The Secret is Out on the Secret Sister Hoax

If you get into the holiday spirit by participating in gift exchanges you know that it can be fun and exciting. It may even net you a new friend, if you’re one to swap with strangers. One online gift exchange is making the rounds under the name “Secret Sister,” but it’s just a twist on the old chain letter scams. (Letter shown below)

The hoax is making its way around Facebook and other social media and claims that if you send one gift valued at more than $10, you will receive up to 36 gifts in return. The reality is that you will likely end up with nothing except a wallet that is $10 lighter.

Not only is this particular “game” a hoax, but according to the US Postal Inspection Service, it is also breaking the law. Asking for money via a chain letter is a form of gambling that is illegal.

Therefore, don’t participate in this or any other chain letter type request you find at the holidays, or any other time. They are generally just creating clutter in email inboxes, in regular mailboxes, or creating some type of scam where someone may get financially hurt. In addition, by replying you could be giving up some private information (such as your address and email address) to someone with more nefarious intentions than merely spreading holiday cheer.

And as many scams on social media have proven, such as the various World Cup scams, the Facebook Friend Scam, and the Shark Attack video hoax, they often also spread malware.  

If you must participate in gift exchanges, get into the spirit by doing it with your family and friends. If social media is your thing, try using the Secret Santa service through Reddit, where fellow participants exchange gifts amongst themselves.

Even better, if you want to give to strangers, find a local charity that distributes gifts or needed items to those who cannot afford it themselves. It’s fulfilling and can make an otherwise dreary December full of sunshine for someone.