Getting scammed by a Facebook ad feels terrible. You clicked what looked like a legitimate offer, handed over your money or personal information, and now you're realizing it was all fraud. You're not alone, and you shouldn't feel embarrassed.

The scale of this problem is staggering. Internal documents from late 2024 revealed that Meta (Facebook's parent company) shows users roughly 15 billion high-risk scam ads every single day (Reuters investigation). Those same documents showed Meta expected about 10% of its ad revenue (around $16 billion) would come from scam or illicit advertisements.

While Facebook does have review processes, scam ads still slip through undetected. The result? Innocent people like you click an ad, make a purchase or share information, and later discover the whole thing was a con.

You need to know this right now: There are specific, concrete steps you can take immediately to try recovering your money and protecting yourself from further damage. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, from reporting the fraudulent ad and attempting chargebacks, to securing your accounts and preventing future scams.

Time is critical. Many banks and payment services have strict deadlines for disputes (often 60 to 120 days). The faster you act, the better your chances of getting your money back.

What NOT to Do After Being Scamed

Before we dive into recovery steps, here are the critical things to avoid after discovering a scam:

Don't panic. Yes, this is frustrating and stressful. But there are concrete actions you can take to address the situation. Panicking will only delay those actions.

Stop all communication with the scammer. If they're still in contact (via email, Messenger, or any other channel), cut it off immediately. Don't respond to any messages.

Scammers often try to extract more money by claiming you need to pay "processing fees" or "customs charges" to get your original order. Never send additional payments in an attempt to recover what's lost.

Don't delay. Time is genuinely of the essence here.

Most financial institutions have deadlines for disputing charges. For example, credit card chargebacks typically must be filed within 120 days, and some payment apps have even shorter windows. The faster you act, the better your recovery chances.

Don't keep using compromised passwords. If you suspect any of your login credentials were exposed during the scam (maybe you entered your Facebook password on a fake login page, or gave them your email password), change those passwords immediately. Don't wait.

Watch out for "recovery" scams. Unfortunately, there are fraudsters who specifically target people after they've been scammed, offering to "recover your money" for an upfront fee. These are almost always scams themselves. Stick to the official recovery methods outlined in this guide.

Stay calm and methodical. You've got this.

How to Document a Facebook Ad Scam

Your first task is to document everything related to the fraudulent ad and transaction. This documentation will be essential for filing reports and refund claims.

Here's what to collect:

How to Screenshot Facebook Ad Evidence

If the ad is still visible in your Facebook feed, take screenshots immediately:

→ The ad itself (including the Facebook Page name, promotional text, and images)

→ The website or landing page the ad directed you to

→ Any order confirmation pages or checkout screens

→ The product description or offer details

These screenshots serve as critical evidence of what was presented to you and what you were promised.

How to Find the Facebook Advertiser Information

Write down or screenshot:

→ The name of the Facebook Page or account that ran the ad

→ The ad headline or product name

→ Any URLs you can find (the website address, the Facebook Page URL, etc.)

→ The date and time you saw the ad and made the purchase

How to Save Transaction Records

Keep every email, receipt, or confirmation message:

→ Order confirmations

→ Email receipts

→ Transaction IDs

→ Payment confirmations

→ Any messages exchanged with the seller

Record how you paid. This is crucial because different payment methods have different recovery processes:

Payment Method	Recovery Difficulty	Typical Timeframe
Credit Card	Easiest	60-120 days
PayPal (Goods & Services)	Moderate	180 days
Debit Card	Moderate	60 days
Bank Transfer/Wire	Difficult	Hours to days
Gift Cards	Very Difficult	Immediate action needed
Cryptocurrency	Extremely Difficult	Rarely recoverable

How to Check Your Recent Ad Activity on Facebook

Facebook has a feature that shows ads you've recently interacted with. Here's how to find it:

① On Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy

② Select Recent Ad Activity

③ Look for the scam ad or Page

If you find it, save the link or any details provided. This can help you retrieve information about the ad or find the corresponding Facebook Page.

Don't worry if you can't collect everything. Scammers often delete pages or websites quickly. Just gather as much proof as you can with what's available.

