'Secret Sister' Gift Exchange On Facebook Returns And It's A Scam

<p>A gift exchange circulating again on social media asks users to send one gift valued at $10 or more to their "Secret Sister," promising up to 36 presents in return. It seems like a great way to spread the holiday cheer, but it's not. It's a scam. </p>

Wednesday, November 14th 2018, 4:41 am

By: News On 6

'Secret Sister' Gift Exchange On Facebook Returns And It's A Scam

A gift exchange circulating again on social media asks users to send one gift valued at $10 or more to their "Secret Sister," promising up to 36 presents in return. It seems like a great way to spread the holiday cheer, but it's not. It's a scam.

"Anyone want to join in on this fun?" one version of the post reads. "You have to buy one gift valued of at least $10 and send it to your secret sis. (Hello, Amazon!) you will then receive 6-36 gifts in return."

The post, obtained by CBS News, encouraged users to comment, "I'm In," for more information; but doing so could lead to disappointment when participants receive very few or no presents in return for their efforts.

WARNING: The "Secret Sister" gift exchange has returned to Facebook -- and it's a scam https://t.co/hQBFzmhSve pic.twitter.com/X5Gr0nNQiK
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 14, 2018

The scam, which became popular in late 2015, is a pyramid scheme posing as holiday fun.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service explained the scam in a 2015 post on Facebook.

It's also illegal, according to the Better Business Bureau.

What seems like a fun way to gift-give during the holidays may leave participants out at least $10 — and provide scammers with your home address, leading to more trouble down the road.

The scam, which became popular in late 2015, is a pyramid scheme posing as holiday fun.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service explained the scam in a 2015 post on Facebook.

It's also illegal, according to the Better Business Bureau.

What seems like a fun way to gift-give during the holidays may leave participants out at least $10 — and provide scammers with your home address, leading to more trouble down the road.

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