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It appears the Secret Santa scam is back this year. This scam has been going around social media for a few years now. It seems to target Facebook groups from what I’ve read. But it can target any social media platform.
The Scam
According to the Better Business Bureau, the scam can be simple. Someone can reach out to you via social media or email. They invite you to join a fun program.
If you agree you are asked to provide your name and address. To make it legit you are asked for a few friend’s names and addresses so they can be included too. You may be asked to pass the invite along to grow the list.
Once you’ve done your part you are given the name and address of someone to send a gift to. Some gifts may have a value of $10.
The scam varies a bit but you may also be asked to send $10 gift cards.
The point is the more you send gifts the more gifts you get.
This scam has many names
A few years ago the scam was going around Facebook groups. It was titled Secret Sister. It was targeting women to send gifts to non-existing group members.
It may also be called the Secret Santa Scam.
How is this a scam?
It’s a scam because it’s another version of a pyramid scheme. If you send one person a gift and you get a friend to do the same and so on… You’ll get double the gifts.
Also, it can be illegal because this can be considered a form of gambling. It can also be mail fraud as well.
Since you offered your and your friends names and addresses. There may be a higher risk of identity theft.
No one gets a gift
No matter what the promise is no one gets a gift in return. The gifts that were sent out go to addresses provided by the scammers. The gift cards may be used to help keep funding the scam.
I know everyone wants to be generous during the holiday season but all you can do is think before replying to a Secret Santa request on social media or via email.
Spread the word so people know this scam is going around again.
