FACEBOOK CHARGING 4.99 HOAX

Have you seen the posts circulating on Facebook claiming that the platform will start charging users $4.99 per month? Snopes has encountered this false claim before. Repeatedly. Facebook To Charge Users $7.99 Per Month, as 'Channel 13 News' Reported? Written by:If so, you're not alone. Times-Union readers want to know: I received an email that says Facebook will begin charging this summer - $9.99 per month for gold member services, $6.99 per month for silver member services and $For years, these rumors have resurfaced, causing confusion and anxiety among Facebook users. A Facebook spokesperson has confirmed that the rumor regarding possible Facebook charges to users is entirely FALSE. Despite Facebook's actions and comments disputing the charge, the 'Charging' rumor continues to circulate, creating an environment that could allow abuse of those online users in further black hat SEO attacks.The latest iteration, which cropped up in February 2025, follows a familiar pattern: a viral message claiming an impending charge and urging users to copy and paste a disclaimer to avoid the fee. A message people are posting on Facebook says Since the $7.99 charge is coming, I do not give permission to Facebook to charge $7.99 a month to my account. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays.This recurring narrative plays on people's fears of losing access to a platform they rely on for staying connected with friends and family.But is there any truth to these claims?Let's delve into the details, debunk the myths, and explore what's really happening with Facebook's monetization strategies, including Facebook Verified, to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media rumors.

This article aims to equip you with the knowledge to identify and avoid such hoaxes, ensuring you can continue to enjoy Facebook without unnecessary worry.We'll examine the anatomy of the hoax, Facebook's official stance, and the real ways Facebook is exploring revenue generation. While Facebook is not charging $4.99 per month for its primary service, the company is aggressively exploring new opportunities to generate revenue. The rumors of a $4.99 subscription fee might have sparked a necessary discussion about the company s future monetization strategies.By the end, you'll be able to confidently distinguish between fact and fiction and protect yourself from future social media scams.

The Anatomy of the Facebook $4.99 Charging Hoax

The Facebook $4.99 charging hoax typically follows a predictable pattern. Search Results: is Facebook starting to charge to use it Is Facebook Set To Begin Charging $4.99 Per Month? Written by:It starts with a post, often shared by well-meaning but misinformed users, claiming that Facebook will soon implement a monthly fee. Facebook is charging all users starting Monday. You can do an opt-out by doing this. Hold your finger over this message and copy it. It can t be shared. I do not give permission for Facebook to charge $4.99 a month to my account, also; all my pictures are my property of mine and NOT Facebook s!!!The supposed justification for the fee varies, but the core message remains the same: you need to take action to avoid being charged.Let's break down the common elements:

• The Claim: Facebook is going to start charging users $4.99 (or a similar amount) per month.
• The Justification: Often vague, sometimes attributing the charge to ""Channel 4 news"" (a common misdirection), or claiming it's a way for Facebook to increase revenue.
• The ""Opt-Out"" Method: This is the most recognizable part of the hoax. Facebook makes a lot of money from the ads viewed and clicked by its 800 million active users.In fact, the social networking giant is expected to make $4.27 billion in revenue this year, 89Users are instructed to copy and paste a specific message onto their profile, claiming they do not give Facebook permission to charge them.The message often includes declarations of ownership over their photos and content.
• The Call to Action: Share this message with all your friends to ""protect"" them from the impending charge.

The copy-and-paste element is a crucial identifier of the hoax.It leverages users' fear of missing out (FOMO) and their desire to protect their friends.The message creates a sense of urgency, pushing people to act without verifying the information.

Example of a Hoax Message

Here's a typical example of the kind of message that circulates:

""Facebook is charging all users starting Monday.You can do an opt-out by doing this.Hold your finger over this message and copy it.It can't be shared. In conclusion, the rumor that Facebook is charging users $4.99 per month is unfounded. Facebook has not announced any plans to implement a monthly fee for its users, and fact-checking organizations have debunked the claims.I do not give permission for Facebook to charge $4.99 a month to my account; also, all my pictures are my property of mine and NOT Facebook's!!!""

Notice the sense of urgency, the instruction to copy and paste, and the assertion of ownership.These are all hallmarks of the hoax.

Facebook's Official Stance: No $4.99 Fee

Fortunately, Facebook (or its parent company Meta) has consistently denied these claims.A Facebook spokesperson has stated explicitly that there are no plans to introduce a paid subscription service with a $4.99 monthly fee.They have actively debunked the rumors, reassuring users that the core Facebook service will remain free.

