INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Police are warning about the “Secret Sister” gift exchange scam being back on Facebook.
This is how the scam works:
There will be a Facebook post asking you to buy a gift of $10 or more. In exchange, you'll get sent 36 gifts.
The problem is this is a clear pyramid scheme and it is illegal.
The United States Postal Service has regulations on pyramid schemes and because these gifts are sent through the mail, you are violating those laws. It's also against Facebook's terms of agreement so they could take your page down.
The Better Business Bureau put out a warning about it last year as well.
The BBB recommends the following tips for consumers who may receive a chain letter by mail, email or social media, particularly ones that involve money or gifts:
- Check with BBB before becoming involved in suspicious and possibly illegal activity.
- To avoid this scam, the best thing to do is completely ignore it altogether. Do not give out personal information to anyone.
- Chain letters via social media and U.S. mail that involve money or valuable items and promise big returns are illegal. If you start a chain letter or send one, you are breaking the law.
- Chances are you will receive little or no money back on your “investment.” Despite the claims, a chain letter will never make you rich.
- Some chain letters try to win your confidence by claiming they’re legal and endorsed by the government.