Cambria County, PA (WJAC) — It's a post you have possibly seen come across your Facebook timeline, especially ahead of the Christmas holiday, the Secret Sister Gift Exchange.
“The Secret Sister gift exchange invites participants to purchase something valued at $10 for a stranger," says Better Business Bureau Spokeswoman Caitlin Driscoll., “Then claims as many as 36 gifts from strangers will be received as a result. There is also a different variation called the wine bottle exchange.”
But, according to the Better Business Bureau the Secret Sister gift exchange is illegal.
“The big thing is to recognize that by participating you are breaking the law by starting and sending a chain letter through social media or U.S. mail involving money or valuable items and any type of promise of big return.”
Even if it is coming from one of your friends, the Better Business Bureau says the risk is bigger than the reward.
“Even if it is a post that you are seeing from a friend be aware that you don't really know who your information could be shared with,” says Driscoll. “Participation in any type of activity like this is still illegal.”
Officials say you won't get any gifts.
“Chances are you won't end up receiving any gifts,” said Driscoll. “Basically, the first person to join the gift exchange may end up with a gift but that is usually about it.”
The Better Business Bureau says even though the exchange sounds like fun, you should just ignore the posts altogether.
“Avoid sharing it, if it is a contact you actually know reach out and let them know that they should delete the post and avoid sharing, it as well.”
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfl7K1wMSrZJuto567pr%2FSZpmuqpWWwm7DwKulrGWfm3q0scKrnK1lo57AtbHRZp6inqRisrmvx5qloJ1dpLtussCcnJunn6A%3D