Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 1 of 47 1 2 3 4 5 6 SCOTT+SCOTT ATTORNEYS AT LAW LLP CHRISTOPHER M. BURKE (CA Bar No. 214799) ALEX M. OUTWATER (CA Bar No. 259062) 600 W. Broadway, Suite 3300 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: 619-233-4565 Facsimile: 619-233-0508 cburke@scott-scott.com aoutwater@scott-scott.com 13 CAFFERTY CLOBES MERIWETHER & SPRENGEL LLP Anthony F. Fata (pro hac vice admission anticipated) Nyran Rose Rasche (pro hac vice admission anticipated) Nickolas J. Hagman (pro hac vice admission anticipated) 150 S. Wacker, Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60606 Telephone: 312-782-4880 Facsimile: 318-782-4485 afata@caffertyclobes.com nrasche@caffertyclobes.com nhagman@caffertyclobes.com 14 Attorneys for Plaintiffs and the Class 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 [Additional Counsel on Signature Page.] 16 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SAN JOSE DIVISION 17 18 19 20 21 22 CARL BARRETT, MICHEL POLSTON, NANCY MARTIN, DOUGLAS WATSON, ERIC MARINBACH, MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ, and MARIA RODRIGUEZ, Individually, and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, Plaintiffs, 23 24 25 26 27 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT v. DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL APPLE INC., a California Corporation; APPLE VALUE SERVICES LLC; and DOES 1 Through 10, Inclusive, Defendants. 28 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 2 of 47 1 Plaintiffs Carl Barrett, Michel Polston, Nancy Martin, Douglas Watson, Eric Marinbach, 2 Michael Rodriguez, and Maria Rodriguez (collectively, “Plaintiffs”), individually and on behalf 3 of all others similarly situated, bring this Class Action Complaint (“Complaint”) against 4 Defendants Apple Inc. and Apple Value Services LLC (collectively, “Apple”) and DOES 1 5 through 10 (collectively, with Apple, “Defendants”). The following allegations are based upon 6 personal knowledge as to Plaintiffs’ own facts, upon investigation by Plaintiffs’ counsel, and upon 7 information and belief where facts are solely in possession of Defendants.1 8 NATURE OF THE CASE 1. 9 This case arises from Apple’s knowing or reckless enabling of the “iTunes gift card 10 scam.” Scammers have found a uniform way of tricking victims into paying them large sums of 11 money via iTunes gift cards. Apple is incentivized to allow the scam to continue because it reaps 12 a 30% commission on all scammed proceeds, and knowingly or recklessly, Apple plays a vital role 13 in the scheme by failing to prevent payouts to the scammers. 2. 14 15 The iTunes gift card scam preys upon many, including the elderly and vulnerable. It is prevalent. Apple dedicates a webpage to it, but apparently does little more. 3. 16 Perhaps most alarming, Apple describes the scam as “formulaic,” yet does little to 17 stop it or to return its 30% commission to scammed victims (much less other moneys that Apple 18 can recover from the scammers). 4. 19 Despite the fact that Apple retains the funds from purchases made using iTunes gift 20 cards for four to six weeks before paying App and iTunes store vendors and keeps a 30% 21 commission on scammed proceeds, Apple’s webpage and other communications falsely inform 22 the public that all scammed proceeds are irretrievable: A string of scams are taking place asking people to make payments over the phone for things such as taxes, hospital bills, bail money, debt collection, and utility bills. 23 24 * 25 28 * Regardless of the reason for payment, the scam follows a certain formulaic: The victim receives a call instilling panic and urgency to make a payment by purchasing App Store 26 27 * 1 Plaintiffs will work with Apple on the timing of Apple’s response to this Complaint and other ways of reducing the burdens of litigation on the parties, their counsel, and the Court in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 1 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 3 of 47 & iTunes Gift Cards or Apple Store Gift Cards from the nearest retailer (convenience store, electronics retailer, etc.). After the cards have been purchased, the victim is asked to pay by sharing the code(s) on the back of the card with the caller over the phone. 1 2 * 3 * * 5 Never provide the numbers on the back of a Gift Card to someone you do not know. Once those numbers are provided to the scammers, the funds on the card will likely be spent before you are able to contact Apple or law enforcement. 6 See Apple, About Gift Card Scams, https://support.apple.com/itunes-gift-card-scams. [Emphasis 7 added.] 4 8 5. The last sentence is highly misleading, and falsely suggests that there is nothing 9 Apple can do for consumers who report the scam to it. Apple retains 30% of the spent funds for 10 itself. At all times, this amount remains retrievable to the consumer. Apple holds the remaining 11 spent funds for four to six weeks before paying the third-party vendors on the App and iTunes 12 stores on which the stored value was spent, meaning the remainder is also retrievable to the 13 consumer. 14 6. The iTunes gift card scam deprives consumers of hundreds of millions of dollars or 15 more. The overwhelming majority of victims do not report the scam to the Federal Trade 16 Commission (“FTC”). Yet even the limited iTunes gift card scams reported to the FTC during 17 2015-2019 exceed $93.5 million, with the dollar amounts increasing significantly each year. These 18 publicly reported dollar amounts include the losses of only the subset of victims who fill out a 19 detailed online FTC form asking for their personal information. As a result, this $93.5 million 20 figure appears to be only the tip of the iceberg. Even if only 10% of scam victims report to the 21 FTC (versus local police, attorney general offices, Apple, or nobody at all), the iTunes gift card 22 scam would approach $1 billion, with Apple retaining $300 million in commissions. 23 7. As set forth in detail below, scammers monetize scammed gift card values in one 24 of two ways. First, they can use the stored value on the iTunes gift cards they obtain through 25 scams to purchase App and iTunes store content for apps that they control. Using this method, 26 scammers receive payment from Apple (less Apple’s 30% commission) four to six weeks after 27 spending the stored value from the wrongfully obtained iTunes gift cards. Apple has shut down 28 apps for violating its fraud policies, begging the question of what happened to the fraudulently 2 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 4 of 47 1 obtained proceeds. Second, scammers can sell the gift card numbers to third parties who then use 2 them to purchase App store or iTunes products, but this latter method involves significant counter- 3 party risk and steep discounts. Regardless of which method the scammers use, Apple keeps 30% 4 of the scammed proceeds. 5 8. Not only does Apple keep 30% of the scammed proceeds, it is able to track all key 6 points in the scheme. Apple has long bragged about its App Store “ecosystem.” The App Store is 7 a marketplace created by Apple, over which it has full control, and into which it has full visibility. 8 There are four key steps in the iTunes gift card scam: 9 9. Step One: The Point of Sale. Apple knows when, where, and in what amount the 10 victim purchases the gift card. At the point of sale, the retailer must communicate with Apple to 11 “activate” the gift card and record the stored value. 12 10. Step Two: The Apple ID Upload. Apple knows the Apple ID onto which the gift 13 card number is uploaded. An Apple ID is a unique Apple “account” identifier through which 14 customers on the App and iTunes stores transact. Apple iTunes gift card numbers must be 15 uploaded to an Apple ID before being used in the App and iTunes stores. The amounts associated 16 with these gift card numbers are referred to as “stored value” or “stored credit.” Apple reserves 17 the right to void the stored value if it merely “suspects” that the store credit was obtained 18 fraudulently. 19 11. Step Three: Spending Stored Value on an App. Apple also knows where the Apple 20 ID spends stored value in the App store ecosystem because each purchase must be made from an 21 Apple ID. 22 12. Step Four: Payment of U.S. Dollars (Less Commission). Apple knows the identity 23 and financial account information of the App and iTunes store proprietors who receive U.S. dollars 24 from the gift card purchases because, four to six weeks after the purchase, Apple sends them the 25 U.S. dollars (minus Apple’s commission). 26 13. Reverse Mapping. If a victim calls Apple and provides the gift card number that 27 was scammed, Apple can use the gift card number to find out which Apple ID(s) and which App 28 or iTunes products were involved in converting the scammed gift card number into U.S. dollars. 3 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 5 of 47 1 Apple can also interrogate the Apple ID and the App and iTunes transactional data to determine if 2 there were other suspect transactions and, if so, suspend the Apple ID and the App. At minimum, 3 Apple knows that it has kept 30% of the scammed gift card value. 4 5 6 7 14. Apple, as noted above, falsely tells victims that 100% of their money is irretrievable. 15. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Plaintiffs bring this class action on behalf of themselves and an objectively identifiable class consisting of all victims of scams involving Apple iTunes gift cards. 8 9 Rather than publicizing its omniscience in this Apple “ecosystem” and its 30% take, PARTIES 16. Plaintiff Carl Barrett is a resident and citizen of Prince George’s County, Maryland, living in Hyattsville, Maryland. Plaintiff Barrett is 57 years old. 17. Plaintiff Michel Polston is a resident and citizen of Marion County, Oregon, living in Salem, Oregon. Plaintiff Polston is 71 years old. 18. Plaintiff Nancy Martin is a resident and citizen of Sarasota County, Florida, living in Nokomis, Florida. Plaintiff Martin is 61 years old. 19. Plaintiff Douglas Watson is a resident and citizen of Butte County, California, living in Chico, California. Plaintiff Watson is 64 years old. 20. Plaintiff Eric Marinbach is a resident and citizen of Queens, New York, living in Bayside, New York. Plaintiff Marinbach is 55 years old. 21. Plaintiff Michael Rodriguez is a resident and citizen of Los Angeles County, California, living in Walnut, California. Plaintiff Michael Rodriguez is 50 years old. 22. Plaintiff Maria Rodriguez is a resident and citizen of Los Angeles County, California, living in Walnut, California. Plaintiff Maria Rodriguez is 68 years old. 23. Defendant Apple Inc. (“Apple”) is a business incorporated under the laws of the 24 State of Delaware with its principal place of business at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California 25 95014. Apple is engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling, 26 inter alia, smartphones, tablet computers, wearable technology, headphones, laptops and desktop 27 computers that come with software programs that Apple develops pre-installed. Apple designs its 28 4 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 6 of 47 1 products in California, and its marketing efforts emanate from California. Defendant Apple is a 2 citizen of the State of California. 3 24. Defendant Apple Value Services LLC is a Virginia corporation with its principal 4 place of business located at 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, California 95014. Defendant Apple Value 5 Services is a citizen of the State of Virginia. 6 25. The true names and capacities of the Defendants sued herein as DOES 1 through 7 10, inclusive, are currently unknown to Plaintiffs, who therefore sue such Defendants by such 8 fictitious names. Each of the Defendants designated herein as DOE is legally responsible in some 9 manner for the unlawful acts referred to herein. Plaintiffs will seek leave of Court to amend their 10 Complaint to reflect the true names and capacities of the Defendants designated herein as DOES 11 when such identities become known. 12 13 JURISDICTION AND VENUE 26. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 14 §1332 because: (1) there are 100 or more (named or unnamed) class members; (2) there is an 15 aggregate amount in controversy exceeding $5,000,000, exclusive of interest or costs; and (3) there 16 is minimal diversity because at least one Plaintiff and Defendants are citizens of different states. 17 This Court has supplemental jurisdiction over the state law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1367. 18 27. This Court may exercise jurisdiction over Defendants because Apple is a citizen of 19 this State and District and maintains its principle place of business in this District, has continuous 20 and systematic contacts with this District, does substantial business in this State and within this 21 District, receives substantial revenues from marketing, distribution, and sales of iTunes gift cards 22 in this District, and engages in unlawful practices in this District as described in this Complaint, 23 so as to subject itself to personal jurisdiction in this District, thus rendering the exercise of 24 jurisdiction by this Court proper and necessary. 25 28. Venue is proper in this judicial District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1391(b) because 26 Apple is headquartered in this District, advertises in this District, receives substantial revenues and 27 profits from the sale of iTunes gift cards which it directs into the stream of commerce in this 28 5 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 7 of 47 1 District; therefore, a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims alleged 2 herein occurred in this District. 