iTunes gift card lawsuit

Apple has been deceptive with regards to iTunes gift cards, knowingly or not, a new lawsuit alleges. Filed in an Illinois district court by Barbara and Daniel Owens, the suit charges that even as Apple transitioned to variable iTunes song pricing on April 7th, the company continued to sell cards describing every song as costing only 99 cents. Such advertising is potentially misleading, the Owens say, suggesting that people can get more songs per card than may realistically be possible.

The plaintiffs add that they bought at least one mislabeled $15 card as late as mid-May. The pair is seeking class action status, and asking for refunds equivalent to the difference between the new maximum song price ($1.29) and the previous standard. "Additional relief" is also being sought, where possible.

Apple itself has been combating fake gift cards, sold on eBay. The cards are typically priced below their stated worth, but acquired with stolen credit, ultimately making them worthless. Victims of the fraud have had iTunes accounts disabled, wiping out any music not backed up to CD or DVD.

by MacNN Staff