How to Report a Scam Ad to Facebook

Reporting the fraudulent advertisement to Facebook serves two purposes: it helps get the scammer off the platform, and it alerts Facebook's ad review team to prevent others from being victimized.

Will reporting get your money back? No, not directly. But it's an important step to shut down the bad actor and protect the community.

How to Report a Facebook Ad You Can Still See

If the ad is still in your feed:

① Click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner of the ad post

② Choose "Report Ad"

③ Follow the on-screen prompts

④ Select a reason (choose Scam or fraud, Misleading or deceptive, etc.)

⑤ Submit the report

This takes less than a minute and could prevent someone else from falling for the same scam.

How to Report a Deleted Facebook Ad

Use Facebook's Ad Library tool:

① Go to the Meta Ad Library

② In the Search ads box, enter keywords or the name of the advertiser/Page

③ Find the specific ad from the results

④ Click the ⋯ menu next to it

⑤ Select "Report Ad"

⑥ Follow the instructions to file the report

The Ad Library is useful because it archives ads running on Facebook and Instagram. Even if you don't see the ad in your feed anymore, you might locate it here by searching.

How to Report the Scammer's Facebook Page

Don't stop at just reporting the ad. Report the entire Facebook Page or account that ran it:

① Visit the Page (you can often get to it via the Ad Library or if you saved the Page name)

② Click the "…" (Options)

③ Choose "Find support or report Page"

④ Select the reason (scams/fraud)

This can help get the entire Page taken down if it's a fake business.

Important: When you report an ad, Facebook reviews it against their Advertising Standards and Community Standards. They don't immediately remove every reported ad, but blatant scam ads (for fake products, investment schemes, impersonations, etc.) typically do violate policy and will be taken down once investigated.

Your report is confidential. The scammer will not see who reported them.

By reporting the scam, you're helping protect other users. According to Meta, user reports of scam ads globally were down 58% after certain crackdowns, suggesting that reporting actually drives enforcement improvements.

How to Get Your Money Back After a Facebook Ad Scam

After reporting the ad, your top priority is attempting to recover any money you paid. Your success depends heavily on the payment method and how quickly you act.

How to Dispute a Credit Card Charge From a Scam

Contact your card issuer or bank immediately. This is your fastest path to recovery.

Ask to dispute the charge and reverse the transaction. Most card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) allow chargebacks for unauthorized or scam transactions.

How long do you have?

Typically up to 120 days from the purchase date (or from when you realize it's a scam) to file a chargeback claim. Some banks stick strictly to this timeframe, so don't delay.

What to say when you call:
"I need to dispute a fraudulent charge"
Provide: date of charge, amount, merchant name (if known)
Explain: it was a scam advertisement on Facebook
Mention: you have evidence (emails, screenshots) you can provide

The bank will investigate and often temporarily credit your account while they review the claim. Chargebacks can take a few weeks for a decision, but they are one of the quickest ways to get your money back from a scam.

Debit card note: If you used a debit card, the process is similar. Report it as an unauthorized or fraudulent transaction. U.S. law (Regulation E) and many banks' policies offer protection for fraud on debit cards if reported promptly.

How to Get a Refund Through PayPal

PayPal users: Log into your account and open a dispute for the transaction.

PayPal's Purchase Protection covers buyers when you don't receive an item or it was fraudulent. You usually have 180 days to file a dispute.

How to file:

① Go to the Resolution Center

② Find the transaction

③ Choose "Report a Problem"

④ Provide details that it was a scam sale

PayPal will contact the seller and attempt to recover funds. If the scammer doesn't respond or is found to be fraudulent, PayPal can refund you under their buyer protection policy.

Important caveat: This applies if you paid for goods or services. If you accidentally sent money via "Friends and Family" (which has no protection) or as a wire transfer in a payment app, recovery is much harder. Still, report it to the platform.

Venmo and Cash App: These apps have limited buyer protection. Payments are generally considered instant and irreversible. But if you used a linked credit card in those apps, you could fall back on a chargeback through your card issuer.

