WARNING: The Secret Sister Scam

We're about a week and a half away from the kick-off of the holiday season. Which is also known as scam season.

I don't know if it's because we're just in a better mood and easily influenced, but it seems like we're more likely to fall for a scam during the holidays.

A big thing now with social media is online secret Santa gift exchanges. However, the Better Business Bureau is warning that these holiday exchanges are scams and even illegal.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the "Secret Sister" viral gift-giving trend is more of a pyramid scheme than a friendly gift exchange.

The BBB says "Just like any other pyramid scheme, it relies on the recruitment of individuals to keep the scam afloat. Once people stop participating in the gift exchange, the gift supply stops as well, and leaves hundreds of disappointed people without their promised gift."

They also report that exchanges such as the "Secret Sister" exchange are actually illegal. BBB explains that these exchanges "are considered a form of gambling and that participants could be subject to penalties such as jail time, fines or a lawsuit for mail fraud."

Have a happy and safe holiday and stay vigilant.

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