Symptoms
- Charge on a card statement from Apple, Google Play, or similar
- No memory of buying anything recently
- Charge amount matches a common subscription price
- Email receipt for a purchase you don't recall making
Likely causes
- CommonForgotten free trial that converted to paidMany app subscriptions auto-renew after a trial period unless cancelled beforehand.
- CommonPurchase made by a family member sharing the accountShared family accounts or a child's device can generate charges under the main account.
- PossibleAccidental in-app purchaseA tap on an ad or in-app button can trigger a purchase, especially in games.
- Less commonAccount accessed without authorizationIf the purchase history shows something you truly never authorized and don't recognize the app at all, the account itself may be compromised.
What to do
- Open your app store's purchase history (Apple ID purchase history or Google Play order history) to see exactly what was bought.
- Check if it matches a free trial you signed up for and forgot to cancel.
- Ask family members sharing the account if they made the purchase.
- Look at your device's recent app installs and in-app purchase history for anything matching the amount.
- Cancel any subscription you no longer want directly in the app store's subscription settings.
- If you don't recognize the app or purchase at all, change your account password and review account security.
- Contact the app store's support to dispute a charge you're confident is unauthorized.
When to call a pro
If the account was truly compromised and multiple unauthorized purchases appear, contact the app store's fraud support and your card issuer.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.