29. 3 Intradistrict Assignment (L.R. 3-2(c) and (e) and 3-5(b)). This action arises in 4 Santa Clara County, in that a substantial part of the events which give rise to the claims asserted 5 herein occurred in Santa Clara County. Pursuant to L.R. 3-2(e), all civil actions that arise in Santa 6 Clara County shall be assigned to the San Jose Division. 7 8 FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS Apple’s Digital Products 30. 9 Apple owns and operates online platforms including the App and iTunes stores. 10 Consumers who access the App and iTunes stores can purchase and download digital applications 11 for mobile devices (“apps”) or digital multimedia (such as songs, movies, and television shows). 31. 12 Apple describes the App Store as an “ecosystem” it created and controls.2 The App 13 Store hosts millions of apps that consumers purchase or download directly from the App Store. 14 Apple separates the apps available on the App Store into different categories, including various 15 types of free apps and paid apps.3 16 Apple’s Oversight of Its Platforms 32. 17 Apple reviews all apps before they are made available for consumers. Before an 18 app is available on the App Store, developers must submit the prospective app to Apple for review 19 and approval.4 Apple “carefully review[s] each app” before it becomes available on the App Store 20 using “a combination of automated systems and hundreds of human experts.”5 Apple may require 21 the developer to modify or remove functions from the app.6 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2 See, e.g., In re Apple iPhone Antitrust Litigation, 139 S. Ct. 1514 (2019), Petition for Writ of Certiorari at 6 (“Apple designed – from the ground up – an ecosystem for the use, development, sale, and distribution of apps.”). 3 See App Store – Principles and Practices, APPLE (https://www.apple.com/ios/appstore/principles-practices) (last visited July 16, 2020). 4 See App Review – App Store, APPLE (https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review) (last visited July 16, 2020). 5 See supra note 3. 6 See supra note 4. 6 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 8 of 47 33. 1 Apple represents that most apps are reviewed “within 24 hours of the developer’s 2 submission.” Apple says it rejects 40% of app submissions for issues such as “minor bugs [and] 3 privacy concerns.”7 Apple thus has knowledge of the contents and design of all apps available on 4 the App Store. 34. 5 One of the purposes of Apple’s review process is to determine whether the app will 6 be used for or facilitate illegal activity. Apple reserves the right to reject any app used for illegal 7 or criminal activities.8 After Apple approves an app, it becomes available to purchase or download 8 from the App Store. Apple reserves the right to suspend an approved app if it is suspected of 9 facilitating illegal activity.9 10 Payment for Apple’s Digital Products 35. 11 Apple receives a 30% commission on all sales of paid apps, purchases made within 12 apps (often called “in-app purchases”), and paid subscriptions to apps.10 On information and 13 belief, Apple take a similar 30 % commission for purchases from iTunes.11 36. 14 To purchase digital content from either iTunes or the App Store, consumers must 15 create and register an account with Apple, called an “Apple ID.”12 Purchasing songs, movies, or 16 apps from either iTunes or the App Store requires the purchaser to sign in with the user’s unique 17 Apple ID and provide Apple with a valid method of payment. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7 See id. See App Store Review Guidelines – Apple Developer, APPLE (https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines) (last visited July 16, 2020); Apple Developer Agreement – English, APPLE (June 8, 2015) (https://developer.apple.com/terms/appledeveloper-agreement). 9 See Apple Developer Agreement – English, supra note 8. 10 See id.; see also Apple Inc. v. Pepper, No. 17-204, 587 U.S. (2019), Brief of Petitioner to the Supreme Court of the United States at 9 (Apple acknowledges that it “review[s]apps for safety and compatibility, host[s] the App Store, act[s] as the developers’ sales and delivery agent, collect[s] the purchase price (if any) from consumers on the developers’ behalf, and remit[s] proceeds to developers from around the world” and that “developers agree to pay Apple an annual $99 membership fee, and a 30% commission on their sales revenue from paid apps and in-app purchases.”). 11 See e.g., iTunes Connect Resources and Help, APPLE (https://itunespartner.apple.com/ en/music/faq/Payments%20and%20Financial%20ReportsReading%20Your%20Financial%20Re ports) (last visited July 16, 2020). 12 See Apple ID FAQ, APPLE (https://appleid.apple.com/faq/#!&page=faq) (last visited July 16, 2020). 8 7 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 9 of 47 37. 1 To create an Apple ID, consumers must provide Apple with a valid email address, 2 credit card or billing information, and their date of birth.13 Apple requires that all Apple ID 3 accounts be verified with a telephone number or the email address associated with the Apple ID 4 account.14 5 38. Consumers make purchases from the App or iTunes stores by providing Apple with 6 their credit or debit card information, through PayPal or Apple Pay, or with Apple iTunes gift 7 cards.15 Even if consumers wish to use only Apple iTunes gift cards for purchases, Apple requests 8 valid credit card or billing information.16 9 App Developers 10 39. Individuals and companies who develop apps distributed on the App Store are 11 called “Apple Developers.” Apple Developers are required to create and register an Apple ID, 12 enroll in the Apple Developer Program, enter into the Apple Developer Program License 13 Agreement, and pay an annual fee of $99.17 40. 14 If Apple Developers wants to distribute an app which charges a fee for download 15 and/or has in-app purchases, they must enter into Apple’s Schedule 2 agreement. By entering into 16 the Schedule 2 agreement, Apple Developers appoint Apple as their agent relative to their apps 17 made available on the App Store. 41. 18 Apple pays Apple Developers after a consumer purchases a Paid App from the App 19 Store, makes an in-app purchase, or pays a subscription to an app downloaded from the App Store. 20 Apple makes all payments to Apple Developers electronically.18 In order to be paid by Apple, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 13 See Create Your Apple ID, APPLE (https://appleid.apple.com/ account#!&page=create) (last visited July 16, 2020); How to Create a New Apple ID, APPLE (https://support.apple.com/enus/HT204316#macos) (last visited July 16, 2020). 14 See id. 15 See Payment methods that you can use with your Apple ID, APPLE (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202631) (last visited July 16, 2020). 16 See Redeem App Store & iTunes Gift Card and content codes – Apple Support, APPLE (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201209) (last visited July 16, 2020). 17 See Purchase and Activation – Support – Apple Developer, APPLE (https://developer.apple.com/support/purchase-activation) (last visited July 16, 2020). 18 See iTunes Connect Resources and Help, APPLE (https://itunespartner.apple.com/en/ movies/faq/Banking%20and%20Tax_Banking) (last visited July 16, 2020). 8 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 10 of 47 1 Apple Developers must provide Apple with their bank account information, and may also be 2 required to submit tax forms to Apple.19 42. 3 Apple does not pay Apple Developers immediately after consumer transactions. 4 Instead, Apple waits for its fiscal month (the monthly period during which the purchase was made) 5 to close, and then waits up to 45 days after the close of that fiscal month before it electronically 6 transfers the money to the Apple Developer’s bank account.20 Moreover, Apple will not transfer 7 payment unless the Apple Developer meets the minimum payment threshold for that period.21 As 8 such, there is a delay of several weeks between the time a consumer purchases an app from the 9 App Store or makes in in-app purchase or subscription payment, and the time Apple pays the 10 Apple Developer. 11 iTunes Gift Cards 12 43. Apple sells iTunes gift cards for use on iTunes, in the App Store, or inside of apps 13 purchased or downloaded from the App Store (as noted, the latter are often called “in-app 14 purchases”). iTunes gift cards are sold by Apple both directly to consumers, and indirectly to 15 consumers through retailers. 16 17 44. iTunes gift cards are country/region specific. iTunes gift cards sold in the United States cannot be used outside of the United States.22 18 45. iTunes gift cards generally are sold for the amount shown on the face of the iTunes 19 gift card (or an amount selected by the consumer within the range reflected on the face of the card), 20 and generally reflect a stored value equal to the amount paid by the consumer. 21 46. Every iTunes gift card has a unique redemption code and PIN on the back of the 22 card. iTunes gift cards are not active until purchased. Once purchased, the retailer activates the 23 card. Unless properly activated, an iTunes gift card cannot be redeemed. Accordingly, Apple 24 25 26 27 28 19 See Agreements, Tax, and Banking Overview – Apple Store Connect Help, APPLE (https://help.apple.com/app-store-connect/#/devb6df5ee51) (last visited July 16, 2020). 20 See iTunes Connect Resources and Help, APPLE (https://itunespartner.apple.com/en/apps/faq/app%20) (last visited July 16, 2020). 21 See id. 22 See If You Can’t Redeem Your App Store & iTunes Gift Card, Apple Music Gift Card, or Content Code, APPLE (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201195) (last visited July 14, 2020). 9 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 11 of 47 1 knows the moment a particular iTunes gift card has been purchased and the amount of “stored 2 value” on the card because the retailer must activate the card at the point of sale. 3 Apple IDs 4 47. A valid Apple ID is required to redeem iTunes gift cards. Consumers redeem 5 iTunes gift cards by logging into their Apple ID account and entering the redemption code and 6 PIN on the back of the card. The value of the iTunes gift card is then transferred to the consumer’s 7 Apple ID account, and is immediately available to make purchases on iTunes, from the App Store, 8 or in apps. Once an iTunes gift card has been redeemed, the physical card is worthless, as the 9 entire value of the iTunes gift card has been transferred to the redeemer’s Apple ID account. 10 48. Apple tracks redemption codes on iTunes gift cards to ensure that a single iTunes 11 gift card is not redeemed multiple times. Therefore, when an iTunes gift card is redeemed, Apple 12 knows which iTunes gift card was redeemed and which Apple ID account redeemed the iTunes 13 gift card. 14 49. The packaging for iTunes gift cards contains minimal terms and conditions.23 For 15 example, the outer packaging, which is visible to consumers prior to purchase on iTunes gift card 16 packaging, often provides: 17 Terms and Conditions Valid only on purchases made in the U.S. from Apple Media Services. Use requires an Apple ID and prior acceptance of license & usage terms. Not redeemable for cash, for resale, for shipments outside the U.S. & no refunds or exchanges (except as required by law). Data collection and use subject to Apple’s Privacy Policy; see apple.com/privacy. Neither Apple nor Issuer is responsible for any loss or damage resulting from lost or stolen cards or for use without permission. Void where prohibited. Terms apply; see apple.com/us/go/legal/gc. App Store and iTunes gift cards are issued and managed by Apple Value Services (“Issuer”). © 2017 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. 18 19 20 21 22 50. 23 24 25 26 full terms and conditions for iTunes gift cards (the “Online Terms and Conditions”). The Online Terms and Conditions, which apply to iTunes gift cards and their related codes (together, “Store Credit”) provide, inter alia, that: You agree to not use Store Credit in any manner that is misleading, deceptive, unfair, or otherwise harmful to Issuer, Apple or its customers. We reserve the right, 27 28 The web address on the back of the iTunes gift card packaging directs users to the 23 Apple occasionally changes the language on the iTunes gift card packaging, but the terms on all iTunes gift card packaging are all substantially similar. 10 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 12 of 47 without notice to you, to void or deactivate [iTunes gift cards] (including a portion of your Account balance) without a refund, suspend or terminate customer accounts, suspend or terminate the ability to use the Services, cancel or limit orders and bill alternative forms of payment if we suspect Store Credit was obtained, used, or applied to an Apple ID fraudulently, unlawfully, or otherwise in violation of these terms and conditions. 1 2 3 4 * 5 7 8 Governing Law Except [for residents of certain foreign countries], this Agreement and the relationship between you and Issuer shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflict of laws provisions. You and Issuer agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the county of Santa Clara, to resolve any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement.24 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 * Risk of Loss: Neither Issuer nor Apple is responsible for lost or stolen Store Credit or Content Codes. . . . Apple reserves the right to close accounts and request alternative forms of payment if Store Credit or a Content Code is fraudulently obtained or used on the Service. 