A loud buzzing sound sounds and your phone screen lights up. A new message on Facebook. Your friend, who has never really cared about online privacy, suddenly shares an urgent message: “Facebook is now charging €4.99! Copy this message to unsubscribe!” And then you’ll see it again. And again. And again.
This is the current chain letter/hoax:

Sometimes the amount of 4.99 is stated in euros, but often in dollars.
A journey back in time to April 1, 2014
It all started as an innocent joke. A little smile for April 1st , nothing more. One rumor said that Facebook would soon start charging user fees. But as is often the case with jokes on the internet, it was quickly taken out of context and spread as truth.
The mix of chain letters
As if the rumor about the usage fee wasn't enough, another chain letter added. This warned of an alleged attack on privacy and cited unverified legal recommendations. It's as if someone decided to mix two different urban legends and see what havoc they could wreak.
Why do we fall for this?
The human mind is strangely wired. We are evolutionarily programmed to take warnings seriously, especially when they come from people we trust. That is the core of the problem. It is always our friends or family members who warn us. And if Aunt Inge says it, then it must be true, right?
Facebook and its reaction
Despite repeated clarifications from Facebook, this myth persists. The social network has made it clear several times that it has no plans to charge fees to users. Nevertheless, there are always people who spread this message, often in good faith.
The real damage
Sharing a message of this nature may seem harmless. But in a time when misinformation can spread quickly, we all have an obligation to take a closer look and examine what we share. Chain letters are not only misleading. They can also cause real harm by causing panic and confusion.
Conclusion
The legend of the €4.99 charge for Facebook users is a perfect example of how quickly misinformation can spread. It is a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant and critical about the information we see and share online.
In a time of information overload, it is more important than ever to distinguish between truth and fiction. So next time before you hit share, take a moment to think about this. Maybe it's the difference between fact and fiction.
Interested in further fact checks and truthful background information? Sign up for the Mimikama newsletter and find out about our media education offerings . Stay informed and don't be fooled!
This might also interest you:
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

