The "Secret Sister" gift exchange making its way around Facebook is a total scam that could actually mean trouble with the law. In fact, Wyoming law thoroughly defines a gift.

If you've been tempted to share the following, don't:

With all the negativity around us, let’s create some positivity over the next few weeks leading up to the holidays! Anyone interested in a holiday gift exchange? It doesn’t matter where you live, you are welcome to join. I need at least 6 (or more!!) ladies of any age to participate in a secret sister gift exchange. You only have to buy ONE gift valued at $10 or more and send it to ONE secret sister. Afterwards, you will receive between 6 and 36 gifts in return!! It all depends how many ladies join. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you the information!
Comment below if you’re interested and I’ll send you the details!

The only problem is, that’s a scam.

Authorities have warned about “Secret Sister” since last Christmas. Police say sharing personal details and home address with strangers is dangerous, and most likely won’t end up getting any gifts at all.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service points out it is technically a chain letter, in violation of Title 18, Section 1302 of the Postal Lottery Statute. The Post Office says these type of scams are always illegal if they request money or other items of value and promise a substantial return to the participants.

So what should you do if you see one of these requests on a friend’s page? Just simply reply with a link to this page. Your friend will probably thank you for saving them some embarrassment or even a visit from the US Postal Inspector.

If you still want to set up a gift exchange there are plenty of legal ways to go about it. The best is the old-fashioned way, you know, face to face with friends or coworkers.

Read more on "Secret Sisters" at snopes.com.

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