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Posted: Apr 08 2010 12:12 pm

The UK Guardian wrote:

A mother has warned of the risk of children spending hundreds of pounds on "free" online games available through Facebook after her 12-year-old son ran up bills of more than £900 without her knowledge.

The woman, who prefers to remain anonymous, discovered last month that her son had spent more than £900 on FarmVille. He had emptied his own savings account of £288 and had used her credit card to the tune of £625 to pay the bills.

FarmVille, one of the most popular games on Facebook, allows members to manage a virtual farm by planting, growing and harvesting crops, trees and livestock. New users are given virtual coins to set up their farm, and the revenue from matured crops can be used to maintain it. But those who are desperate to progress more quickly can buy extra virtual coins using real cash.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/apr/07/farmville-user-debt-facebook

...Wow. Just wow. How fast would you kick this kid's butt if you were his parent? (Granted it was kind of her fault and she acknowledges that, but a 12 year old should know better. I mean really.)

Discuss.

Posted: Apr 08 2010 12:19 pm

That's just awful. I really hate when games make you spend money for in game items. To clarify, I think that's about $1620.

Posted: Apr 08 2010 12:22 pm

I'd be bringing my dad's belt out of retirement. Old Hickory will beat some ass again.

Posted: Apr 08 2010 02:14 pm

Posted: Apr 08 2010 02:32 pm

I would whip that shit's ass.

Posted: Apr 08 2010 06:35 pm

I didn't read the article but
A. How does he have access to his account without parental knowledge.
B. How the fuck did she not notice her credit card was used. She needs a wallet.

Posted: Apr 08 2010 08:38 pm

Frankly... I find the whole "semi-free" game to be kind of a joke...

Joined: Oct 01 2009 Posts: 5316

That would've been one dead child

And I want that shirt now, Knyte

Posted: May 06 2010 02:18 pm

I would kick his ass for sinking that much into fucking Farmville. Sure, I'd be pissed if he spent £900, most of which was mine, into any online game, but FARMVILLE?

Posted: May 11 2010 01:01 pm

That child would Receive a Flaming Dragon Kick.

As mentioned before, how do you not notice your credit card is missing? When I put my wallet in my pocket before I leave to go anywhere, I check it to make sure I have those things so I don't look like a Jackass at the checkout line. Even if the kid was putting it back, I check my Online Bank at least once a day. Unbelievable.

Posted: May 12 2010 12:00 am

WAIT WAIT WAIT! YOU ARE FORGETTING!

It all depends on how the kids farm is doing. If his virtual farm is doing well maybe he can make that money back + interest. Or you could beat his fucking brains out for spending more that $0.00 on facebook. And he's fucking twelve! He can't find someone to bang on facebook if he's twelve! Oh wait, am I confused with myspace?

Joined: Jun 08 2010 Location: Termina Field Posts: 1541

I'd like to know what that child's parents actually did to that 12 year old. $900 on any game is quite a lot, but when you put FARMVILLE in to the scene, it's the biggest waste of money. I know everyone else has already said this, but seriously. FARMVILLE?!. There are many better things that he could have blown over $900 on.

Posted: Jun 12 2010 09:56 am

£900... for a game that sucks like a newborn. damn, people are sick.