Hoax circulating on Facebook puts identity in jeopardy

The so-called "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" circulating on Facebook may seem harmless, but it's illegal.

Facebook users have reposted a message that claims people can buy a gift for $10 or more, add their name to a list and a bounty of 36 gifts will come their way.

"A lot of friends are doing it, or at least posting about it," said Lauren Kidwell, a Facebook user. "(It) doesn't sound like a good idea."

Kelli Burns, a mass communications instructor at the University of South Florida, knows all about the Secret Sister Gift Exchange.

"This is a typical pyramid scheme. We're just seeing this on Facebook this time, instead of the old way of using letters, and Facebook allows it to spread a lot faster," Burns said.

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