What to Do if You Used a Bank Transfer

Contact your bank immediately if you directly transferred money from your bank account to the scammer's account.

Explain that you were scammed and ask if they can reverse the transfer or recall the funds. Time is absolutely critical here. Banks might be able to claw back a wire if notified within hours or a couple of days.

Some banks participate in fraud reimbursement schemes (especially in the UK/EU) and may refund victims of authorized push payment scams, but this varies by institution.

Provide your bank with any details you have (the account number you sent money to, transaction reference, etc.). Even if they can't retrieve the money, having it on record helps and they might flag the receiving account for fraud.

How to Use Facebook Purchase Protection

If the purchase was done via Facebook's own payment system (for example, through Facebook Marketplace checkout or Instagram's in-app shopping with Meta Pay), you may be eligible for Facebook's Purchase Protection program.

Purchase Protection covers transactions when you buy directly through their platform and the item never arrives or was misrepresented.

Critical deadline: You must file a claim within 3 days of delivery (or within 7 days of the expected delivery date if the item didn't arrive).

How to file:

① Go to Facebook → Settings → "Orders and Payments"

② Find the transaction in your Purchase History

③ Look for "Get Help" or "Report a Problem" with the order

④ Submit a Purchase Protection claim explaining the issue

If Facebook approves your claim, they will refund you the full purchase price and shipping costs.

Important limitation: Purchase Protection only applies to qualified purchases made through Facebook/Instagram's checkout. If the ad led you to an external website and you paid there (outside of Meta platforms), Facebook will not refund you directly. You have to go through your bank or payment provider.

Can You Get Gift Card Money Back?

Did the scammer ask for payment in gift cards? (This is a common tactic in certain scams.)

If you paid by gift card (Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, etc.) and gave them the code, contact the gift card's customer support immediately.

Some gift card companies can cancel the card or potentially refund if the funds haven't been spent yet. For example:

iTunes card → Contact Apple Support

Amazon card → Contact Amazon support with the card number

Google Play → Contact Google

Unfortunately, if the scammer already redeemed the card, that money is likely gone. Still, report it. These companies track fraud and sometimes law enforcement can follow the money. Keep the physical cards and receipts as proof.

Can You Recover Cryptocurrency Sent to a Scammer?

If you sent Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency as payment, recovery is usually extremely difficult.

Crypto transactions are largely irreversible by design. You can try contacting the exchange or platform you used to send the crypto and report the wallet address you sent funds to as fraudulent. Some exchanges might freeze assets if the scammer tries to cash out there.

In most cases crypto is like digital cash. Unless law enforcement can identify the scammer, you likely cannot get it back. Still, report the crime (more on that in the next section) because if the scammer is caught or a wallet is flagged, there's a slim chance of restitution.

How to Document Your Refund Attempts

In all cases, document your communications when seeking refunds:

Note the dates you called your bank

Save reference numbers for any dispute claims

Keep email confirmations from PayPal or your bank about your claim

Persistence may be required. Sometimes initial claims are denied and you have the right to appeal or provide additional evidence. For credit card chargebacks, if the merchant (scammer) disputes your claim, you may need to provide those screenshots and receipts to the card issuer to bolster your case.

For large losses: If the amount lost is substantial (thousands of dollars), consider professional legal advice. Some victims hire attorneys or fund recovery services familiar with scams. Be cautious here, as the field has some predatory actors. But reputable anti-fraud organizations or legal advisors might assist if significant money is on the line. This is optional and usually a last resort if the standard dispute routes fail.

How to Secure Your Accounts After a Scam

Scammers often aren't just after a quick payment. They might also have gathered personal or financial information from you. The next critical step is to protect yourself from further harm.

How to Change Your Passwords Right Now

If the scam involved any possibility that your Facebook login or other credentials were compromised (for example, a fake "Facebook login" page, or you gave the scammer your email/password for something), change your Facebook password to a new, strong password if you even suspect the scam site tricked you into logging in.

Also, if you use that same password on any other service (which cybersecurity experts advise against, but many people do), change it on those services too.

Critical assumption: Assume any login info you entered on a scam website is now known by the scammer. Secure those accounts by updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication where possible.