6 12 * 51. When consumers purchase an iTunes gift card at retail, they become bound by the terms on the packaging, which incorporate the full Online Terms and Conditions. However, no victim of an iTunes gift card scam is bound by Apple’s attempt to limit its own liability for iTunes gift cards which are lost, stolen, or used without permission. Even if that limitation of liability applied by its terms – which it arguably does not – Apple cannot disclaim liability for loss or damage resulting from scams which it intentionally aids, abets, and perpetuates. Any attempt by Apple to disclaim liability for loss or damage resulting from iTunes gift card scams would be unconscionable and unenforceable in light of its role in those scams and the profit that it makes and retains from such scams. The iTunes Gift Card Scam Costs Hundreds of Millions of Dollars or More 52. The overwhelming majority of iTunes gift card scam victims do not report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). Yet even the losses of the small percentage of victims who do report to the FTC exceeded an estimated $93.5 million during 2015-2019, with the dollar amounts increasing significantly each year. According to FTC data, iTunes gift cards make up approximately 23.7% of all gift card scams. Applying this 23.7% figure to the total gift card scams reported results in the following estimated figures of scams reported to the FTC: 2015- 24 See Legal – iTunes Gift Cards and Codes, APPLE (Mar. 20, 2018) (https://www.apple.com/ legal/internet-services/itunes/giftcards/us/terms.html). 11 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 13 of 47 1 $4.7 million; 2016-$6.4 million; 2017-$9.5 million; 2018-$18.5 million; 2019: $24.4 million; and 2 2020: $30 million; for a total of $93.5 million. This dollar amount is limited to consumers who 3 fill out a detailed online FTC form asking for their personal information. Given the time required 4 to fill out the FTC form and its potential privacy implications, it can reasonably be inferred that 5 only a small percentage of victims submit a report to the FTC (versus another governmental entity). 6 As a result, this publicly reported $93.5 million figure appears to be only the tip of the iceberg. If 7 only 10% of scam victims reported to the FTC (versus local police, attorney general offices, Apple, 8 or nobody at all), the iTunes gift card scam would approach $1 billion in scammed proceeds, with 9 Apple retaining $300 million in commissions. 53. 10 Apple is aware of the widespread nature of the scam and has been for years. Apple 11 has been receiving inquiries from victims (beginning on a date known only to Apple) and requests 12 for information from law enforcement officials. Since July 1, 2016 (the date for which Apple first 13 began separately disclosing this data), U.S. government entities have asked Apple to provide 14 customer data related to more than 60,000 “specific financial identifiers,” such as credit card 15 numbers or gift card numbers. Apple has noted in its public transparency reports that the “[h]igh 16 number” of “financial identifier requests” from government entities in the United States is 17 “predominantly due to iTunes Gift Card and credit card fraud investigations.”25 54. 18 Of course, the large number of financial identifiers included in law enforcement 19 requests are, again, only the tip of the iceberg. Many victims don’t report gift card fraud to any 20 law enforcement entity,26 and even if they do, there is no guarantee their information will be 21 investigated, much less included in a law enforcement subpoena or other formal government 22 request for information to Apple. 23 24 25 26 27 28 25 Apple Transparency Report: Government and Private Party Requests, January 1–June 30, 2019 at 5, 20, APPLE (https://www.apple.com/legal/transparency/pdf/requests-2019-H1-en.pdf). 26 See, e.g., Tamara Lytle, Give Gift Cards to Friends and Family – Not Fraudsters, AARP (Nov. 7, 2019), (https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/prevent-gift-cardfraud.html) (director of fraud victim support at the American Association for Retired Persons, or AARP, says that victims often do not contact law enforcement because “[t]hey are embarrassed and ashamed and they don’t think it does any good”). 12 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 14 of 47 55. 1 iTunes gift cards are the most requested type of gift card brand by scammers “by a 2 wide margin.”27 3 The Mechanics of the “Formulaic” iTunes Gift Card Scam 4 Step One: Victims Buy iTunes Gift Cards and Provide Numbers to Scammers 5 56. 6 As Apple acknowledges, the first step in the formulaic iTunes gift card scam is to obtain a gift card number from the victim: A string of scams are taking place asking people to make payments over the phone for things such as taxes, hospital bills, bail money, debt collection, and utility bills. 7 8 * 9 * * Regardless of the reason for payment, the scam follows a certain formula: The victim receives a call instilling panic and urgency to make a payment by purchasing App Store & iTunes Gift Cards or Apple Store Gift Cards from the nearest retailer (convenience store, electronics retailer, etc.). After the cards have been purchased, the victim is asked to pay by sharing the code(s) on the back of the card with the caller over the phone. 10 11 12 13 14 See Apple, About Gift Card Scams, https://support.apple.com/itunes-gift-card-scams. [Emphasis 15 added.]28 57. 16 Most recently, scammers are preying on the high levels of emotion generated by 17 the Coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers are home more often, and senior citizens 18 may be more isolated than before. Scammers prey on fears and sympathies by promising testing 19 kits, vaccines, and cleaning services, and soliciting donations for charities or organizations 20 impacted by the pandemic.29 Many such scammers are seeking payment in iTunes gift cards. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 27 See Emma Fletcher, Scammers Increasingly Demand Payment by Gift Card, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (Oct. 16, 2018) (https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/dataspotlight/2018/10/scammers-increasingly-demand-payment-gift-card). 28 See also Paying Scammers with Gift Cards, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (Oct. 2018) (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards); Jim Pavia, Scam Victims Pay “Back Taxes” with iTunes Gift Cards, CNBC (Mar. 5, 2018) (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/05/would-you-pay-those-back-taxes-with-itunes-giftcards.html). 29 See e.g., Karen Hobbs, Socially Distancing from COVID-19 Robocall Scams, FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (Mar. 27, 2020) (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/03/sociallydistancing-covid-19-robocall-scams); Police Warn of Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic, JAMES CITY COUNTY, VIRGINIA (Mar. 26, 2020) (https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx? AID=3774&ARC=5633). 13 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 15 of 47 1 2 3 58. If scammers successfully convince victims to purchase iTunes gift cards a first time, they will often demand that victims purchase more iTunes gift cards from retail stores. 59. Once scammers obtain gift card numbers, they can monetize the stored value into 4 U.S. dollars or other currency in one of two ways. First, scammers may control an app on which 5 they make in-app purchases. In this situation, scammers keep 100% of the gift card’s value, less 6 Apple’s 30% commission. Alternatively, scammers can resell the gift card number. In either 7 instance, Apple can track the gift card number’s history and subsequent use. Due to the discounts 8 associated with resale markets and the counterparty risks, this is the less profitable way of 9 monetizing a scammed gift card. In any event, Apple keeps 30% of the stored value even if the 10 scammer resells the gift card. 11 Step Two: Loading the iTunes Gift Card Numbers onto Apple IDs 12 60. If scammers choose to monetize the stored value by making in-app purchases on 13 apps they control, they will upload the iTunes gift card number onto Apple IDs they control. 14 Alternatively, scammers can resell iTunes gift card numbers to third parties who will eventually 15 upload the iTunes gift card numbers onto their Apple IDs. In either case, Apple knows the Apple 16 IDs onto which the gift card numbers have been uploaded. 17 Step Three: Spending the Stored Value on Apps or iTunes Products 18 61. 19 20 21 22 The third step in transforming the iTunes gift cards’ stored value into currency involves spending stored value on Apps or iTunes products. 62. The Apple ID where the gift card was uploaded will spend stored value by purchasing apps, making in-app purchases, or buying iTunes products. 63. By this point, Apple has three important data points: (1) the retail store where the 23 gift cards were purchased; (2) the Apple IDs where the gift cards’ stored value was uploaded; and 24 (3) the Apps or iTunes products where the stored value was spent. 25 Step Four: Apple’s Payment to App Developers and Its 30% Commission 26 64. Approximately 45 days after the end of the fiscal month, Apple pays Apple 27 Developers 70% of the total purchases for the period (including those from Apple IDs associated 28 with scammed iTunes gift cards), and retains the remaining 30% as its commission. 14 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 16 of 47 65. 1 If scammers control the apps where the purchases were made, they receive 70%. If 2 a third party controls the App, Apple reserves the right to retain proceeds from fraudulent 3 purchases. 4 Apple Perpetuates and Profits from the iTunes Gift Card Scam 5 66. As noted above, Apple keeps 30% of scammed proceeds. 6 67. Apple is fully aware of the iTunes gift card scam but does little to stop it. Instead, 7 Apple engages in conduct that effectively perpetuates it. 68. 8 In particular, Apple tells victims that once redemption codes are provided to 9 scammers, “the funds on the card will likely be spent before you are able to contact Apple or law 10 enforcement.”30 This statement is highly misleading and suggests to victims that there is nothing 11 Apple can do. First, Apple does not inform consumers that it is keeping 30% of the scammed 12 iTunes gift card proceeds. Second, Apple does not inform victims that it keeps the stored value 13 for 45 days before converting it into currency and paying third-party vendors – who often are the 14 scammers themselves. 69. 15 If victims of the scam contact Apple, it responds uniformly and, on information and 16 belief, using a standardized protocol or script. Apple requests and records victims’ Apple ID 17 accounts and redemptions codes on the back of the iTunes gift cards and determines whether the 18 iTunes gift cards have been redeemed. If the iTunes gift cards have not been redeemed, Apple 19 may cancel the iTunes gift cards and refund money to victims. If the iTunes gift cards have been 20 redeemed – which is most often the case – Apple informs victims there is nothing it can do. 70. 21 Although Apple remains largely silent about this epidemic – addressing it almost 22 exclusively through the page on its website referenced above – it has described a common 23 corporate protocol for dealing with victims who call Apple after realizing scammers swindled them 24 by exploiting Apple’s gift card system. 25 71. 26 A spokesman said that if someone contacts Apple Support after sending off the gift card code – and the money has not been drained from the card – they can freeze the 27 28 When NBC News contacted Apple in 2016, the network reported: 30 See About Gift Card Scams, APPLE (https://support.apple.com/itunes-gift-cardscams#:~:text=If%20you%20believe%20you're,%22gift%20cards%22%20when%20prompted) (last visited July 16, 2020). 15 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 17 of 47 account and have the money refunded to them. If the money is already gone, Apple advises people to file a complaint with the FTC.31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Apple’s spokesman thus confirmed that Apple does not restore funds to scam victims who contact Apple after their cards have been redeemed. Apple’s spokesman also confirmed that Apple deceptively suggests to scam victims that their money is “gone,” even when it will retain a 30% commission, and, in many cases, has not yet paid the remaining 70% into the scammer’s bank account. 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 73. When Apple receives redemption codes from victims or law enforcement, it can identify: 13 17 Apple’s suggestions of futility and statements that there is nothing it can do are false. 12 16 72. • the Apple ID that uploads the gift card number and its stored value; • apps or digital media purchased, or in-app purchases made, with funds from gift cards; • the Apple Developer financial accounts associated with App Store purchases; and • whether Apple has paid Apple Developers for those purchases. 74. Because Apple can identify Apple ID accounts involved in scams, it can suspend the Apple ID accounts that redeemed fraudulently obtained iTunes gift cards. 75. Moreover, because Apple does not transfer payment to Apple Developers for purchases of apps or in-app purchases until approximately 45 days after its fiscal month, Apple can stop payment to the Apple Developer’s bank account, and can suspend or remove from the App Store any apps involved in a scam. Indeed, it reserves the right to cancel payment to, or obtain reimbursement from, App Developers if there is a complaint. 