidentifiable Google Play charge
If neither of the two situations described above applies to you and you are still unable to identify the charge, please report the unauthorised Google Play charge to the Google Wallet team within 60 days of the transaction.
- To do this, click on the ‘Google Wallet Team’ link and fill in the ‘Unidentifiable charge’ form with your details. Once you have entered all the necessary information, confirm your details by left-clicking on the blue ‘Send’ button.
- Google will then get in touch with you within the next few days or weeks.
