Secret Sister Social Media Scam

The Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement are warning those on social media to be vigilant of a popular scam called the Secret Sister Gift Exchange. The scam asks for personal information including names and mailing addresses and promises a return of 6-36 gifts from secret sisters if you send one gift.

Facebook instead of chain letters

The BBB warns, “This is a typical pyramid scheme. This is on Facebook instead of the old way of using letters because social media allows it to spread a lot faster,” the Better Business Bureau warns. “Pyramid schemes are illegal either by mail or on social media if money or other items of value are requested with the assurance of a sizable return for those who participate.”

The message that makes its way around is as follows:

“Welcome to our secret sister gift exchange!! Much easier than it sounds. Here’s how it works:
1) Copy the secret sister insta that I posted on my Instagram, to your own story or page; you can also text people, post on FB, whatever you want.
2) Send one gift valued at at least $10 to the secret sister that is in the NUMBER ONE SPACE BELOW.
3) delete secret sister’s name from #1; then move secret sister #2 to that spot.
4) Add your name to #2 with your info.
5) Then message this info the other ladies that were interested in your post.
1. Person and their address
2. another person and their address
P.S. Don’t forget: move #2 (that would be me) up to #1 and put yours at #2. Or gifts won’t happen 😂
Then send this to anyone that responds to your post! Thanks a bunch!!! I’m so excited! Feel free to ask me any questions!”

Reporting schemes

The BBB advises, “If you receive a chain letter by mail, email, or social media, especially one that involves money or gifts, ignore it. Report the post to Facebook by clicking on the three little dots in the upper right corner of the post.”

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