It's important to rely on official sources for information. Kim Roberts is a Facebook user who says she is a little alarmed. Numerous times, she said. I have seen it posted on there that they are going to start charging, but I have not seen anything else about it. This longtime Facebook member says friends of hers keep sharing warnings about a new fee to use Facebook, and its sister service, Instagram.Always check Facebook's official newsroom or the Meta website for announcements regarding changes to the platform.Avoid relying on unverified posts or messages shared by friends, no matter how well-intentioned they may be.

Furthermore, the very idea that copying and pasting a message could somehow circumvent a platform-wide charge is illogical.Facebook's terms of service are governed by legal agreements, not by viral social media posts.

Why Do These Hoaxes Keep Spreading?

Despite repeated debunking, the Facebook charging hoax continues to resurface. Old Hoax. Did Facebook or its parent company Meta announce a plan to charge all of the platform's users $4.99 a month for access? Will copying and pasting a post about the change allow people to opt out or bypass the system ? No, none of that is true: Neither Facebook nor Meta made such an announcement as of this writing.Several factors contribute to its persistence:

• Lack of Media Literacy: Many users lack the critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of online information.They may share posts without verifying their accuracy.
• Emotional Appeal: The hoax taps into users' fears of being charged for a service they've always used for free. In February 2025, a claim began to spread on social media platforms that Facebook would begin charging $4.99 per month to use the platform. The first post we found about the claim was shared onThis emotional response can override rational thinking.
• Network Effect: The more people share the hoax, the more credible it appears, even though it's false. Facebook will soon begin charging users per message unless they forward a text to 10 contacts to prove they are avid users. In May 2025, an old social media hoax that Snopes has been shooing offThis creates a self-perpetuating cycle.
• Nostalgia and Familiarity: For some, the hoax is almost a tradition, a recurring bit of internet folklore. The first is verification, where you pay a monthly fee to get a verification badge on your profile and access to exclusive account features.It costs $11.99 a month to subscribe to get Facebook Verified on the web, and $14.99 a month to subscribe to Facebook Verified or Instagram Verified on the mobile app.They may share it out of habit or amusement, without realizing the potential for misinformation.
• Exploitation of Trust: People are more likely to believe information shared by their friends and family, even if those individuals are not experts on the topic.

The Real Ways Facebook is Exploring Monetization

While Facebook isn't charging for its core service, Meta is actively exploring new avenues for generating revenue. Sept. 13, 2025 Facebook users alerted friends of the purported breaking news in copy-and-paste posts. Read More Is Facebook Set To Begin Charging $4.99 Per Month?These strategies are often confused with the hoax, leading to further misinformation. A nonsense post from 2025 is spreading again, claiming Facebook is charging $4.99 starting monday but you can opt out by you guessed it copying and pasting a message. The hoax is intermingled with nonsense from other hoaxes too. It's a headache, basically.Here are some legitimate ways Facebook is monetizing its platform:

Advertising

Advertising remains Facebook's primary source of revenue. Various posts on Facebook claim the social media site will start charging its users $4.99 a month to access their accounts. The post reads, in part:Businesses pay to display ads to targeted users based on their demographics, interests, and behaviors. What Does Facebook Say? Fortunately, Facebook has taken action to address these rumors, stating that there are no plans to introduce a paid subscription service with a $4.99 monthly fee. In a statement, a Facebook spokesperson said, There are no plans to start charging $4.99 a month for using Facebook.This revenue model allows Facebook to offer its core service for free to users.

Facebook Verified

In 2023, Meta introduced Facebook Verified, a subscription service that provides users with a verified badge, increased account security, and access to exclusive features.It costs $11.99 per month to subscribe on the web and $14.99 per month through the mobile app. More: Facebook scams: What are the most common ones and how to avoid them The service, $11.99 per month if you subscribe from a computer and $14.99 if you subscribe in the app, was rolled out toThis service is **optional** and does not affect the experience of users who choose not to subscribe.

Key Features of Facebook Verified:

• Verification Badge: A blue checkmark that confirms the authenticity of your account.
• Proactive Account Protection: Enhanced monitoring and security features to prevent impersonation and hacking.
• Direct Support: Access to dedicated customer support for account issues.
• Exclusive Features: Access to unique stickers, decorations, and other features.

In-App Purchases and Gaming

Facebook also generates revenue through in-app purchases in games and other applications.Users can purchase virtual items, upgrades, and other enhancements within these apps.

Marketplace Fees

Facebook Marketplace charges fees for certain transactions, particularly for shipped items.This allows Facebook to facilitate secure and reliable transactions between buyers and sellers.