76. On information and belief, Apple – a highly sophisticated participant in the technology industry which monitors and tracks key information at each point in the process of the scam, from the time the iTunes gift card is sold through redemption and use – possesses other means and technology to determine which iTunes gift cards have been redeemed by scammers, the 27 28 31 Herb Weisbaum, Fraud Alert: Scammers Get Victims to Pay with iTunes Gift Cards, NBC NEWS (May 27, 2016) (https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/apple/fraud-alert-scammers-get-victimspay-itunes-gift-cards-n581591). 16 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 18 of 47 1 identity of the Apple ID and Apple Developer accounts involved in gift card scams, and the identity 2 of victims of gift card scams. 3 77. Despite such means and technology, Apple uniformly and consistently informs 4 victims that there is nothing that Apple can do if the iTunes gift card has been redeemed by 5 scammers. Apple knows that representation is false. 6 78. Further, Apple fails to inform consumers – online or by telephone – that, regardless 7 of whether the iTunes gift card was redeemed, if the victim contacts Apple after becoming the 8 victim of a scam and provides the redemption code to Apple, Apple can determine the identities 9 of the Apple ID and Apple Developer accounts involved in the scam, stop payment to the Apple 10 11 Developer account, and refund the value of the iTunes gift card to the victim. 79. Apple has a duty to disclose and not conceal from Plaintiffs and Class members the 12 foregoing material facts. Apple’s duty to disclose arises out of: (1) its misrepresentation to 13 consumers that if the iTunes gift card has been redeemed there is nothing Apple can do as the 14 funds have been spent; and (2) its exclusive knowledge and active concealment of material facts 15 which allows Apple to identify all accounts involved in iTunes gift card scams, stop payment to 16 scammers, and return the value of iTunes gift cards to scam victims. 17 80. Apple’s omissions and false and misleading statements, as set forth above, are 18 intentional and done for the purpose of retaining its 30% commission on all purchases made with 19 fraudulently obtained iTunes gift cards. 20 21 22 81. Apple intentionally aids and abets scammers, and ensures that the iTunes gift card scams will continue, to the direct benefit of Apple. 82. In addition to misleading consumers and refusing to refund their money – even 23 when consumers contact Apple and directly provide Apple with all the information needed to do 24 so – Apple makes payment to Apple Developers it knows are scammers, and thus encourages 25 additional scams by those same Apple Developers and future Apple Developers. 26 83. Further, in 2012, Apple began making iTunes gift cards sold by retailers available 27 for purchase in amounts up to $500. Making iTunes gift cards available in such large 28 denominations dramatically increased the amount scammers could obtain from unwitting 17 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 19 of 47 1 consumers. On information and belief, Apple knows that a disproportionate number of $500 2 iTunes gift cards were being redeemed by scammers, and yet it either continues to sell them or has 3 quietly discontinued their use. 4 84. Apple also fails to warn consumers about iTunes gift card scams at the point of 5 retail purchase. Apple knows that iTunes gift card scams are designed to instill “panic and 6 urgency” in victims, thus preventing them from doing the research and investigation that would 7 lead them to Apple’s “About Gift Card Scams” website page. Despite this knowledge, Apple 8 generally provides no warning to consumers on the outer retail packaging of its gift cards. 9 85. Apple could, and should, state prominently on its outer packaging that consumers 10 should beware of telephone and internet scams involving gift cards and should not purchase the 11 card in their hands if they have been asked to do so by persons unknown to them who claim that 12 payment by iTunes gift card is urgently needed. 13 86. Instead, Apple aids and abets scammers, and perpetuates the scams, by issuing only 14 a weak warning after its iTunes gift card has been purchased. Apple says nothing on its outer 15 packaging or even the iTunes gift cards themselves regarding scams or urgent demands for 16 payment by unknown persons. Instead, Apple instructs, on the back of the card only, “Do not 17 share your code with anyone you do not know.” This anemic instruction not only fails to alert 18 consumers of the widespread phenomenon known to Apple, but is visible to consumers only after 19 they have already purchased an iTunes gift card and committed those funds to Apple in a 20 transaction which, by its terms, permits no refunds. 21 87. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct, misrepresentations, and 22 omissions described herein, Plaintiffs and Class members suffered damages including the amount 23 of money that each Plaintiff and class member spent on iTunes gift cards that were not refunded 24 to them by Apple. 25 26 27 28 18 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 20 of 47 1 2 3 FACTS PERTAINING TO PLAINTIFFS Plaintiff Barrett 88. In May 2017, Plaintiff Barrett was experiencing computer problems, and searched 4 online for assistance. Eventually, Barrett was contacted by someone who told him that they could 5 fix his computer problems. 6 89. After the individual obtained remote access to Barrett’s computer, the individual 7 told Barrett that he needed to purchase a $100 iTunes gift card and provide the codes on the back 8 of the gift card to tech support, who would refund him the money he paid for the gift card. 9 10 11 90. Plaintiff Barrett purchased a $100 iTunes gift card and provided the codes on the back of the iTunes gift cards to the person who accessed his computer. 91. The individual then told Barrett that he needed to purchase another iTunes gift card 12 and provide the codes on the back before he received his refund, this time for the full amount of 13 both cards. At that point Barrett realized he had been scammed. 14 92. Barrett did not contact Apple after being victimized by scammers, because he was 15 informed that once the scammers redeemed the iTunes gift card there is nothing that Apple would 16 do for Barrett. 17 Plaintiff Polston 18 93. In 2019, Plaintiff Polston received text messages from a person who was posing as 19 a family member. The individual told Polston that if he purchased gift cards and provided the 20 codes to him, Polston would win money. 21 22 94. Polston purchased gift cards, including $350 in iTunes gift cards, and provided the codes on the back to the individual who was posing as a family member. 23 95. Soon thereafter, Plaintiff Polston realized he was the victim of a scam. 24 96. Plaintiff Polston contacted his local police department to report that he was the 25 victim of a scam involving gift cards. Polston did not contact Apple after being victimized by 26 scammers, because he was informed that once the scammers redeemed the iTunes gift card there 27 is nothing that Apple would do for Polston. 28 19 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 21 of 47 1 Plaintiff Martin 97. 2 In January 2020, Plaintiff Martin received a telephone call from a person who 3 threatened to disable Martin’s computer unless she purchased $125 in iTunes gift cards and 4 provided the code on the back of the cards. 5 6 7 98. Martin purchased three iTunes gift cards and provided the codes on the back to the 99. Later the same day, Martin realized she was the victim of a scam and contacted caller. 8 Apple. She told an Apple representative what happened and provided the codes on the back of the 9 three cards. Martin asked Apple to refund the money she spent on the iTunes gift cards. 10 100. The Apple representative informed Martin that the iTunes gift cards had already 11 been redeemed and refused to refund Martin anything. The Apple representative told Martin that 12 Apple does not receive the money she spent to purchase the iTunes gift cards. 13 Plaintiff Watson 14 101. In November 2019, Plaintiff Watson was contacted by an unknown individual over 15 social media. After a couple of months of communicating, the individual began asking Watson 16 for financial assistance. The individual asked Watson to purchase gift cards, including iTunes gift 17 cards, and provide the codes on the back. 18 19 20 102. Watson purchased approximately $250 of iTunes gift cards and provided the codes on the back to the individual. 103. Watson realized he was the victim of a scam when he noticed social media profiles 21 using the same profile pictures as the individual, but with different names. Watson did not contact 22 Apple after being victimized by scammers, because he was informed that once the scammers 23 redeemed the iTunes gift card there is nothing that Apple would do for Watson. 24 Plaintiff Marinbach 25 104. In 2018, Plaintiff Marinbach began communicating with an individual on social 26 media. After a couple of months, the individual began asking Marinbach for financial assistance. 27 The individual asked Marinbach to purchase iTunes gift cards and provide the codes on the back. 28 20 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 22 of 47 1 2 3 4 5 105. Marinbach purchased approximately $600 in iTunes gift cards and provided the codes on the back to the individual. 106. Marinbach realized that he was the victim of a scam after the individual did not show up to an in-person meeting. 107. Marinbach contacted Apple approximately a week after he purchased the iTunes 6 gift cards, and provided the codes on the back to an Apple representative. The representative told 7 Marinbach that the iTunes gift cards had been redeemed and refused to provide Marinbach a refund 8 for the iTunes gift cards. The representative told Marinbach that it is Apple’s policy not to refund 9 iTunes gift cards, and refund requests must be directed to the merchant that sold him his iTunes 10 gift cards. 11 Plaintiffs Michael and Maria Rodriguez 12 108. In December 2017, Plaintiff Michael Rodriguez believed that the computer that he 13 shared with his mother, Plaintiff Maria Rodriguez, was infected with a computer virus. The 14 computer was locked and the monitor displayed the telephone number for a computer company 15 they needed to call to resolve their computer problems. The company’s computer technician 16 convinced Maria and Michael Rodriguez to provide him with remote access to their computer. 17 109. After the technician gained remote access to the computer, he told Michael and 18 Maria Rodriguez that he would not fix their computer until they purchased iTunes gift cards and 19 provided him with the codes on the back. 20 21 22 23 24 110. Michael and Maria Rodriguez purchased approximately $1,000 in iTunes gift cards and provided the codes on the back to the individual. 111. Michael and Maria Rodriguez realized they were victims of a scam when the company stopped answering their phone calls. 112. Michael and Maria Rodriguez contacted the district attorney and local police to 25 report that they were victims of a scam. Michael and Maria Rodriguez did not contact Apple after 26 being victimized by scammers, because they were informed that once the scammers redeemed the 27 iTunes gift card there is nothing that Apple would do for them. 28 21 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 23 of 47 1 TOLLING OF STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS 113. 2 Any applicable statute(s) of limitations were tolled by Apple’s knowing, active 3 concealment, and denial of the facts alleged herein. Apple’s conduct is inherently self-concealing 4 because Apple does not disclose the details of its iTunes gift card tracking capabilities, Apple ID 5 tracking capabilities and App and iTunes Store merchant policies. As a result, Plaintiffs and 6 members of the Class could not have reasonably discovered the true nature of Apple’s conduct 7 until shortly before this class action litigation was commenced. 114. 8 In addition, even after Plaintiffs and Class members contacted Apple concerning 9 gift card scams, Apple routinely told them that, if their gift cards were redeemed, there was nothing 10 Apple can do, or that Apple does not retain any money from the gift card. Apple’s representations 11 of futility and statements that it does not profit from the scam are false. 115. 12 Apple was and remains under a continuing duty to disclose to Plaintiffs and Class 13 members the true nature of its involvement in gift card scams, including that it can identify all 14 accounts involved in the scam, stop payment to scammers, and return the value of iTunes gift cards 15 to victims. As a result of Apple’s active concealment, any and all statutes of limitations otherwise 16 applicable to the allegations herein were tolled. 17 CLASS ALLEGATIONS 116. 18 19 Plaintiffs bring this action, individually, and on behalf of a nationwide class, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(a), 23(b)(2), and/or 23(b)(3), defined as follows: 20 Nationwide Class 21 All persons in the United States who, during the Class Period, purchased one or more iTunes gift cards, provided the redemption codes to people unknown to them who sought the codes under false pretenses, and were not refunded the value of the iTunes gift cards by Apple. 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 117. The Class Period is initially defined as the period between January 1, 2015 and the present.32 118. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(c)(5), Plaintiffs also seek to represent subclasses, defined as follows: 32 Plaintiffs reserve the right to expand or amend the Class Period based on discovery produced in this matter. 