Mysterious $36.29 e-Transfer from MNP? Why Facebook Sent You ...

If you’ve recently received an Interac e-transfer for $36.29 from MNP, it’s part of the settlement for Facebook’s Sponsored Stories class action lawsuit.

The case centred on Facebook allegedly using users’ names and profile pictures in ads without their consent, violating privacy laws in B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The settlement, approved earlier this year, saw $51 million CAD to be shared among eligible class members. These people were Facebook users in the above provinces between January 1, 2011, and May 30, 2014, who had their real names or identifiable photos used in Sponsored Story ads.

These ads showcased a user’s interaction with a business, like clicking “Like,” and displayed it to their Facebook friends.

Each eligible claimant was set to get paid $36.29, though the exact amount was determined by the number of claims made. Payments are handled by Calgary-based MNP, the court-appointed administrator of the settlement. We recently heard from you that you have been receiving Interac e-Transfers from MNP in the form of $36.29. That’s part of this settlement and not a scam, so rest assured. For those that have auto-deposits enabled, it typically can be unnerving to receive a random deposit.

What if you’re being asked to enter a security answer for this claim to be deposited? The answer is (case sensitive): Facebook

No further action was required to participate if you didn’t opt out of the class action by 2020. MNP used contact details linked with eligible users to process payments. Now, enjoy the $36.29 in your bank account thanks to Meta (and for being a Facebook user).

Did you get your $36.29 payout recently via e-Transfer?