Consumers are being urged to remain vigilant as reports of MetaPay-related scams continue to surge across platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Messenger. A growing number of users are falling victim to overpayment scams, unauthorized charges, and phishing emails designed to steal personal and financial information.
MetaPay, a legitimate payment service provided by Meta for transactions across its apps, is being exploited by fraudsters who are impersonating buyers and payment processors in a wave of online scams.
Common MetaPay Scams to Watch For
1. Overpayment Scam (Marketplace Fraud)
Criminals posing as buyers agree to purchase an item and claim they have “accidentally” sent too much money via MetaPay. They then request a refund of the overpaid amount. However, the original payment is often made using a stolen credit card, which is later reversed, leaving the seller without payment and out of pocket.
2. Unauthorized Charges
Users have reported suspicious charges labeled as:
- METAPAY “PAMENT”
- Meta Store Facebkprt!
These charges often don’t appear in Meta Pay history and may involve both small test transactions and larger fraudulent withdrawals.
3. Phishing Emails
Scammers are also sending fake MetaPay emails, claiming there are issues with a user’s account. These emails often contain malicious links that redirect users to fraudulent sites where scammers can steal login credentials and banking information.
⚠️ Real Meta emails only come from domains ending in @facebook.com or @meta.com.
Red Flags and Safety Tips
To stay protected, experts from Global Scam Watch recommend:
- ✅ Always verify payments inside the Meta app – never trust screenshots or email confirmations alone.
- ? Never refund strangers without verifying the original payment.
- ? Report suspicious emails, buyers, or charges to Meta and your payment provider immediately.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a MetaPay scam:
- Contact your bank or card provider immediately to block or reverse charges.
- Report the incident to Meta Support through the official app.
- File a complaint with Action Fraud (UK) or your country’s cybercrime agency.