22 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 24 of 47 1 Contact Subclass 2 All persons in the United States who, during the Class Period, purchased one or more iTunes gift cards, provided the redemption codes to people unknown to them who sought the codes under false pretenses, contacted Apple regarding the scam, and were not refunded the value of the iTunes gift cards by Apple. 3 4 5 Elder Subclass 7 All persons in the United States 65 years of age or older who, during the Class Period, purchased one or more iTunes gift cards, provided the redemption codes to people unknown to them who sought the codes under false pretenses, and were not refunded the value of the iTunes gift cards by Apple. 8 119. 6 The Nationwide Class, Contact Subclass, and Elder Subclass shall be collectively 9 referred to herein as the “Class.” Excluded from the Class are: (a) Defendants; (b) Defendants’ 10 affiliates, agents, employees, officers and directors; (c) Plaintiffs’ counsel and Defendant’s 11 counsel; and (d) the judge assigned to this matter, the judge’s staff, and any member of the judge’s 12 immediate family. Plaintiffs reserve the right to modify, change, or expand the various class 13 definitions set forth above based on discovery and further investigation. 14 120. Numerosity: Upon information and belief, the Class is so numerous that joinder of 15 all members is impracticable. While the exact number and identity of individual members of the 16 Class is unknown at this time, such information being in the sole possession of Apple and/or third 17 parties and obtainable by Plaintiffs only through the discovery process, Plaintiffs believe, and on 18 that basis allege, that the Class consists of hundreds of thousands of people. The number of Class 19 members can be determined based on Apple’s and other third party’s records. 20 121. Commonality: Common questions of law and fact exist as to all members of each 21 Class. These questions predominate over questions affecting individual Class members. These 22 common legal and factual questions include, but are not limited to: 23 a. gift cards are redeemed; 24 25 b. whether Apple conceals material facts regarding its ability to stop payments to scammers and return money to scam victims; 26 27 whether Apple misrepresents that there is nothing that Apple can do after iTunes c. whether Apple profited from gift card scams involving iTunes gift cards; 28 23 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 25 of 47 1 d. whether Apple’s conduct violates the state consumer protection statutes asserted herein; 2 3 e. whether Apple has been wrongfully enriched as a result of its conduct; 4 f. whether money Apple obtained from gift card scams rightfully belongs to Plaintiffs and Class members; 5 6 g. whether Apple should be required to return money it received as a result of gift card scams to Plaintiffs and Class members; 7 8 h. whether Apple breached the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; 9 i. whether Apple aids and abets scammers in perpetrating gift card scams; 10 j. whether Apple’s conduct constitutes financial elder abuse; and 11 k. whether Plaintiffs and Class members accepted the iTunes gift card terms and conditions by purchasing, but not redeeming, an iTunes gift card. 12 13 122. Typicality: Plaintiffs have the same interest in this matter as all Class members, 14 and Plaintiffs’ claims arise out of the same set of facts and conduct as the claims of all Class 15 members. Plaintiffs’ and Class members’ claims all arise out Apple’s uniform misrepresentations, 16 omissions, and unlawful, unfair, and deceptive acts and practices related to iTunes gift cards. 17 123. Adequacy: Plaintiffs have no interest that conflicts with the interests of the Class, 18 and are committed to pursuing this action vigorously. Plaintiffs have retained counsel competent 19 and experienced in complex consumer class action litigation. Accordingly, Plaintiffs and their 20 counsel will fairly and adequately protect the interests of the Class. 21 124. Superiority: A class action is superior to all other available means of fair and 22 efficient adjudication of the claims of Plaintiffs and members of the Class. The injury suffered by 23 each individual Class member is relatively small compared to the burden and expense of individual 24 prosecution of the complex and extensive litigation necessitated by Apple’s conduct. It would be 25 virtually impossible for individual Class members to effectively redress the wrongs done to them. 26 Even if Class members could afford individualized litigation, the court system could not. 27 Individualized litigation would increase delay and expense to all parties, and to the court system, 28 because of the complex legal and factual issues of this case. Individualized rulings and judgments 24 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 26 of 47 1 could result in inconsistent relief for similarly-situated individuals. By contrast, the class action 2 device presents far fewer management difficulties, and provides the benefits of single adjudication, 3 economy of scale, and comprehensive supervision by a single court. 125. 4 Defendants have acted or refused to act on grounds generally applicable to the 5 Class, thereby making appropriate final injunctive relief and corresponding declaratory relief with 6 respect to the Class as a whole. 7 CALIFORNIA LAW APPLIES TO THE ENTIRE CLASS 126. 8 9 where in the United States the Class members reside. Apple’s terms and conditions state: 10 Governing Law. Except [for residents of certain foreign countries], this Agreement and the relationship between you and Issuer shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflict of laws provisions. You and Issuer agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the county of Santa Clara, to resolve any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement.33 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 California’s substantive laws apply to every member of the Class, regardless of 127. By choosing California law for the resolution of disputes in the agreement, Apple concedes that it is appropriate for this Court to apply California law to the instant dispute. 128. Further, California’s substantive laws may be constitutionally applied to the claims of Plaintiffs and the Class under the Due Process Clause, 14th Amend. §1, and the Full Faith and Credit Clause, Art. IV §1 of the U.S. Constitution. California has significant contact, or significant aggregation of contacts, to the claims asserted by Plaintiffs and all Class members, thereby creating state interests that ensure that the choice of California state law is not arbitrary or unfair. 129. Apple’s headquarters and principal place of business is located in California. Apple also owns property and conducts substantial business in California, and therefore California has an interest in regulating Apple’s conduct under its laws. Apple’s decision to reside in California and avail itself of California’s laws, and to engage in the challenged conduct from and emanating out of California, renders the application of California law to the claims herein constitutionally permissible. 27 28 33 See Legal – iTunes Gift Cards and Codes, APPLE (Mar. (https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/giftcards/us/terms.html). 25 20, 2018) CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 27 of 47 1 130. California is also the state from which Apple’s alleged misconduct emanated. On 2 information and belief, the decision-making regarding the design and marketing of Apple products, 3 including the iTunes gift cards, app store and iTunes occurred in and emanated from California, 4 and Apple received commissions from purchases with fraudulently obtained iTunes gift cards in 5 California. As such, the conduct complained of herein emanated from California. This conduct 6 similarly injured and affected Plaintiffs and all other Class members. 7 131. The application of California laws to the Class is also appropriate under 8 California’s choice of law rules because California has significant contacts to the claims of 9 Plaintiffs and the proposed Class, and California has a greater interest in applying its laws here 10 than any other interested state. 11 FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION 12 Violation of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act Cal. Civil Code §1750, et seq. (On behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) (For Injunctive and Equitable Relief) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 132. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 131, as though fully set forth herein. 133. At all relevant times there was in full force and effect the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act (“CLRA”), Cal. Civ. Code §1750, et seq. 134. Plaintiffs and Class members are “consumers” as that term is defined by California Civil Code section 1761(d). 135. Apple is a “person” as that term is defined by California Civil Code section 1761(c). 136. Apple engaged in deceptive or unfair acts in violation of the CLRA by the practices described above, by knowingly and intentionally concealing from Plaintiffs and Class members that Apple can identify the Apple ID and Apple Developer accounts belonging to scammers, stop payment to those accounts, and return the value of the iTunes gift card when provided with the redemption code on the back of an iTunes gift card, by knowingly and intentionally paying illegally obtained money to scammers, and by knowingly and intentionally retaining money that was the result of unlawful conduct. 26 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 28 of 47 1 137. In the course of their business, Defendants repeatedly and regularly engaged in 2 unfair and/or deceptive acts or practices that were capable of deceiving (and did deceive) a 3 substantial portion of the public, and imposed a serious harm on consumers, including Plaintiffs 4 and Class members. 5 138. Apple’s acts and practices are unfair because they offend public policy, are 6 immoral, unethical, oppressive unscrupulous, and substantially injurious to consumers, including 7 Plaintiffs and members of the Class. The injuries suffered by Plaintiffs and Class members greatly 8 outweigh any potential countervailing benefit to consumers or competition, and are not injuries 9 that Plaintiffs and Class members should have reasonably avoided. 10 11 139. The acts and practices complained of herein violate, at a minimum, the following sections of the CLRA: 15 (a)(3) Misrepresenting the affiliation, connection, or association with, or certification by, another; (a)(5) Representing that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, or quantities that they do not have or that a person has a sponsorship, approval, status, affiliation, or connection that the person does not have. (a)(19) Inserting an unconscionable provision in the contract. 16 140. 12 13 14 Defendants knowingly and intentionally made false representations and omissions 17 of material fact because Apple knows that it has the capability of determining the Apple ID account 18 that redeemed the iTunes gift card, the accounts that created the products that were distributed on 19 iTunes or the App Store that were purchased with the funds from the iTunes gift card involved in 20 a scam, and that Apple can stop payment to the Apple Developer accounts and return the Plaintiffs’ 21 and Class members’ money. Instead, Apple makes payment to Apple Developers who are known 22 to Apple to be profiting from scams, and thus encourages additional scams by those same Apple 23 Developers and future Apple Developers. 24 connection, or association with the scammers. 25 141. As such, Apple misrepresented its affiliation, Defendants knowingly and intentionally made false representations and omissions 26 of material fact because Apple fails to inform consumers and falsely represents that, if the victim 27 of a gift card scam provides the redemption code on the back of an iTunes gift card, Apple can 28 identify the Apple ID accounts involved in a gift card scam, stop payment to Apple Developer 27 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 29 of 47 1 accounts for purchases made with funds from fraudulently obtained iTunes gift cards, and can 2 return the money to Plaintiffs and Class members. Instead, by informing consumers that there is 3 nothing that Apple can do if a scammer has redeemed the iTunes gift card, Apple misrepresents 4 the characteristics and uses of iTunes gift cards. 5 142. Apple was under a duty to disclose to Plaintiffs and Class members that it can 6 identify the iTunes gift card, Apple ID, and Apple Developer accounts involved in a gift card scam, 7 and can stop payment to scammers and return the money that victims of gift card scams paid 8 because: 9 a. been redeemed; 10 11 Apple misrepresents that there is nothing that it can do if the iTunes gift card has b. Apple has exclusive knowledge of the methods of identifying scammers, stopping 12 payment to scammers, and returning the value of the iTunes gift card to victims; 13 and 14 c. payment to scammers, and return the value of the iTunes gift card to the victim. 15 16 17 18 Apple actively conceals the material facts that it can identify the scammers, stop 143. Apple knowingly and intentionally concealed those material facts and breached its duty not to do so. 144. Apple fails to disclose on the packaging of the gift cards that consumers should 19 beware of telephone and internet scams involving gift cards and should not purchase the card if 20 they have been asked to do so by persons unknown to them who claim that payment by iTunes gift 21 card is urgently needed. 