The holidays are supposed to be about the joy of giving, but some folks online only want to take advantage of the joy. If you see a friend posting about the "secret sister" gift exchange, it's best you just ignore it.

The "secret sister" gift exchange is really just a form of a pyramid scheme. The post circulating on Facebook claims if you purchase a gift for $10 or more and add your name to a list, you'll receive up to 36 presents in return.

Not only is this a scam, it's also illegal. Since recipients receive the gifts via the mail, this violates the United States Postal Service's rules against chain letters.

[Chain letters are] illegal if they request money or other items of value and promise a substantial return to the participants. Chain letters are a form of gambling, and sending them through the mail … violates Title 18, United States Code, Section 1302, the Postal Lottery Statute.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Why not try a White Elephant or Secret Santa with your friends.

More From Kool 107.9