Watch Out for the Secret Sister Gift Exchange and Other Scams

I would have thought by now people would be hip to chain letters being scams, but instead of threats against one's life if you don't immediately send ten identical copies of the letter on, scammers are tricking people in to thinking this age-old swindle is good-natured holiday fun! It's called the Secret Sister gift exchange, and it is getting a lot of traction through social media shares. According to an article, the scam goes a little something like this:

The Secret Sister gift exchange is back! I'm looking for six women who would be interested in a pre-holiday gift exchange. You only have to buy one $10 gift and send it to your secret sister. You will then receive 6-36 gifts in return. Let me know if you're interested and I will send you the information for your secret sister. We all could use some happy mail!

Now, I'm no Mathlete, but turning one gift in to 36 would have Pythagoras scratching his head. You see, it's set up so the first few people to send out the chain are the only people to get the gifts. Not only do you lose out, but chain letters are considered illegal under gambling law. It's easy to get swept up in the spirit of giving this time of year, but just be safe out there. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Bonus Video: Definitely Bishop - Foundation for Excellence