PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Technology & digital loss unauthorized app subscription • unknown in-app purchases • apple id charges i didn't make • google play charges i didn't make • app store subscription i didn't start • random subscriptions on my phone • in app purchase fraud • credit card charged by apple • credit card charged by google play • carrier billing charges i didn't make • family sharing purchase confusion • hacked apple id • hacked google account • dispute app charges • request app store refund • cancel unknown subscriptions • recurring charges i don't recognize • identity theft recovery plan

What to do if…
you see new app subscriptions or in-app purchases you did not start

Short answer

Prevent more charges first: cancel the subscription(s) in the App Store/Google Play account, then report the charges as unauthorized to your card/bank promptly.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “wait for the next statement” — recurring subscriptions can renew quickly.
  • Don’t uninstall/delete the app to “stop billing” — subscriptions usually keep running until you cancel them in your account.
  • Don’t click links in surprise texts/emails about “refunds” — go through Apple/Google directly.
  • Don’t delete receipts/emails or screenshots yet — you may need order details to cancel and request refunds.
  • Don’t assume the phone is the problem — it can be an account sign-in on another device, Family Sharing, or a stored payment method being misused.
  • Don’t reuse the same password after suspected compromise.

What to do now

  1. Capture proof before you change anything: screenshot the subscription list and purchase history; note app name, date/time, amount, and any order ID.
  2. Cancel the subscription to stop renewals.
    • iPhone/iPad: Settings → your name → Subscriptions → cancel anything you didn’t start.
    • Android: Google Play app → profile icon → Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions → cancel anything you didn’t start.
  3. Check your platform purchase history to identify what was billed and from which account.
    • For Apple charges, your statement may show something like “apple.com/bill”; use Apple’s purchase/charge lookup guidance to confirm what it is.
  4. Request refunds through the platform promptly.
    • Apple: submit a refund request via reportaproblem.apple.com (“Request a refund”).
    • Google Play: use the Google Play refund request process (and, if needed, contact the developer from the Play listing).
  5. Secure the account used for the purchase (Apple Account / Google account).
    • Change your password to a new, unique one.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication.
    • Review signed-in devices and remove anything you don’t recognize.
  6. Report the payment as unauthorized to the right place (pick what applies):
    • Credit/debit card: contact the issuer/bank and say it’s an unauthorized charge. Ask what they recommend (for example: dispute/chargeback steps, a replacement card, and blocking the merchant from recurring charges).
    • PayPal/other wallet: report the unauthorized transaction inside the wallet and secure the account.
    • Carrier billing: contact your mobile carrier, dispute the charge, and ask if they can block/disable third-party/premium billing to prevent repeats.
  7. If you suspect identity theft or broader account takeover, use official reporting/recovery tools (optional but helpful):
    • IdentityTheft.gov can generate a recovery plan for identity theft.
    • ReportFraud.ftc.gov is the FTC’s portal for reporting scams/fraud and bad business practices.
  8. Keep a simple log: when you canceled, when you requested refunds, who you spoke to at the bank/carrier, and any case numbers.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to determine the exact cause (phishing vs. family purchase vs. stored card misuse) right now.
  • You don’t need to factory reset your phone unless trusted support guidance later points to malware after you’ve secured accounts and payments.
  • You don’t need to make big decisions about closing all accounts today — focus on stopping the recurring charges and securing access.

Important reassurance

Unauthorized app charges are common and often fixable when you move quickly: stop renewals, lock down the account, and get the payment provider involved.

Scope note

These are first steps to stop additional losses and reduce damage. If charges continue after cancellation and account security, you’ll likely need follow-up with Apple/Google support and your card issuer’s fraud department.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Refund eligibility and dispute outcomes depend on the platform, payment method, and timing. If you feel overloaded, do it in this order: cancel → refund request → secure account → contact bank/carrier.

Additional Resources
Support us