22 145. The facts concealed or not disclosed by Apple to Plaintiffs and Class members are 23 material in that a reasonable consumer would have acted differently by, inter alia, contacting 24 Apple and providing the redemption code on the back of the iTunes gift card involved in the gift 25 card scam, demanding that Apple return the value of the Gift Card and/or the 30% commission 26 that Apple retains to the victim of the gift card scam, and pursuing legal action against Apple 27 regarding its involvement and profiting from gift card scams. 28 28 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 30 of 47 1 146. Apple inserted an unconscionable provision in the Gift Card terms and conditions 2 by attempting to disclaim liability for lost or stolen Gift Cards. The disclaimer of liability is 3 unconscionable because Apple aids, abets, and profits from the gift card scams, has the ability to 4 identify and/or knows the identity of gift card scammers, and knowingly transfers money obtain 5 through gift card scams to the scammers’ Apple Developer accounts. Apple’s attempt to disclaim 6 liability for its knowing participation in and profiting from gift card scams is unconscionable. 7 147. Under California Civil Code section 1780(a), Plaintiffs and Class members seek 8 injunctive and equitable relief for Apple’s violations of the CLRA. After mailing appropriate 9 notice and demand under California Civil Code section 1782(a) & (d), Plaintiffs subsequently will 10 11 amend this Complaint to also include a request for damages. 148. Plaintiffs and the Class therefore also request this Court enter such orders or 12 judgments necessary to restore to any person any money acquired as a result of Apple’s deceptive 13 and/or unfair business practices, and for such other relief, including attorneys’ fees and costs, as 14 provided in California Civil Code section 1780 and the Prayer for Relief. 15 SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION 16 Violation of the California Unfair Competition Law Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17200 (On Behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) 17 18 19 20 149. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 148, as though fully set forth herein. 150. At all relevant times there was in full force and effect the California Unfair 21 Competition Law (“UCL”), Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17200, et seq., which prohibits, inter alia, 22 “any unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business act or practice” and “unfair, deceptive, untrue, or 23 misleading advertising.” Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17200. 24 151. Apple also engaged in business acts and practices deemed “unfair” under the UCL, 25 because the conduct, statements, and omissions described above, and by knowingly and 26 intentionally concealing from Plaintiffs and Class members that it can identify and stop payment 27 to scammers and return the value of the iTunes gift card when provided with the redemption code 28 on the back of an iTunes gift card, by knowingly and intentionally paying illegally obtained money 29 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 31 of 47 1 to third parties, and by knowingly and intentionally retaining money that was the result of scams 2 perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Class members. Unfair acts under the UCL have been interpreted 3 using three different tests: (1) whether the public policy which is a predicate to a consumer unfair 4 competition action under the unfair prong of the UCL is tethered to specific constitutional, 5 statutory, or regulatory provisions; (2) whether the gravity of the harm to the consumer caused by 6 the challenged business practice outweighs the utility of the defendant’s conduct; and (3) whether 7 the consumer injury is substantial, not outweighed by any countervailing benefits to consumers or 8 competition, and is an injury that consumers themselves could not reasonably have avoided. 9 Defendant’s conduct is unfair under each of these tests. Apple’s conduct alleged is unfair under 10 11 all of these tests. 152. Apple was under a duty to disclose to Plaintiffs and Class members that it can 12 identify the iTunes gift card, Apple ID, and Apple Developer accounts involved in a gift card scam, 13 and stop payment to scammers and return the money that victims of gift card scams paid because: 14 a. redeemed; 15 16 Apple mispresents that there is nothing that it can do if the iTunes gift card has been b. Apple has exclusive knowledge of the methods of identifying scammers, stopping 17 payment to scammers, and returning the value of the iTunes gift card to victims; 18 and 19 c. payment to scammers, and return the value of the iTunes gift card to the victim. 20 21 Apple actively conceals the material facts that it can identify the scammers, stop 153. The facts concealed or not disclosed by Apple to Plaintiffs and Class members are 22 material in that a reasonable consumer would have acted differently by, inter alia, contacting 23 Apple and providing the redemption code on the back of the iTunes gift card involved in the gift 24 card scam, demanding that Apple return the value of the Gift Card and/or the 30% commission 25 that Apple retains to the victim of the gift card scam, and pursuing legal action against Apple 26 regarding its involvement and profiting from gift card scams. 27 28 154. Apple engaged in business acts and practices deemed “unlawful” under the UCL, because, because they violate state and federal statutes and regulations, including but not limited 30 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 32 of 47 1 to, California Civil Code sections 1668, 1709, 1710, 1750, California Business & Professions Code 2 section 17500, California Welfare & Institutions Code section 15600, and constitute aiding and 3 abetting conversion. 4 155. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s unlawful, unfair, and deceptive 5 practices, Plaintiffs and Class members suffered damages. Apple’s participation in the gift card 6 scams and concealment of its role and ability to track and stop payments to scammers, aids and 7 abets scammers, and perpetuates the scams. 156. 8 Plaintiffs seek to enjoin further unlawful, unfair, and/or fraudulent acts or practices 9 by Apple, to obtain restitution and disgorgement of all monies generated as a result of such 10 practices, and for all other relief allowed under California Business & Professions Code section 11 17200. 12 THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION 13 Violation of the California False Advertising Law Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17500 (On behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) 14 15 16 17 157. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 156, as though fully set forth herein. 158. At all relevant times there was in full force and effect the California False 18 Advertising Law (“FAL”), Cal Bus. & Prof. Code §17500, et seq., which prohibits, inter alia, 19 making or disseminating “any other manner or means whatever, including over the Internet, any 20 statement . . . which is untrue or misleading, and which is known, or which by the exercise of 21 reasonable case should be known, to be untrue or misleading.” See Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17500. 22 159. Apple caused to be made or disseminated throughout California and the United 23 States, through advertising, marketing, and other publications, statements that were untrue or 24 misleading, and which were known, or which by the exercise of reasonable care should have been 25 known to Apple, to be untrue and misleading to consumers, including Plaintiffs and members of 26 the Class. 27 28 160. Apple violated section 17500 because the misrepresentations and omissions as set forth in this Complaint were material and likely to deceive a reasonable consumer. 31 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 33 of 47 1 161. Plaintiffs and the other Class members have suffered an injury in fact, including the 2 loss of money or property, as a result of Defendants’ unfair, unlawful, and/or deceptive practices. 3 Plaintiffs and Class members relied on the misrepresentations and/or omissions of Apple. 4 Defendants’ representations were untrue because Apple actually possesses the ability to identify 5 the Apple ID and Apple Developer accounts involved in iTunes gift card scams, stop payment to 6 the scammers, and return the money to the victims of the scam, including Plaintiffs and Class 7 members. Had Plaintiffs and Class members known this, they would have contacted Apple before 8 Apple paid the scammers. Accordingly, Plaintiffs and the Class members suffered injuries as a 9 direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct. 10 162. All of the wrongful conduct alleged herein occurred, and continues to occur, in the 11 conduct of Defendants’ businesses. 12 generalized course of conduct that is still being perpetuated and repeated, both in the state of 13 California and nationwide. 14 163. Defendants’ wrongful conduct is part of a pattern or Plaintiffs, individually and on behalf of all the other Class members, request that 15 this Court enter such orders or judgements as may be necessary to enjoin Apple from continuing 16 its unfair, unlawful, and/or deceptive practices and to restore to Plaintiffs and Class members any 17 money Apple acquired, including restitution and/or disgorgement, and for such other relief set 18 forth below. 19 FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION 20 Breach of Contract (On Behalf of Plaintiffs and the Class) 21 22 23 24 164. Plaintiffs hereby re-alleges and incorporates all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 163, as though fully set forth herein. 165. Plaintiffs entered into a contract with Apple by purchasing iTunes gift cards that 25 can be used to make purchases from iTunes, in the App Store, or inside of apps purchased or 26 downloaded from the App Store (as noted, the latter are often called “in-app purchases”). iTunes 27 gift cards are sold by Apple both directly to consumers, and indirectly to consumers through 28 retailers. 32 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 34 of 47 166. 1 Specifically, the iTunes gift cards refer to and incorporate Apple’s terms and 2 conditions. Specifically, the outer packaging, which is visible to consumers prior to purchase on 3 iTunes gift card packaging, often provides: 4 Terms and Conditions Valid only on purchases made in the U.S. from Apple Media Services. Use requires an Apple ID and prior acceptance of license & usage terms. Not redeemable for cash, for resale, for shipments outside the U.S. & no refunds or exchanges (except as required by law). Data collection and use subject to Apple’s Privacy Policy; see apple.com/privacy. Neither Apple nor Issuer is responsible for any loss or damage resulting from lost or stolen cards or for use without permission. Void where prohibited. Terms apply; see apple.com/us/go/legal/gc. App Store and iTunes gift cards are issued and managed by Apple Value Services (“Issuer”). © 2017 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 167. full terms and conditions for iTunes gift cards (the “Online Terms and Conditions”). The Online Terms and Conditions, which apply to iTunes gift cards and their related codes (together, “Store Credit”) provide, inter alia, that: You agree to not use Store Credit in any manner that is misleading, deceptive, unfair, or otherwise harmful to Issuer, Apple or its customers. We reserve the right, without notice to you, to void or deactivate [iTunes gift cards] (including a portion of your Account balance) without a refund, suspend or terminate customer accounts, suspend or terminate the ability to use the Services, cancel or limit orders and bill alternative forms of payment if we suspect Store Credit was obtained, used, or applied to an Apple ID fraudulently, unlawfully, or otherwise in violation of these terms and conditions. 14 15 16 17 * 18 19 21 23 24 27 28 * Governing Law Except [for residents of certain foreign countries], this Agreement and the relationship between you and Issuer shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, excluding its conflict of laws provisions. You and Issuer agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located within the county of Santa Clara, to resolve any dispute or claim arising from this Agreement. 22 26 * Risk of Loss: Neither Issuer nor Apple is responsible for lost or stolen Store Credit or Content Codes. . . . Apple reserves the right to close accounts and request alternative forms of payment if Store Credit or a Content Code is fraudulently obtained or used on the Service.34 20 25 The web address on the back of the iTunes gift card packaging directs users to the 168. When a consumer purchases an iTunes gift card at retail, he or she becomes bound by the terms on the packaging, which incorporate the full Online Terms and Conditions. However, no victim of an iTunes gift card scam is bound by Apple’s attempt to limit its own liability for 34 See Legal – iTunes Gift Cards and Codes, APPLE (Mar. 20, 2018) (https://www.apple.com/ legal/internet-services/itunes/giftcards/us/terms.html). 33 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 35 of 47 1 iTunes gift cards which are lost, stolen, or used without permission. Even if that limitation of 2 liability applied by its terms – which it arguably does not – Apple cannot disclaim liability for loss 3 or damage resulting from scams which it intentionally aids, abets, and perpetuates, as set forth 4 below. Any attempt by Apple to disclaim liability for loss or damage resulting from iTunes gift 5 card scams would be unconscionable and unenforceable in light of its role in those scams and the 6 profit that it makes and retains from such scams. 