Should You Cancel Your Credit Card?

If you entered your credit card details on the scam site (even if the charge hasn't hit yet), call your card issuer to cancel that card number and get a new card issued.

The scammer might use or sell your card info for unauthorized charges later. By freezing or cancelling the card, you stop them from causing more damage.

The same goes for a debit card. You may want to have the bank shut it down and reissue a new one to prevent future fraudulent withdrawals. This is often done in the same call as disputing the charge.

How to Monitor Your Accounts for Fraud

Check your bank statements, credit card statements, and even your credit report for the next few months.

Scammers who obtain personal info might attempt identity theft. Look for any new accounts you didn't open or charges you didn't make. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the financial institution immediately.

When to Place a Credit Freeze

If the scam was large or involved sensitive personal data (like your Social Security number, national ID, or your full name/address coupled with financial info), you might opt to freeze your credit with the major bureaus.

In the US, you can contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to place a credit freeze, which restricts anyone from opening new lines of credit in your name without special PINs. This is free and is a strong step if identity theft is a concern.

At minimum, you can place a fraud alert on your credit file (lasting one year, it's a notice to creditors to verify identity before issuing credit). Other countries have similar credit bureau protections.

Freezing credit is a proactive way to prevent the worst outcomes if a scammer has enough info to impersonate you financially.

How to Remove Malware From Your Computer

If clicking the ad led you to download any file or app (or if you're just unsure), it's wise to scan your device for malware.

Some scam ads might attempt to install malicious software (though most e-commerce scam ads just want your money, not your computer). Use a reputable antivirus program to do a full system scan on your computer or phone. Make sure your operating system is up to date.

If the scam involved you giving remote access to your computer or installing a sketchy app, remove that software and consider taking the device to a tech professional to ensure it's clean.

After removing any threats, change your important passwords again, since malware could have logged them.

How to Secure Your Facebook Account

As an extra precaution, do a quick security review on Facebook:

① Go to Settings & Privacy → Security and Login

② Check the list of devices logged into your account

③ If you see any you don't recognize, remove them (use "Log out of all sessions" if unsure)

④ Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already

⑤ Turn on login alerts, which notify you of logins from new devices

This can prevent a hacker from taking over your profile, which is important not just for you but so the scammer can't abuse your account to scam others (which sometimes happens after phishing).

How to Protect Your Email Account

Often, the email account tied to your financial accounts is crucial. Ensure your email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) password is strong and updated if you suspect the scammer might know it. Enable 2FA on your email too.

A lot of identity theft can be mitigated if your email is secure, because thieves won't easily break into your other accounts without access to your inbox.

By taking these steps, you're essentially shutting every door that the scammer might try to sneak through with the info they obtained. This limits the damage to just the initial loss.

Yes, it's a hassle to change passwords and cancel cards. But it's far better than discovering months later that scammers opened loans in your name or charged additional purchases.

As the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises: if you gave out sensitive info, act quickly to protect yourself. For example, they recommend identity theft steps if your Social Security number was exposed, or simply changing all affected passwords if it was login info. There's also the site IdentityTheft.gov (run by the FTC) that can guide you based on what info was stolen.

Where to Report Facebook Ad Scams

Once you've handled the immediate financial and security steps, it's important to report the scam incident to the proper authorities or consumer protection organizations.

While this might not lead to an instant resolution, it serves several purposes:

It helps law enforcement track scam patterns

It contributes to statistics that can push platforms like Facebook to improve

Having an official report can support your refund/chargeback claims as evidence

Here are the key places to report:

How to Report to the FTC

United States: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The FTC collects scam complaints in a database accessible by law enforcement. While the FTC typically doesn't resolve individual cases, they use reports to build cases against scam operations and can take action if they see widespread fraud.

When you report, include as much detail as possible (you can reference the same info you gave the bank or police).

Other countries:

UK: Action Fraud (police-backed center for fraud reporting)

Canada: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Australia: Scamwatch (ACCC)

The FTC's site links to international partners. Reporting to these agencies ensures the scam is on record.

How to Report to the FBI (IC3)

For online scams involving significant loss (or any crime over the internet), the IC3 is another channel.

