Verify, by definition, means to demonstrate something is true or accurate. Well 'tis the season for giving. And you may have seen that secret Santa sister gift exchange making its rounds on social media.
The post claims you only have to buy one gift at ten dollars or more for the promise of six to 36 gifts in return. Some posts even show photos of gifts and packages waiting at the front door. And countless people are responding on social media saying they're in. But is it too good to be true?
We asked the Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and found information from the United States Postal Inspection service to get answers.
We found out it is a scam. And it's been happening for a few years.
Even in 2015 the postal inspection service weighed in on Facebook warning, "we caution folks against becoming involved in these types of events because they are a form of pyramid scheme."
They went on to speak to the odds of you receiving anything in the mail, "the odds are likely greater that Santa Claus himself would fly his sleigh into the middle of Times Square to personally distribute the gifts."
Arkansas' attorney general also said it is likely illegal.
"Anytime you have to fill in your personal information that is a red flag. So if someone is asking you send a gift for 10 dollars and you're gonna get these other gifts, do not fall for this, this is a scam," Rutledge said. "We want people to be in the Christmas spirit and give to friends and family, but don't fall for these secret sister scams on Facebook."
So there's your answer, we verify, the secret Santa sister gift exchange is a scam. If it sounds too good to be true, Rutledge said it likely is.
Rutledge said it's become such a problem, her office released a consumer alert today warning people to be on the look out. She says it's best to always give to people you know.