Unauthorized Gaming Purchases Land Student in Trouble with Esports Instructor
An esports educator in Arkansas found himself in a distressing situation after discovering unauthorized charges on his credit card made by one of his students through a gaming console.
Stuart Simpson, a veteran teacher with 14 years of experience, initially intended to help a student access online gaming features by providing his credit card information for a PlayStation Plus subscription. The three-month subscription was meant to enable the student to play online and access free games.
However, Simpson was shocked when he later reviewed the account and discovered approximately $1,056 in unauthorized purchases. The charges were allegedly made entirely on the student’s gaming console without Simpson’s consent.
After contacting his credit card company, Simpson successfully had the charges refunded. Despite recovering the funds, he decided to take further action by filing an official police report. Local law enforcement subsequently referred the case to their juvenile division for investigation on November 14.
This incident highlights the potential risks of sharing financial information, even with good intentions. The exact nature of the purchases remains unclear, but the total amount suggests multiple game or in-game content acquisitions.
The case brings attention to the growing concerns surrounding digital purchases and accountability in educational settings, particularly those involving gaming and technology.
This is not an isolated incident in the gaming world. Recent years have seen various controversies involving esports players, including match-fixing scandals and legal issues that have made headlines across different competitive gaming communities.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities handling the matter through the appropriate juvenile justice channels.