IC3 is run by the FBI in partnership with other agencies. You can submit a report at ic3.gov detailing the scam (they have an online form).

IC3 forwards reports to appropriate law enforcement. This is particularly useful if the scam was an organized scheme affecting many people.

Note: If your loss was very large or you feel in immediate danger (e.g., an extortion scam), don't hesitate to also contact your local police. A police report can be useful for insurance or for bank disputes as well.

Where Else to Report Scams

The scammer's platform or infrastructure:

If the scam operated via a website (e.g., you were led to fake-store.com to pay), you can also report that website. Check if the site had any affiliation. For instance, did it use a known payment processor or shopping cart provider (Shopify, etc.)? If yes, you can report to those platforms.

Shopify, for example, has a form to report fraudulent stores using their system. If you can find out the domain's registrar or host (using a WHOIS lookup), you can report abuse to them as well.

Scam reporting websites:

Consider sharing your experience on scam reporting forums or consumer complaint boards (after you've done the official reports). Websites like ScamAdvisor, Reddit (r/Scams), or other consumer forums often have threads where people post about ongoing Facebook ad scams. Your information could validate someone else's experience or simply raise awareness.

Be mindful not to post any sensitive personal details publicly.

When filing official reports, be truthful and detailed. Provide dates, amounts, descriptions of the ad, any contact info of the scammer, etc.

If you have a case number from the police or FTC, you can also give that to your bank or card issuer. Evidence that you've reported the scam can strengthen your claim that you were a victim of fraud.

One more thing: if you feel emotionally shaken or vulnerable after being scammed (it's understandable, it can feel violating), don't hesitate to talk about it with someone you trust. There are support groups and counselors that help fraud victims too. Remember that you are not alone. Millions of people encounter scams each year. What's important now is learning from it and helping others by reporting.

How to Avoid Facebook Ad Scams in the Future

After going through a scam like this, you're likely wondering how to never let it happen again. While scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, there are many precautions you can take to dramatically reduce the chance of falling for a fraudulent ad.

How to Spot "Too Good to Be True" Deals

The classic rule stands: if an ad promises an unbelievable offer (a normally

300 item for

30, 10x returns on investment, a "limited time giveaway" that asks for money upfront), assume it's a scam unless proven otherwise.

Scammers often lure victims with incredibly steep discounts or miraculous claims.

Pause and ask: why would a legitimate seller advertise 90% off brand-new products?

High-pressure language like "Hurry, only a few left!" or "Today only!" combined with an absurd deal is a major red flag.

How to Check if a Facebook Advertiser Is Legitimate

Before clicking or buying from a Facebook ad, click on the Facebook Page or profile running the ad. Look at their Page details:

When was it created? A Facebook Page that popped up in the last few days or weeks with little to no history could be a shell for scams. Legitimate businesses usually have an established Page with a track record.

What's the Page name and does it seem odd? Scammers might use names that mimic real companies (e.g. "Amaazon Official Store" with a slight misspelling).

Does the Page have contact info, a website, or real posts and customer comments? If it's mostly empty or only filled with generic product posts created recently, be wary. Many scam pages also prevent or hide user comments to avoid public complaints.

Check if the Page is verified (blue check mark for big brands). Lack of a check doesn't always mean scam, but presence of a check usually means it's the real brand. Also see if people have posted reviews or discussions about the Page. Understanding how Facebook Pages access works can help you identify legitimate business accounts.

How to Verify Website URLs Before Buying

When you click an ad, look at the URL of the website before you buy anything.

Scammers often use URLs that look like real companies but aren't (e.g., nike-outlet.shop instead of nike.com). They may also use random string domains or unusual TLDs (.buzz, .top, .club, etc. can be sketchy for stores).

If the site is claiming to be a known brand, compare the URL to the brand's official site. Avoid entering payment info on sites with suspicious or mismatched URLs.

You can also search the URL or company name plus keywords like "scam" or "review" in Google. Often, if others have been scammed by the same site, you'll find forum posts or reports about it.

