The Better Business Bureau cautions that getting involved in these “exchanges” could unintentionally lead you into an illegal pyramid scheme.
The “Secret Sister” gift exchange is an online activity where people worldwide are encouraged to assist each other in fulfilling their Christmas wish lists. While the idea seems harmless, there’s no assurance that each participant will fulfill their end of the bargain. This exchange is typically unlawful and involves sharing personal details, posing potential risks if that information falls into the wrong hands. Fraudsters can take advantage of participants by deceiving them out of gift cards and other items.
As per the BBB, the scam commences with an invite to join a seemingly enjoyable program through email or social media. You are required to provide your name and address, along with similar details about some of your acquaintances. Subsequently, you must do the same for your friends and family. The twist is that this information is usually tracked, perpetuating the scheme. You might find yourself sending gifts to strangers and receiving nothing in return. Similar to other pyramid schemes, this one hinges on individuals recruiting new members, and without that, the gift flow ceases.
It’s vital to bear in mind that this “exchange” setup is illegal in the US and Canada. The US Postal Service categorizes these “gift exchanges” as a form of gambling. By partaking in this, you could potentially face charges for mail fraud and/or illegal gambling, resulting in fines or imprisonment. The BBB advises disregarding participation invitations and reporting abusive social media content to the platform. Always safeguard your personal details and refrain from sharing them with unknown individuals online.
