You may have heard the rumors swirling around online that Facebook planned to start charging users a monthly subscription fee. If you heard this and were wondering if there's any truth to it, you're not alone.
Users have seen messages like these popping up online:
"It is official it was even on the news. Facebook will start charging due to the new profile changes. If you copy this on your wall your icon will turn blue and facebook will be free for you. Please pass this message on if not your account will be deleted if you don't pay."
Many of you probably presumed it was a hoax. It sounds like it, right?
Margaret Stuhlreyer posted this on our CNYCentral Facebook page:
"Several FB friends have posted a hoax that FB was going to start charging for their program. Just wanted to pass this along as you might want to check it out. An oldie, but a goodie."
But some were concerned, so we decided to look into it for you.
According to Snopes.com, these messages originally started circulating in 2009, warning users of a monthly charge of $4.99 and luring them to a Facebook page to protest the impending change. But the page was just a trap. Clicking on certain elements of it initiated a script that hijacked users' computers.
Similar messages spread again last year, again this summer, and now just this month.
Here's what Facebook says about the messages on its own Facebook page:
"A rumor on the internet caught our attention. We have no plans to charge for Facebook. It's free and always will be."
Did you see the messages? Were you concerned they might be real? Did you click on them? What happened to your computer? If Facebook did someday charge users, would you still maintain your account? Is it worth it if you have to pay for it? Leave your thoughts below.
