Viewer says free app leads to $500 bill

TULSA - A viewer found out child's play can lead to a very real, very expensive, bill. There's a simple way to be sure it doesn't happen to you.

Mary downloaded a free game on her iPhone for her 8-year-old daughter.

She says "I downloaded the app Tap Pet Hotel. I thought it was a free kid's game but I got my bill and she bought $500 worth of items!"

Many free apps also offer add-ons. For example in Cupcake Maker there are free toppings and those you can buy. If you, or your child, tries to buy something you have to enter your pass code for each purchase.

You have to be careful whenever you add an app. When you ask to add Tap Pet Hotel for free there's a disclaimer you can buy items for real money and you have to disable in-app-purchases if you don't want that feature accessible.

The disable is pretty simple.

Click here for step-by-step instructions including screen shots.

Basically in "Settings" you want to enable restrictions for in-app purchases.

For any smartphone you can contact a retailer for your device to get help on disabling the purchasing option.

Also be sure to closely safeguard the passcode you set.