Top Story: Don't fall for this Facebook 'Secret Sister' scam
Top Story: Don't fall for this Facebook 'Secret Sister' scam | Komando.com
Ready or not, the holiday season is here. It's the time of year when we get together with our families and closest friends to create memories that will last a lifetime. There's just something about the holidays that brings out the best in people.
Like many, Christmas especially puts me in the giving mood. Unfortunately, there are scammers in the world that prey on the kindness of others. That's what's happening with this hideous Facebook scam.
There is a hoax popping up on Facebook known as the "Secret Sister Gift Exchange." This scam isn't new, it was actually making the rounds on Facebook this time last year.
Secret Sister Gift Exchange scam
What's happening is the "secret sisters gift exchange" scam asks you to purchase one gift for someone else at the cost of $10. In return, the scammer says that you will receive between six and 36 gifts for yourself.
The "secret sisters gift exchange" is similar to how a pyramid scheme works. The U.S. Postal Service says this is basically a chain letter, which is illegal because it's a form of gambling.
The wording might be different depending on which post you see, but the message is the same. Here is an example of a post I found on my Facebook newsfeed:
facebook-secret-sisters
Warning! If you see a post like this, DO NOT SEND MONEY! This is a scam and you will not receive any gifts.
Police are asking people to watch for any of these posts and not to fall for this hoax. You also should report the post to Facebook if you see one.
To report a Facebook post:
Click the downward pointing arrow in the top-right corner of the post.
Click Report post or Report photo.
Select the option that best describes the issue and follow the on-screen instructions.
This isn't the first scam we've seen on Facebook and it definitely won't be the last. Not long ago we told you about a hoax targeting Brad Pitt fans.
A great rule to live by is if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Top Story: Don't fall for this Facebook 'Secret Sister' scam | Komando.com
Ready or not, the holiday season is here. It's the time of year when we get together with our families and closest friends to create memories that will last a lifetime. There's just something about the holidays that brings out the best in people.
Like many, Christmas especially puts me in the giving mood. Unfortunately, there are scammers in the world that prey on the kindness of others. That's what's happening with this hideous Facebook scam.
There is a hoax popping up on Facebook known as the "Secret Sister Gift Exchange." This scam isn't new, it was actually making the rounds on Facebook this time last year.
Secret Sister Gift Exchange scam
What's happening is the "secret sisters gift exchange" scam asks you to purchase one gift for someone else at the cost of $10. In return, the scammer says that you will receive between six and 36 gifts for yourself.
The "secret sisters gift exchange" is similar to how a pyramid scheme works. The U.S. Postal Service says this is basically a chain letter, which is illegal because it's a form of gambling.
The wording might be different depending on which post you see, but the message is the same. Here is an example of a post I found on my Facebook newsfeed:
facebook-secret-sisters
Warning! If you see a post like this, DO NOT SEND MONEY! This is a scam and you will not receive any gifts.
Police are asking people to watch for any of these posts and not to fall for this hoax. You also should report the post to Facebook if you see one.
To report a Facebook post:
Click the downward pointing arrow in the top-right corner of the post.
Click Report post or Report photo.
Select the option that best describes the issue and follow the on-screen instructions.
This isn't the first scam we've seen on Facebook and it definitely won't be the last. Not long ago we told you about a hoax targeting Brad Pitt fans.
A great rule to live by is if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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