Apple faces another class-action lawsuit that was connected to the famous Apple iTunes gift card scam. This is when someone tries to force you to make purchases using your App Store. The gift cards will set as a medium for the scammers to access your payment accounts that will be used for scam payouts. Unfortunately, Apple might be part of that scheme (or benefits from it), based on the lawsuit.
Apple faces a class-action lawsuit
As first reported via Apple Insider, a class-action complaint was filed versus Apple on Friday, July 17. According to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, wherein the suit was filed, victims of the scam were forced to give their Apple accounts into the scammers through different scenarios.
One best example is when the scammer poses as Apple tech support. At this time, he will be asking for money to fix your computer. The caller might even say he's a family member with an emergency and needs money right now. Once he got your info, he can now quickly access your bank account details through your Apple account.
Tons of victims already reported this kind of scheme to Apple. Unfortunately, they always say the same thing: nothing can be done when payments are transferred. That's a lie, however, according to the suit.
Apple describes the scam as 'formulaic'
The suit claims that the company has its way to retrieve all the lost money from the iTunes gift card scams, but can't seem to be doing anything-- or intentionally not doing anything.
They even call this scam as a 'formulaic,' meaning they can't do anything. But that's a lie.
The main reason is that Apple was said to be profiting from the said schemes. It alleges that Apple continues to not act against the said scams as the company has a 30% customary share from all the Apple products, sold on the App Store.
As explained, the iTunes gift card payments are not instantly being paid in the stores. It will take exactly 45 days before the money is transferred to third-party sellers. That's the explanation of why Apple has every chance to retrieve all the money that could have been scammed.
"Even if that limitation of liability applied by its terms - which it arguably does not - Apple cannot disclaim liability for loss or damage resulting from scams which it intentionally aids, abets, and perpetuates," the filing reads.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission confirms that an estimated amount of $93.5 million between 2015 and 2019 was lost due to iTunes gift card scams.