What Trust Signals to Look For

Authentic e-commerce sites usually have some indicators of legitimacy:

Trust Signal	What to Look For
Contact Info	Working phone number, email, physical address
Product Descriptions	Detailed, well-written (not copy-pasted nonsense or Google-translated text)
HTTPS Certificate	Padlock icon in browser, "Secure" indicator
Customer Reviews	Presence of reviews on the site (though scammers can fake these)
Professional Design	Clean, consistent branding and layout

If you see poor grammar, spelling errors, unprofessional design, or low-quality images, be cautious.

If the seller is on Facebook Marketplace (a person selling used items), check their profile history and ratings. On Marketplace, prefer to use Facebook's checkout or meet locally. Be cautious if a seller pushes you to pay via gift cards or off-platform methods.

Which Payment Methods Are Safest?

Whenever possible, make online purchases with methods that have built-in buyer protection:

Safest options:

• Credit cards (easiest chargebacks)

• PayPal Goods & Services (180 days to dispute)

• Facebook/Instagram checkout (Purchase Protection available, but short claim window)

Avoid for online purchases:

Bank wire transfers, Zelle, or direct money transfers (little recourse if scammed)

Gift cards (no legitimate seller asks for payment in gift cards; this is almost always a scam tactic)

Cryptocurrency (unless you truly trust the merchant, crypto transactions are final)

Debit cards linked directly to your bank account (they lack the robust dispute rights of credit cards)

Using a protected payment method won't prevent a scam, but it will greatly improve your chances of getting your money back if something goes wrong.

Red Flags in Facebook Ads

Scammers often make mistakes or use tactics that you can spot if you know what to look for:

Poor grammar or spelling in the ad text or on the website.

Many scam ads originate overseas and may contain awkward English or typos.

Unprofessional design or low-quality images.

If the ad's image is blurry, or the website looks like a generic template with mismatched fonts, be cautious.

No online presence beyond Facebook.

Try Googling the company name or product. If you find nothing about this "business" except their Facebook Page, that's a red flag. Most real businesses (even new ones) will have some footprint.

Pressure tactics: Scammers often urge you to "Act now! Only 5 left!" or claim "50 people are viewing this" to create urgency. While real sales do create FOMO, combine this with other red flags and your alarm should go off.

Suspicious contact info.

If the website's "Contact Us" page only has a form and no address/phone, or the email is something odd (like a personal Gmail), it's not a good sign. Legit companies usually have a company email domain.

How to Use Facebook's Ad Preferences

Facebook allows you to adjust your ad preferences. If you keep seeing scammy ads of a certain type, you can go into Ad Preferences and hide ads from certain advertisers or categories.

More importantly, report every scam ad you encounter (even ones you didn't fall for). The more people report, the better Facebook can refine its filters. Facebook claims to have removed over 134 million scam ads in early 2025 alone. User reports help them catch new ones.

You can also run a quick check in the Ad Library for an advertiser: if you see multiple ads for sketchy products from the same Page, that Page is likely bad news.

How to Keep Your Facebook Account Secure

Sometimes scammers don't directly steal money but instead steal your Facebook account (through phishing ads) and then use your account to scam your friends or run unauthorized ads on your credit card.

Prevent this by:

① Using strong passwords

② Enabling two-factor authentication

③ If your account is ever mysteriously posting spam, secure it and inform your friends not to click anything weird from you

How to Stay Updated on Current Scam Trends

Scam tactics evolve. Perhaps join a consumer awareness group or follow a site like the FTC's Consumer Alerts or cybersecurity blogs that talk about new Facebook scam patterns.

For example, in recent years, we've seen waves of:

→ Fake ads impersonating celebrity endorsements

→ Ads for "going out of business" sales for known brands (that are actually fake sites)

→ Investment scams promising guaranteed returns

Knowing about these trends can help you spot them.

Even performance marketing blogs or industry news can shed light on the scam epidemic. For instance, a Reuters investigation in 2025 exposed how widespread ad fraud is on Meta's platforms.

The more you know, the better your scam radar will become.

When to Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off about an ad or seller, don't ignore that gut feeling. It's better to miss out on a "deal" than to risk being scammed.

