Lootlock Shields Kids from Gaming Overspending, Set for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Debut

Lootlock Protects Kids from Gaming Overspending, Set to Showcase at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 In a bid to safeguard children's online gaming experiences and prevent unauthorized credit card bills, Lootlock, an innovative fintech app, has been selected for the prestigious TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200. Founded by avid gamer and software developer Nick Pompa, Lootlock will be exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco from October 27 to 29. Pompa, a father of two under two, drew inspiration from his own experiences as a child gamer, who started gaming at age six. He witnessed firsthand the "horror stories" of kids unwittingly running up thousands of dollars on their parents' credit cards due to surprise bills. This led him to create Lootlock, an app designed to prevent such incidents. "Lootlock was born out of my own experiences as a gamer and father," Pompa explained in an interview with TechCrunch. "I've seen how the gaming industry uses clever design tricks, social engineering, and player tracking to encourage kids to spend more money while playing." The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) last year described these tactics as "notoriously slimy." The gaming industry has long been criticized for its aggressive monetization strategies, which often target children. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued similar warnings about the use of design tricks to encourage kids to spend more money. Lootlock's technology uses machine learning algorithms to detect and prevent unauthorized transactions on parents' credit cards. By setting limits and monitoring spending habits, Lootlock provides a safeguard against surprise bills. Pompa emphasized that Lootlock is not just a solution for parents but also an advocate for responsible gaming practices within the industry. "We're excited to showcase Lootlock at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025," said Pompa. "Our goal is to educate both parents and game developers about the importance of protecting children from overspending online." The selection of Lootlock for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 underscores its potential as a pioneering solution in the fintech space. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, apps like Lootlock will play a crucial role in ensuring that children's online experiences are both enjoyable and financially secure. Background: Lootlock was founded by Nick Pompa, an avid gamer and software developer with experience working in fintech. Pompa started gaming at age six and has been involved in the industry for over two decades. Lootlock's development was inspired by his own experiences as a parent and gamer. Next Developments: Lootlock will be exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco. The app is expected to generate significant interest among parents, game developers, and industry stakeholders. As the fintech space continues to grow, Lootlock's innovative approach to preventing unauthorized transactions may set a new standard for online gaming experiences. Quote: "Lootlock was born out of my own experiences as a gamer and father," said Nick Pompa, founder of Lootlock. "I've seen how the gaming industry uses clever design tricks, social engineering, and player tracking to encourage kids to spend more money while playing." *Reporting by Techcrunch.*