There’s hope, money lost on PUBG can be recovered: Experts

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 5

A few days after The Tribune reported how a teenager from Kharar spent Rs 16 lakh on PUBG, it has now been learnt that the amount can be recovered.

• Also read: Teenager spends Rs 2 lakh on PUBG
• Punjab teenager spends Rs 16 lakh on PUBG

Yes! Parents can rectify mistakes committed by their children by following a procedure as suggested by cyber experts. According to cyber security consultants, there are 90 per cent chances that the amount may be recovered in 120 days if the payment has been made through Google Play in an “unauthorized” way.

The same applies to a direct purchase from PUBG, if details are given to the gaming company.

What parents should do

In the case reported by The Tribune, the teenager from Kharar made a direct purchase using his parents’ account. Experts say if parents write a notice to PUBG and provide details to the company (his PUBG ID, card details, transaction dates, payment details, proof that the account belongs to them and not their son), there are high chances that the amount may be refunded as legally, the teenager cannot withdraw from his parents’ account without their consent. “It’s not his account and he used his parents account without their permission. Since he made a direct purchase, it may take time but this is the most effective way to claim back the money. The parents have to write to the PUBG operator/developer, reporting all details as “unauthorised” transactions,” claimed a cyber security consultant, requesting anonymity.

Play Store purchase easy to claim

According to an expert, had the teenager used Google Play Store for purchasing in-app facilities, it would have been easier to claim the money. “If such problems occur with the third party purchase, the amount can be refunded in 120 days subject to terms and conditions. In a majority of the cases, the party holds the amount for a week. If someone raises a claim of “unauthorised” transaction in a certain number of days (as mentioned in the policy), the amount gets refunded on submitting details,” claimed the expert.

Will pursue matter, says father

The aggrieved father of the teenager claimed that he would pursue the matter as discussed with cyber security experts. “I will surely pursue the matter. Experts have extended help to me and have briefed me about the refund process,” he said.

Refund policy

“Google does not give refunds for most Google Play purchases. However, there are exceptions. One can also contact the application/game developer directly. The developer can help with purchase issues and can process refunds pursuant to its policies and applicable laws,” as is mentioned by the Google Play help centre.