You can always do more research, or choose not to buy. There will be other opportunities from reputable sources.

Remember: Not all Facebook ads are bad. There are millions of legitimate businesses advertising on Facebook every day, and many users find real deals and new products from those ads.

Facebook also has a vested interest in reducing scams. They've stated that nobody (users or honest advertisers) wants scam content on the platform. In an ideal world, Facebook would catch 100% of fraudulent ads before they ever run, but until that day, staying vigilant is key.

By applying the precautions above, you can scroll your feed with far more confidence.

How Legitimate Advertisers Combat Ad Fraud

While this guide has focused on what you can do as a potential scam victim, it's worth noting that legitimate advertisers are also fighting this battle on their end.

Professional advertisers and agencies using platforms like AdManage to manage their Facebook and TikTok campaigns have their own challenges with ad fraud. Not from running scams themselves, but from dealing with:

Ad account hijacking attempts

Unauthorized ad charges

Brand impersonation (scammers copying their ads and brands)

Click fraud and bot traffic

Tools like AdManage help legitimate advertisers maintain control over their ad operations through:

Structured naming conventions that make unauthorized ads easier to spot

UTM management that helps track genuine traffic versus suspicious sources

Bulk preview links for approval workflows before ads go live

Team permissions that prevent unauthorized account access

Dashboard auditing to quickly identify unusual ad activity

When legitimate advertisers have tight control over their ad operations, it actually makes the entire ecosystem safer for everyone. It's harder for scammers to impersonate real brands, and professional advertisers can quickly spot and report fraudulent activity.

This is one reason why the ad operations automation industry exists. Tools that help real businesses manage high-volume ad campaigns more securely and efficiently contribute to a healthier advertising ecosystem overall.

If you're a business owner who's been impersonated by scammers (someone running fake ads using your brand name or products), platforms like AdManage can help you maintain tighter control over your legitimate ad operations and quickly audit for suspicious activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get my money back if I was scammed by a Facebook ad?

It depends on how you paid and how quickly you act.

Credit card chargebacks have the highest success rate (you typically have 120 days to file). PayPal Purchase Protection gives you 180 days to dispute. Bank transfers and gift cards are much harder to recover.

The key is to act immediately and follow the dispute processes outlined in this guide.

How long do I have to report a scam to my bank?

For credit cards, most issuers allow chargebacks within 60 to 120 days from the transaction date or from when you discovered the fraud.

Debit card protections vary, but you should report unauthorized transactions as soon as possible (ideally within days). The faster you report, the better your chances of recovery.

Will Facebook refund me if I got scammed by an ad?

Facebook will only refund you if the purchase was made through their own checkout system (Facebook/Instagram shopping with Purchase Protection) and you file a claim within their strict deadlines (usually 3-7 days).

If you clicked a Facebook ad that led to an external website where you paid, Facebook will not issue a refund. You need to go through your bank or payment provider.

Should I contact the police about a Facebook ad scam?

For small losses, filing reports with the FTC (in the US) or your country's consumer fraud agency is usually sufficient. For larger losses (thousands of dollars) or if you feel threatened, filing a police report can be helpful. A police report can also support your bank dispute claims. Also report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for online scams.

What if the scammer has my Social Security number or passport information?

If you gave out sensitive identity documents to a scammer, take immediate action: Visit IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan, place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), monitor your credit reports closely for fraudulent accounts, and consider filing a police report. Identity theft is serious and requires a comprehensive response beyond just recovering the money.

How can I tell if a Facebook ad is a scam before clicking?

Look for these red flags:

Unrealistic pricing (90% off new products)

Newly created Facebook Pages with little history

Poor grammar or spelling in the ad

Pressure tactics ("Only 2 left!")

Mismatched or suspicious URLs

No verifiable company information

Requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers

Lack of customer reviews or online presence beyond Facebook

When in doubt, research the company independently before purchasing.

What happens after I report a scam ad to Facebook?

Facebook reviews the ad against their Advertising Standards and Community Standards. If it violates their policies, they will remove it and potentially ban the advertiser. Your report is confidential (the scammer won't know who reported them), and Facebook doesn't typically send you updates on the outcome. Reporting helps their systems learn to identify similar scams and protects other users.

