The most recent fad on Facebook, 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange', has been making its rounds. If you have come across such post or perhaps, someone so dear to you, a relative, a friend, or a colleague has sent you an invite and you haven't gotten into the craze, you're just one lucky girl.
Here are a few things that you have to consider before joining the bandwagon:
1. It's a scam and it's illegal.
Just like an old pyramid scam, this online gift exchange involves an investment. Though for this holiday gift exchange scheme, it's only $10 and won't hurt much, it would still cost you some hard-earned money.
Likewise, the United States Postal Inspection Service stated thatt these chain letters and pyramid schemes become illegal once they request for money or anything with a certain value, promising a certain "return to the scheme's participants".
The idea of today's "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" is similar to the 90's chain letters and the chain emails in the twentieth century. In this case, you have to buy a gift for $10 and send to someone. Your name will be added to a list with several others, then you'll get 36 gifts in return.
2. Remember that there are no guarantees.
It's too good to be true. The offer can be really tempting. Imagine, for only $10, you'd be able to receive 36 gifts or more - such a good deal, right? However, everyone is warned that promises like this can be really too much. Remember this: The higher the return, the higher the risk.
Though many have shared on social media that they've already receive a gift, none of them said that they've actually received 36 gifts or more.
3. You may be putting your identity at risk.
It's true that there's no harm in spreading holiday cheers in different corners of the world, this gift exchange craze may compromise your safety in one way or another. Since participants would have to reveal personal details such as their names, home address and even contact details, this heightens the risk of receiving a gift that is not entirely a nice one.
However, this Youtube video says it is not a scam. Be the judge!
As of this writing, the said 'Secret Sister Gift Exchange' scheme has also reached other social media sites like Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. Be extra cautious, fellas!