169. 7 8 conditions with Plaintiffs and the Class. 170. 9 10 By keeping 30% of the scammed proceeds, Apple breaches the terms and As described above, Apple is fully aware of the iTunes gift card scam, but does little to stop it and, instead, engages in conduct that has the effect of perpetuating it. 171. 11 In particular, Apple uses its website to tell victims that once the redemption codes 12 are provided to scammers, “the funds on the card will likely be spent before you are able to contact 13 Apple or law enforcement.”35 This statement is false. First, it does not inform consumers that 14 Apple is keeping 30% of the scammed iTunes gift card proceeds. Second, it does not inform the 15 reader that Apple keeps the stored value for 45 days before converting it into U.S. dollars and 16 paying it to third parties. 172. 17 18 Indeed, in breach of its terms and conditions, Apple does not refund the app purchases from the gift card scams and improperly retains the 30% of the app proceeds. 173. 19 Indeed, because Apple does not transfer payment to Apple Developers for 20 purchases of apps or in-app purchases until approximately 45 days after the end of the monthly 21 period when the purchases were made, Apple can stop payment to the Apple Developer’s bank 22 account, and can suspend or remove from the App Store any apps involved in a scam. Indeed, it 23 reserves the right to cancel payment to, or obtain reimbursement from, App Developers if there is 24 a complaint. 25 174. 26 As a result of Apple’s breach of its terms and conditions, Plaintiffs’ and the Class have suffered damages. 27 28 35 See About Gift Card Scams, APPLE (https://support.apple.com/itunes-gift-card-scams) (last visited July 16, 2020). 34 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 36 of 47 1 FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION 2 Money Had and Received/Unjust Enrichment/Restitution (In the Alternative) (On behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) 3 4 5 6 175. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 174, as though fully set forth herein. 176. To the extent the agreements between Plaintiffs and the Class and Apple do not 7 address the issue of Apple’s receipt of commissions from, and payments to, third party App and 8 iTunes product merchants for, scammed gift cards, Apple is still liable to the Class. 9 10 11 12 13 177. Plaintiffs and members of the Class conferred a monetary benefit on Apple as a result of being victims of gift card scams by purchasing iTunes gift cards. 178. Apple received and is in possession of money that was intended to be used for the benefit of, and rightfully belongs to, Plaintiffs and members of the Class. 179. The money was not used for the benefit of Plaintiffs and the Class. Instead, Apple 14 has retained possession of money that was the result of assisting, aiding, abetting, and perpetuating 15 unlawful conduct. 16 SIXTH CAUSE OF ACTION 17 Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing (In the Alternative) (On Behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) 18 19 20 21 180. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 179, as though fully set forth herein. 181. The terms and conditions on the back of the iTunes gift cards and on Apple’s 22 website constitute a contract between Plaintiffs and Class members and Apple, which includes the 23 term, implied by law in all contracts, to act with “good faith and fair dealing” in all duties relating 24 to the performance of the contract. 25 182. By purchasing the iTunes gift cards, as well as contacting Apple regarding a gift 26 card scam and providing the redemption code to Apple, Plaintiffs and Class members performed 27 all or substantially all of the actions required by the parties’ contract. 28 35 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 37 of 47 1 183. Apple engaged in conduct separate and apart from the performance of obligations 2 under the contract without good faith and for the purpose of depriving Plaintiffs and Class 3 members of their rights and benefits under the agreement, to wit, knowingly permitting scammers 4 to redeem iTunes gift cards purchased by Plaintiffs and Class members through gift card scams, 5 permitting scammers to make purchases with the credit from iTunes gift cards purchased by 6 Plaintiffs and Class members, making false representations and omissions that Apple cannot do 7 anything to intervene in a scam if the iTunes gift card has been redeemed, knowingly transmitting 8 the proceeds of the gift card scam to scammers, and failing to return Plaintiffs’ and Class members’ 9 money that was procured through fraud and unlawful conduct. 10 184. Apple’s attempt to limit its liability for participating in and perpetuating the gift 11 card scams by including the unconscionable provision in the Gift Card terms and conditions that 12 Apple is not liable for lost or stolen gift cards. The limitation of liability is unconscionable due to 13 Apple’s knowing or reckless participation in and profiting from gift card scams, and active 14 concealment and failure to disclose its involvement and its ability to track and stop payment to 15 scammers. 16 17 185. Apple’s conduct constitutes bad faith and unfair dealing with victims of iTunes gift card scams, including Plaintiffs and Class members. 18 186. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct, Plaintiffs and Class members 19 suffered damages. 20 SEVENTH CAUSE OF ACTION 21 Aiding and Abetting Intentional Torts (On Behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 187. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 186, as though fully set forth herein. 188. The gift card scams that were perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Class members by the scammers constitute intentional torts, including conversion, fraud, and false pretenses. 189. Apple had knowledge of the tortious acts perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Class members by means of, including but not limited to, Plaintiffs and Class members contacting Apple to inform them that they were a victim of a gift card scam, providing Apple with the redemption 36 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 38 of 47 1 codes on iTunes gift cards that were involved in scams, and Apple’s internal processes and 2 technology that are able to identify iTunes gift cards, Apple IDs, and Apple Developers that are 3 associated with gift card scams. 4 190. Apple provided substantial assistance to the wrongful and unlawful conduct 5 perpetrated upon victims of scams involving iTunes gift cards, including Plaintiffs and Class 6 members, by failing to suspend or cancel iTunes gift cards that were involved in scams, failing to 7 suspend or terminate Apple IDs accounts involved in gift card scams, permitting Apple ID 8 accounts involved in gift cards scams to make purchases on iTunes, in the App Store, or in apps, 9 transferring payment to Apple Developer accounts that were involved in scams, failing to suspend 10 or terminate Apple Developer accounts that were involved in gift cards scams, and retaining for 11 its own benefit commissions from purchases on iTunes or in the App Store that were made with 12 iTunes gift cards from scams perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Class members. 13 191. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct, Plaintiffs and Class members 14 suffered damages. 15 EIGHTH CAUSE OF ACTION 16 Violation of the California Elder Abuse Law Cal. Welfare & Inst. Code §15600, et seq. (Plaintiffs Polston, Martin, and Maria Rodriguez on Behalf of the Elder Subclass) 17 18 19 20 192. Plaintiffs Polston, Martin, and Maria Rodriguez hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 191, as though fully set forth herein. 193. At all relevant times there was in full for force and effect the California Elder Abuse 21 and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act (the “California Elder Abuse Law”), Cal. Welfare & 22 Inst. Code §15600, et seq., which, inter alia, prohibits financial abuse of elderly adults. See Cal. 23 Welfare & Inst. Code §15657.5. 24 25 26 27 194. Pursuant to the California Elder Abuse Law, financial abuse of an elderly adults occurs when a person: 1) takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, or both; 28 37 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 39 of 47 1 2) assists in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining real or personal 2 property of an elder or dependent adult for a wrongful use or with intent to defraud, 3 or both; [or] 4 3) takes, secretes, appropriates, obtains, or retains, or assists in taking, secreting, 5 appropriating, obtaining, or retaining, real or personal property of an elder or 6 dependent adult by undue influence. 7 Cal. Welfare & Inst. Code §15610.30(a). 8 195. 9 10 Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members are “elders” as that term is defined by California Welfare & Institutions Code section 15610.27. 196. Apple’s conduct constitutes financial abuse because it took, secreted, appropriated, 11 obtained, and/or retained Plaintiffs’ and Elder Subclass members’ property, and/or assisted in the 12 taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining of Plaintiffs’ and Elder Subclass members’ 13 property, for wrongful use or with an intent to defraud Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members, 14 because Plaintiffs’ and Elder Subclass members’ money was wrongfully obtained with the intent 15 to defraud Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members through scams involving iTunes gift cards. 16 197. Apple assisted scammers in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining 17 the money that Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members paid for iTunes gift cards in gift card scams 18 by failing to suspend or cancel iTunes gift cards that were involved in scams, failing to suspend or 19 terminate Apple IDs accounts involved in gift card scams, permitting Apple ID accounts involved 20 in gift cards scams to make purchases on iTunes or in the App Store, transferring payment to Apple 21 Developer accounts that were involved in scams, failing to suspend or terminate Apple Developer 22 accounts that were involved in gift cards scams, and retaining for its own benefit commissions 23 from purchases on iTunes or in the App Store that were made with iTunes gift cards from scams 24 perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members. 25 198. Apple wrongfully and/or intentionally committed financial abuse of Plaintiffs and 26 Elder Subclass members by misrepresenting that there was nothing that it can do when Plaintiffs 27 and Elder Subclass contacted Apple to report being a victim of a scam involving iTunes gift cards, 28 and by failing to disclose that Apple can identify the iTunes gift cards, Apple ID accounts, Apple 38 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 40 of 47 1 Developer accounts, and knowingly making payments to Apple Developer accounts involved in 2 gift card scams, and failing to return the money to Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members. 3 4 199. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct, Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members suffered damages. 5 NINTH CAUSE OF ACTION 6 Violation of the Elder Abuse Laws of Other States (Plaintiffs Polston, Martin, and Maria Rodriguez on Behalf of the Elder Subclass) 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 200. Plaintiffs Polston, Martin, and Maria Rodriguez hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 199, as though fully set forth herein. 