Can I recover money sent via Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App?

These peer-to-peer payment apps generally offer little to no buyer protection because payments are designed to be instant and final between people who know each other. Recovery is very difficult. But if you funded the payment with a linked credit card (rather than a bank account), you may be able to dispute the charge through your credit card issuer. Always report the scam to the payment app as well.

What should I do if I gave a scammer remote access to my computer?

Disconnect from the internet immediately, run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan with a reputable security program, change all important passwords from a different device, contact your bank if financial accounts were accessed, consider having a professional check your computer for backdoors or keyloggers, and monitor your accounts closely for unusual activity. Remote access scams can install malware that persists after the initial incident.

Are there "recovery services" that can get my money back from scammers?

Be extremely cautious. Many so-called "recovery services" are themselves scams that target people who've already been victimized. Legitimate fund recovery is typically done through your bank, payment provider, or law enforcement, not through companies that charge upfront fees. If you're considering a recovery service, thoroughly research them first and be wary of anyone guaranteeing results or asking for money before providing services.

How common are Facebook ad scams?

Meta's internal documents from late 2024 estimated they show users about 15 billion high-risk scam ads daily, and expected roughly 10% of their ad revenue (around $16 billion) would come from scam or illicit ads. While Facebook does remove many scam ads, some slip through their review processes. The scale is significant, which is why vigilance is important.

Will changing my passwords actually help after a scam?

Yes, absolutely. If you entered login credentials on a scam website or phishing page, scammers can use those credentials to access your accounts, steal more information, or even use your accounts to scam others. Changing passwords immediately limits the damage by cutting off their access. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Should I delete my Facebook account to avoid scams?

That's not necessary. While scams exist on Facebook, millions of people use the platform safely every day. Instead of deleting your account, focus on the protective measures in this guide: verify advertisers before purchasing, use secure payment methods, enable two-factor authentication, report scam ads when you see them, and stay informed about common scam tactics. Being educated and cautious is more effective than avoiding the platform entirely.

Conclusion: Knowledge Is Power (and Recovery Is Possible)

Discovering that you've been scammed via a Facebook ad is a distressing experience. But by acting swiftly (reporting the ad, seeking refunds through your bank or PayPal, securing your accounts, and informing the proper agencies) you've done everything in your power to address it.

Many people do get their money back if they move quickly and persist with the process. Even if you don't recover the funds, you've mitigated further damage and contributed valuable information to help stop the culprits.

Going forward, use this experience to strengthen your fraud filters. Scammers will always be out there, but you'll be much better prepared to spot and avoid them.

Share what you learned with family and friends so they don't fall victim to the same trap. For instance, warn them about the specific scam ad you encountered and how it operated. The more people know about these frauds, the harder it gets for scammers to succeed.

All the information in this guide is up-to-date as of 2025, but scam tactics and policies do evolve. It's wise to occasionally check Facebook's Help Center for the latest on reporting tools, and stay informed via consumer protection websites for any new scam trends.

In the end, don't let one bad actor on Facebook destroy your trust in everything. Continue enjoying social media and online shopping (just with a sharper eye).

Scammers rely on secrecy and haste. You'll counter them with knowledge and caution.

By following the steps outlined here, you've taken control of the situation and helped make Facebook a bit safer for everyone.

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Cedric Yarish

🚀 Co-Founder @ AdManage.ai | Helping the world’s best marketers launch Meta ads 10x faster I’m Cedric Yarish, a performance marketer turned founder. At AdManage.ai, we’re building the fastest way to launch, test, and scale ads on Meta. In the last month alone, our platform helped clients launch over 250,000 ads—at scale, with precision, and without the usual bottlenecks. With 9+ years of experience and over $10M in optimized ad spend, I’ve helped brands like Photoroom, Nextdoor, Salesforce, and Google scale through creative testing and automation. Now, I’m focused on product-led growth—combining engineering and strategy to grow admanage.ai

I Got Scammed on Facebook Ad: What Can I Do? (2025)