Protecting Yourself from Facebook Scams and Hoaxes

Staying informed and exercising caution is crucial for protecting yourself from Facebook scams and hoaxes. For years, we've fact-checked claims about Facebook charging money for people to use the platform. In February 2025, we got a question from Snopes readers asking if Meta, the parent company ofHere are some practical tips:

• Be Skeptical: Question any post that seems too good to be true or that creates a sense of urgency.
• Verify Information: Before sharing a post, check its accuracy with reliable sources, such as Facebook's official newsroom or reputable fact-checking organizations like Snopes.
• Don't Copy and Paste: Copying and pasting messages will not protect you from charges or change Facebook's terms of service.
• Report Suspicious Posts: If you see a post that you believe is a scam or hoax, report it to Facebook.
• Educate Others: Share your knowledge with your friends and family to help them avoid falling victim to scams and hoaxes.
• Review Facebook's Security Settings: Regularly review your privacy and security settings to ensure your account is protected.

What to do if you encounter the $4.99 Facebook Charging Hoax

If you see the $4.99 Facebook charging hoax, or any similar claim, here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Don't panic: Remember that it's almost certainly a hoax. Rumors began circulating that Facebook is going to start charging users $4.99 a month. Some claim you have to copy and paste a message on social media stating that you would like to opt out of the new Facebook charges. A Facebook representative told us those rumors are false. We are not going to charge people to use Facebook, they said.Take a deep breath and avoid reacting emotionally.
2. Don't share it: Resist the urge to share the post with your friends, even if you're trying to warn them. Meta has never announced plans to charge Facebook users money in order for them to use the platform.Sharing it will only spread the misinformation.
3. Report it: Report the post to Facebook. Members, please don t be taken in by the HOAX post that says, Channel 4 said that Facebook is charging $4.99 a month. Or with similar words. It isn t true and you re spreading someone s baloney.This will help Facebook remove the post and prevent it from spreading further.
4. Inform the person who shared it: If you know the person who shared the post, politely inform them that it's a hoax.Provide them with links to reputable fact-checking articles or Facebook's official statements.
5. Share accurate information: Instead of sharing the hoax, share accurate information about Facebook's policies and monetization strategies.This will help counter the misinformation and prevent others from falling victim.

The Importance of Media Literacy in the Digital Age

The Facebook charging hoax highlights the importance of media literacy in today's digital world.Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms.It empowers individuals to critically assess information and make informed decisions.

Here are some key elements of media literacy:

• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze information and identify biases, assumptions, and logical fallacies.
• Source Evaluation: The ability to assess the credibility and reliability of sources.
• Understanding Media Bias: The awareness that all media is created from a particular point of view and may contain biases.
• Digital Citizenship: The responsible and ethical use of digital technologies.

By developing strong media literacy skills, you can become a more informed and discerning consumer of information, protecting yourself from scams, hoaxes, and misinformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Facebook Charges

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Facebook charges:

Q: Is Facebook really going to start charging $4.99 per month?

A: No, Facebook has repeatedly stated that there are no plans to charge users a monthly fee for the core service.

Q: What is Facebook Verified, and is it required?

A: Facebook Verified is an optional subscription service that provides users with a verified badge, increased account security, and access to exclusive features.It is not required to use Facebook.

Q: Why do these Facebook charging hoaxes keep spreading?

A: These hoaxes spread due to a combination of factors, including lack of media literacy, emotional appeal, the network effect, and exploitation of trust.

Q: How can I protect myself from Facebook scams and hoaxes?

A: Be skeptical, verify information, don't copy and paste, report suspicious posts, educate others, and review your Facebook security settings.

Q: What should I do if I see the Facebook $4.99 charging hoax?

A: Don't panic, don't share it, report it to Facebook, inform the person who shared it (if you know them), and share accurate information.

The Future of Facebook's Monetization

As Facebook continues to evolve, it's likely to explore new ways to generate revenue.While the $4.99 charging hoax is unfounded, it highlights the ongoing conversation about the platform's business model and its impact on users.

Meta is investing heavily in new technologies, such as the metaverse, which could create new opportunities for monetization.It's important to stay informed about these developments and to understand how they might affect your experience on Facebook.

Conclusion: Staying Vigilant in the Digital Age

The persistent Facebook charging $4.99 hoax serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and media literacy in the digital age.While the claim that Facebook will start charging a monthly fee is false, it's crucial to stay informed about the platform's actual monetization strategies, such as Facebook Verified, and to protect yourself from scams and misinformation.By exercising critical thinking skills, verifying information, and educating others, you can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media with confidence.Remember, if something sounds too suspicious, take a moment to verify it through official channels before sharing.This simple step can prevent the spread of misinformation and protect you and your network from falling victim to online hoaxes.