How to Tell If a Facebook Ad Account Warning Is Real or a Scam (Meta Email Safety Guide)

In this article, we will visit:

  • Facebook login page with fields for email or phone number and password, and options to log in, create a new account, or forgot password.

    1. Signs of a Real VS Fake Facebook Message or Meta Scam Email

    Read our checklist of what is typically in real vs fake messages (or emails) from Meta.

    Learn How
  • Desk with magnifying glass, black notebook with a white sticky note, yellow pencil, and metal desk accessories on a white surface.

    2. How to Check if Your Meta Account Is Actually Restricted

    Find easy instructions on how to check if your Meta or Facebook account is actually restricted or disabled.

    Learn How
  • Person holding a smartphone displaying the Instagram login page on the screen.

    3. What Happens If You Click a Fake Meta Link?

    Accidentally clicked on a spam link? Here’s what can happen and what to do next.

    Learn How

  • 4. How to Protect Your Facebook Ad Account from Hackers and Scams

    Stay proactive! Protect yourself and your message from harmful hackers and spam for the future.

    Click Here

Signs of a Real Meta or Facebook Ad Account Email ✅

  • Sent from @facebookmail.com or @meta.com

  • Uses your actual business name or page name

  • Mentions your Ad Account ID or Business Manager ID

  • Links to a real Meta domain, like:

    • https://www.facebook.com/accountquality/

    • https://business.facebook.com/adsmanager

  • Never asks you to log in from a sketchy link

  • No spelling mistakes or urgent threats

Signs of a Fake Facebook Message or Meta Scam Email ❌

  • Sent from free email services or fake domains (like support@fb-businesshelp.com)

  • Generic greetings like “Dear User”

  • Threats like “Your account will be deleted in 12 hours unless you verify now” or “Your page is at risk of being unpublished due to violations. Click this link to secure it.”"

  • Links lead to fake login pages or non-meta.com domains (e.g., bit.ly, meta-helpcenter.biz)

    • Note: This is your most dead giveaway that your message is spam. Look closely! Sometimes the links look very similar to Meta or Facebook, such as “www.met.a.com” or “www. facebok.com”

  • Is only in your Facebook Page’s Messenger messages or comments sections (and not an email)

    • Note: Meta NEVER sends direct messages to your Page or Messenger to notify you of violations or restrictions!

  • Includes attachments or demands your password

How to Check if Your Meta Account Is Actually Restricted

Before you panic (or click anything) go directly to your Meta Business Manager dashboard.

NOTE: Make sure you’re in the right account on these pages! (There should be a dropdown with your account(s) on the top left or right of each page.

NOTE: If your ad account really is restricted or your business page has a violation, it will show up in one of these places. If there's nothing there? The message you got is likely fake.

What Happens If You Click a Fake Meta Link?

Scammers who send fake Meta emails often:

  1. Steal your login credentials

  2. Access your ad account and spend your money

  3. Install malware or keyloggers on your device

If you've already clicked a suspicious link or entered your info:

  1. Change your Facebook and email passwords immediately

  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

  3. Check Business Manager for new admins or active campaigns you don’t recognize

  4. Book a Meta Ad Safety Audit with the Meta Ad Doctor below.

How to Protect Your Facebook Ad Account from Hackers and Scams

Here’s how we recommend keeping your Meta ad account safe:

  • Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on every account

  • Never click login links in emails—go directly to facebook.com

  • Limit admin access in your Business Manager

  • Check your Account Quality weekly

  • Use a password manager to avoid credential theft

  • Avoid using the same email/password combo across multiple tools

Questions on how to do any of these recommendations?
Meta Ad Doctor can help!

Let Us Help You Stay Safe

If you’re still experiencing issues, we're here to help!


Purchase a one-hour consult call here. 
Includes:

  • Account quality scan

  • Verify if a Meta message is legit

  • Recover accounts compromised by phishing

  • Business Manager security audit

  • Fix ad restrictions & prevent future flags

  • Ad policy compliance check

  • Peace of mind

1-Hour Session 1-Hour Session
1-Hour Session
$150.00