ZAGREB, February 27, 2018 - After HAKOM’s last week warning of a fraud which jeopardizes the cell phone users with Android operational code, if installed, some of the free apps that contain malicious code, the users who warn on Apple's practice contacted HAKOM. Apple is not under HAKOM’s jurisdiction and its practice can be considered unfair by causing the costs. The information is shared with the users in order to point to an increased caution.
Unfortunately, HAKOM has received complaints of the users of Apple devices regarding unfair billing of the afore-mentioned apps, offered as free at the Apple Store (e.g. Testimonials, Beauty Up's Best Photo Editor...) and usage of certain games or camera effects, shown as free of charge at the official Apple store eventually results with weekly / monthly charges for the user. If such applications are installed, users must deactivate the subscription within iTunes to stop the billing. Although, not within HAKOM's jurisdiction, we warn users that downloading applications may cause large and uncontrolled costs since they will be charged from users’ credit cards. In addition, for the protection, the Apple ID that is required to download certain applications can be used without registration with credit card data. If you are experiencing these difficulties, users may also contact Apple's customer service if they are still not provided with necessary information about the procedure. They may complain to the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Craft.
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For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Roberta Frangeša Mihanovića 9
10110 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website:
Registration required.
ABOUT HAKOM: HAKOM (www.hakom.hr) - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary competencies in market regulation.