201. Plaintiffs bring Count Nine, individually and on behalf of all similarly situated residents of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for violation of the elder abuse law of each State and the District of Columbia. At all relevant times, there was in full force and effect the elder abuse law of each State and the District of Columbia, including: a. the Alabama Adult Protective Services Act, Ala. Stat. §38-9-1, et seq.; b. the Alaska Protection of Vulnerable Adults Act, Alaska Stat. §47.24.010, et seq.; c. the Arizona Adult Protective Services Act, Ariz. Rev. Stat. §46-451, et seq.; d. the Arkansas Adult Maltreatment Custody Act, Ark. Code §9-20-101, et seq.; e. the Colorado Protective Services for At-Risk Adults Act, Colo. Rev. Stat. §26-3.1101, et seq.; f. the Connecticut Protective Services for the Elderly Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. §17b-450, et seq.; g. the D.C. Adult Protective Services Act, D.C. Code §7-1901, et seq.; h. the Delaware Adult Protective Services Act, 31 Del. Code §3901, et seq.; i. the Florida Adult Protective Services Act, Fla. Stat. §415.101, et seq.; j. the Georgia Protection of Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Act, Ga. Code §30-51, et seq.; k. the Hawaii Adult Protective Services Act, Haw. Rev. Stat. §346-221, et seq.; l. the Idaho Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Act, Idaho Code §39-5301, et seq.; 39 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 41 of 47 1 m. the Illinois Adult Protective Services Act, 320 ILCS 20/1, et seq.; 2 n. the Indiana Adult Protective Services Act, Ind. Code §12-10-3-1, et seq.; 3 o. the Iowa Elder Abuse Act, Iowa Code §235F.1, et seq.; 4 p. the Kansas Reporting Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation of Certain Persons Act, Kan. Stat. §39-1430, et seq.; 5 6 q. the Kentucky Protection of Adults Act, Ky. Rev. Stat. §209.005, et seq.; 7 r. the Louisiana Adult Protective Services Act, La. Rev. Stat. §15:1501, et seq.; 8 s. the Maine Adult Protective Services Act, Me. Rev. Stat. Tit. 22, §3470, et seq.; 9 t. the Maryland Adult Protective Services Act, Md. Code Fam. Law §14-101, et seq.; 10 u. the Massachusetts elder abuse law, Mass. Gen Laws Ch. 19A, et seq.; 11 v. the Michigan Social Welfare Act, Mich. Comp. Laws §400.11, et seq.; 12 w. the Minnesota Financial Exploitation Protections for Older or Vulnerable Adults Act, Minn. Stat. §45A.01, et seq.; 13 14 x. the Mississippi Vulnerable Persons Act., Miss. Stat. §43-47-1, et seq.; 15 y. the Missouri Protective Services Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. §192.2400, et seq.; 16 z. the Montana Elder and Persons with Disabilities Abuse Prevention Act, Mont. Code §52-3-801, et seq.; 17 18 aa. the Nebraska Adult Protective Services Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. §28-348, et seq.; 19 bb. the Nevada elder abuse law, Nev. Rev. Stat. §41.1395, et seq.; 20 cc. the New Hampshire Protective Services to Adults Act, N.H. Rev. Stat. §161-F:42, et seq.; 21 22 dd. the New Jersey Adult Protective Services Act, N.J. Rev. Stat. 52:27D-406, et seq.; 23 ee. the New Mexico Adult Protective Services Act, N.M. Stat. §27-7-14, et seq.; 24 ff. the New York Adult Protective Services Act, N.Y. Soc. Serv. §473, et seq.; 25 gg. the North Carolina Protection for Abused, Neglected, or Exploited Disabled Adult Act, N.C. Gen. Stat. §108-99, et seq.; 26 27 28 hh. the North Dakota Vulnerable Adult Protection Services Act, N.D. Cent. Code §5025.2.01, et seq.; 40 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 42 of 47 1 ii. the Ohio Protective Services for Adults Act, Ohio Rev. Code §5101.60, et seq.; 2 jj. the Oklahoma Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act, Okla. Stat. 43A §10101, et seq.; 3 4 kk. the Pennsylvania Older Adults Protective Services Act, 35 P.S. §10225.101, et seq.; 5 ll. the Rhode Island elder abuse law, R.I. Gen. Laws §42-66-4.1, et seq.; 6 mm. the South Carolina Omnibus Adult Protection Act, S.C. Stat. §43-35-5, et seq.; 7 nn. the South Dakota Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of Elders or Adults with Disabilities Act, S.D. Stat. §22-46-1, et seq.; 8 9 oo. the Tennessee Adult Protection Act, Tenn. Code §71-6-101, et seq.; 10 pp. the Texas Protective Services for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Act, Tex. Hum Res. §48.001, et seq.; 11 12 qq. the Utah Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult Act, Utah Stat. §62A-3-301, et seq.; 13 14 rr. the Vermont Reports of Abuse of Vulnerable Adults Act, 33 V.S.A. §6901, et seq.; 15 ss. the Virginia Social Services Act, Va. Stat. §63.2-100, et seq.; 16 tt. the Washington Abuse of Vulnerable Adults Act, Wash. Rev. Code 74.34.005, et seq.; 17 18 uu. the West Virginia Social Services for Adults Act, W. Va. Code §9-6-1, et seq.; 19 vv. the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Reporting Act, Wis. Stat. §46.90, et seq.; 20 ww. Wyoming Adult Protective Services Act, Wyo. Stat. §35-20-101, et seq. 21 202. Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members are elders. 22 203. Apple’s conduct constitutes financial and/or elder abuse because it took, secreted, 23 appropriated, obtained, and/or retained Plaintiffs’ and Elder Subclass members’ money or 24 property, and/or assisted in the taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining of 25 Plaintiffs’ and Elder Subclass members’ money or property, for wrongful use or with an intent to 26 defraud Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members, because Plaintiffs’ and Elder Subclass members’ 27 money was wrongfully obtained with the intent to defraud Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members 28 through scams involving iTunes gift cards. 41 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 43 of 47 1 204. Apple assisted scammers in taking, secreting, appropriating, obtaining, or retaining 2 the money that Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members paid for iTunes gift cards in gift card scams 3 by failing to suspend or cancel iTunes gift cards that were involved in scams, failing to suspend or 4 terminate Apple IDs accounts involved in gift card scams, permitting Apple ID accounts involved 5 in gift cards scams to make purchases on iTunes or in the App Store, transferring payment to Apple 6 Developer accounts that were involved in scams, failing to suspend or terminate Apple Developer 7 accounts that were involved in gift cards scams, and retaining for its own benefit commissions 8 from purchases on iTunes or in the App Store that were made with iTunes gift cards from scams 9 perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members. 10 205. Apple wrongfully and/or intentionally committed elder or financial abuse of 11 Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members by misrepresenting that there was nothing that it can do 12 when Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass contacted Apple to report being a victim of a scam involving 13 iTunes gift cards, and by failing to disclose that Apple can identify the iTunes gift cards, Apple ID 14 accounts, Apple Developer accounts, knowingly making payments to Apple Developer accounts 15 involved in gift card scams, and failing to return the money to Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass 16 members. 17 18 206. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct, Plaintiffs and Elder Subclass members suffered damages. 19 TENTH CAUSE OF ACTION 20 Violation of the Oregon Elder Persons and Persons with Disability Abuse Prevention Act Ore. Stat. §124.005, et seq. (In the Alternative to Count Seven) (Plaintiff Polston, Individually, and on Behalf of Oregon Residents of the Elder Subclass) 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 207. Plaintiff Polston hereby re-alleges and incorporates all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 206, as though fully set forth herein. 208. At all relevant times there was in full force and effect the Oregon Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Abuse Prevention Act (“Oregon Elder Abuse Law”), Ore. Stat. 124.005, et seq., which, inter alia, prohibits financial abuse of vulnerable persons. See Ore. Stat. §124.110(1). 42 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 44 of 47 1 2 209. Pursuant to the Oregon Elder Abuse Law, financial abuse of a vulnerable person occurs, inter alia, when a person: 3 a. wrongfully takes or appropriates money or property of a vulnerable person; or 4 b. permits a person to engage in financial abuse of a vulnerable person by knowingly 5 acting or failing to act under circumstances in which a reasonable person should 6 have known of the financial abuse. See Ore. Stat. §124.110(1), (5). 7 210. Plaintiff Polston and the Oregon Elder Subclass are “elderly persons,” as the term 8 is defined by Oregon Statute section 124.005(3), and are “vulnerable persons,” as the term is 9 defined by Oregon Statute section 124.100(1)(e). 10 211. Apple’s conduct constitutes financial abuse because it wrongfully took and/or 11 appropriated Plaintiff Polston’s and Oregon Elder Subclass members’ money or property by 12 wrongfully obtaining through scams involving iTunes gift cards Plaintiff Polston’s and Oregon 13 Elder Subclass members’ money or property. 14 212. Apple wrongfully and/or intentionally committed financial abuse of Plaintiff 15 Polston and Oregon Elder Subclass members by misrepresenting that there was nothing that it can 16 do when Plaintiff Polston and Oregon Elder Subclass contacted Apple to report being a victim of 17 a scam involving iTunes gift cards, and by failing to disclose that Apple can identify the iTunes 18 gift cards, Apple ID accounts, Apple Developer accounts, and knowingly making payments to 19 Apple Developer accounts involved in gift card scams, and failing to return the money to Plaintiff 20 Polston and Oregon Elder Subclass members. 21 22 23 24 213. As a direct and proximate result of Apple’s conduct, Plaintiff Polston and Oregon Elder Subclass members suffered damages. 214. Pursuant to Oregon Statute section 124.100(2), Plaintiff Polston seeks treble damages and costs of this suit, including reasonable attorneys’ fees. 25 26 27 28 43 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 45 of 47 1 ELEVENTH CAUSE OF ACTION 2 Declaratory Judgment 28 U.S.C. §2201 (On Behalf of the Nationwide Class and Subclasses) 3 4 5 6 215. Plaintiffs hereby re-allege and incorporate all allegations raised in Paragraphs 1 through 214, as though fully set forth herein. 216. Under the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. §2201, et seq., this Court is 7 authorized to enter a judgment declaring the rights and legal relations of the parties and grant 8 further necessary relief. Furthermore, the Court has broad authority to restrain acts, such as here, 9 that are tortious and that violate the terms of the federal and state statutes described in this 10 11 12 13 complaint. 217. Plaintiffs seek a declaration of the rights of the parties under the Federal Declaratory Judgement Act, 28 U.S.C. §2201. 218. An actual and justiciable controversy exists between the parties in light of 14 Defendants’ misrepresenting that there was nothing that they can do when Plaintiffs and the Elder 15 Subclass contacted Apple to report being a victim of a scam involving iTunes gift cards, and by 16 failing to disclose that Apple can identify the iTunes gift cards, Apple ID accounts, Apple 17 Developer accounts, knowingly making payments to Apple Developer accounts involved in gift 18 card scams, and failing to return the money to Plaintiffs and the Class. 19 219. Plaintiffs and Class members lack an adequate remedy at law. 20 220. Apple purports to bind Plaintiffs and Class members to the terms and conditions set 21 forth on the back of iTunes gift cards and the Online Terms and Conditions on Apple’s website. 22 The back of the iTunes gift cards provide, in part: “Card will not be replaced if lost, stolen, or used 23 without permission. Use of card constitutes acceptance of terms; see apple.com/us/go/legal/gc.” 24 The Online Terms and Conditions provide, in part, that: “Neither Issuer nor Apple is responsible 25 for lost or stolen [iTunes gift cards] or Content Codes. Risk of loss and title for [iTunes gift cards] 26 passes to the purchaser in Virginia upon electronic transmission to the recipient.” 27 28 221. Apple cannot, as a matter of law, disclaim or assign the liability of loss, conversion, or destruction of the balance of iTunes gift cards when Apple knows that the iTunes gift cards 44 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 46 of 47 1 were purchased as a result of wrongful and unlawful conduct, Apple has knowledge of the gift 2 card scams perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Class members, Apple aids and abets the gift card scams, 3 and Apple knowingly retains profits from gift card scams perpetrated on Plaintiffs and Class 4 members. 222. 5 6 Apple’s attempt to disclaim liability is unconscionable and unenforceable as to Plaintiffs and Class members, and Plaintiffs seek a declaration to that effect. 7 PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs, individually, and on behalf of all others similarly situated, 8 9 respectfully request that this Court: A. 10 Determine that the claims alleged herein may be maintained as a class action under 11 Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and issue an order certifying one or more of the 12 Classes defined above; B. 13 14 counsel; C. 15 16 Appoint Plaintiffs as the representatives of the Class and their counsel as Class Award all actual, general, special, incidental, statutory, punitive, and consequential damages and restitution to which Plaintiffs and the Class members are entitled; 17 D. Award pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on such monetary relief; 18 E. Grant appropriate injunctive and/or declaratory relief, including, without limitation, 19 an order that requires Defendants to refrain from seeking to enforce the iTunes gift card terms and 20 conditions on victims of gift card scams who did not register or redeem the iTunes gift card, and 21 to refrain from transferring any money to Apple Developer accounts associated with gift card 22 scams; 23 F. Award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; and 24 G. Grant such further relief that this Court deems appropriate. 25 26 27 28 45 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT Case 5:20-cv-04812-SVK Document 1 Filed 07/17/20 Page 47 of 47 1 2 JURY DEMAND Plaintiffs, on behalf of themselves and the putative Class demand a trial by jury on all 3 issues so triable. 4 Dated: July 17, 2020 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 SCOTT+SCOTT ATTORNEYS AT LAW LLP s/ Christopher M. Burke CHRISTOPHER M. BURKE (CA Bar No. 214799) ALEX M. OUTWATER (CA Bar No. 259062) 600 W. Broadway, Suite 3300 San Diego, CA 92101 Telephone: 619-233-4565 Facsimile: 619-233-0508 cburke@scott-scott.com aoutwater@scott-scott.com Joseph P. Guglielmo* SCOTT+SCOTT ATTORNEYS AT LAW LLP The Helmsley Building 230 Park Ave., 17th Floor New York, NY 10169 Telephone: 212-223-6444 Facsimile: 212-223-6334 jguglielmo@scott-scott.com 20 Anthony F. Fata* Nyran Rose Rasche* Nickolas J. Hagman* CAFFERTY CLOBES MERIWETHER & SPRENGEL LLP 150 S. Wacker, Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60606 Telephone: 312-782-4880 Facsimile: 318-782-4485 afata@caffertyclobes.com nrasche@caffertyclobes.com nhagman@caffertyclobes.com 21 Attorneys for Plaintiffs and the Putative Class 22 *Admission pro hac vice anticipated 15 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 27 28 46 CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT