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Christmas gifts

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via Cleveland19:

It seems like harmless social media fun, but for the last several years, the Secret Sister Gift Exchange post has tricked a lot of giving people on Facebook.

But, a reminder: this is a scam.

Several Better Business Bureau agencies are warning consumers against this scam, which is identified as an illegal pyramid scheme.

“The exchange has been circulating on social media sites and claims that participants will receive up to 36 gifts in exchange for sending one gift valued at $10,” the BBB says. “Users are encouraged to invite others to participate in the holiday gift exchange, where they will receive information on where to mail gifts.”

Here’s how the scheme works, per the BBB:

  • If a consumer purchases one gift for a stranger, she will receive as many as 36 gifts in return.
  • This type of gift exchange may seem reasonable enough in theory: six friends invite six more friends, who all send gifts to the participant in spot 1 before that person named is removed.
  • This process repeats itself with the participant in the 2 spot, and so on.

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