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Unwrapping the Dangers: Beware of Social Media Secret Santa Scams

Author Maryann Morgan
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 24: Presents are displayed under Christmas tree on December 24, 2020 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

‘Tis the season of giving, and while the spirit of generosity warms our hearts, it seems that scammers are lurking in the tinsel-laden corners of social media. According to Click2Houstn.com, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm on a holiday hoax that has many falling victim to the allure of Secret Santa gift exchanges.

Picture this: a festive promise of multiple gifts flooding your social media feed. All you have to do is send one small present, and in return, you’ll receive an abundance of holiday joy. It sounds like the perfect way to spread cheer, right? Wrong.

The BBB is waving a red flag, cautioning against these seemingly innocent Secret Santa exchanges. What appears to be a heartwarming gesture is, in reality, an illegal pyramid scheme. Participants willingly offer up personal information, and in some cases, gifts or money, to strangers with the expectation of receiving a promised present in return. Unfortunately, this heartwarming idea is nothing more than a virtual mirage.

The allure of multiple gifts for the price of one is tempting, but don’t let the glittering façade blind you to the potential dangers. Pyramid schemes rely on a constant influx of new participants to sustain the illusion of generosity. As more people join in, the pyramid grows, and those at the bottom are left with empty hands and a sense of betrayal.

The BBB’s advice is crystal clear: ignore the scheme. Resist the urge to participate, and certainly, do not provide personal information or gifts to strangers online. It’s a virtual jungle out there, and while the holiday season is about spreading joy, falling prey to scams can turn festivities into a nightmare.

As we gather around the virtual hearth of social media, let’s be vigilant and protect ourselves from the Grinches of the online world. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. This holiday season, let’s unwrap the gift of wisdom and share it with our digital neighbors to ensure a safe and joyful celebration for all.

Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.

Holiday Dating Do's and Don'ts

A new relationship can be exciting. The possibilities are all ahead, and things seem perfect, at least for a while. This is the “honeymoon phase,” where you don’t see (or you ignore) all the little annoying things in your partner and feel totally infatuated. If you’re lucky, that feeling lasts forever. Well, the holidays can be a difficult time for dating. So, what are some holiday dating do’s and don’ts?

It really seems like people are more apt to want to get into a relationship during the holidays. It makes sense. Much of America gets cold during the holiday months, and cuddling with a significant other while watching movies and drinking hot cocoa or an adult beverage is a fun holiday activity. Also, the holidays are the time of year when you’re most likely to see family and friends. If they’re all hooked up with significant others, you might feel pressure to find someone, too.

Before we get into the light-hearted do’s and don’ts, one serious don’t is hooking up with the wrong person just to feel like you have someone during the holidays. Sure, you might feel lonely at the annual family gathering if everyone else has a date, but it’s not worth dating someone who is totally wrong for you just to have arm candy at Christmas dinner. This really holds true all year, as often times, events pop up where you might think, “Hey, I would love a date for this.” But, if it’s the wrong person, just don’t do it. You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache in the end.

So, what are some holiday dating do’s and don’ts? Read on for a festive list. These are especially true if you’re in a new relationships, because the holidays can be brutal for new love. But, the holidays can also be beautiful for a budding romance. Reach out to us with your holiday dating stories, too.

  • Don't Move Too Fast

    If you’re started dating someone you really like, it might be temping to bring them to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But, that could also freak them out. I remember going out with someone just once and getting invited to a holiday dinner. It made me a little uncomfortable, because even if I liked that person, it seemed like a big jump. So, if you do want to invite that new love to a holiday family event, make sure to talk it over with them and give them the option to say no.

    Young hispanic couple sitting at the table on christmas afraid and shocked with surprise expression, fear and excited face.

    This young couple is totally surprised by moving too fast.

  • Don't Go Crazy on Gifts If You're in a New Relationship

    If you’re in a newer relationship, resist the temptation to buy your new love too much for Christmas. “Oh, he’s a Packers fan! I’m going to buy all the Packers gear I can find!” Just don’t do it. It’s okay to give gifts, but keep it small if you haven’t been together long, or you might look insane.

    Young woman spending too much money for shopping

    This young woman is spending too much on her new love.

  • Do Give Small, Meaningful Gifts

    If you’re in a new relationship, you should get something for your new partner during the holidays. But, as mentioned above, don’t overdo it. A small, meaningful gift will likely be welcomed during the holidays and not scare your new love away.

    Man giving a Christmas present to his girlfriend

    This small gift is perfect for the holidays.

  • Don't Freak Out If You Don't See Your New Love As Much During the Holidays

    Maybe you’re used to seeing your new love a few times a week. What if that’s just once a week, or less, during the holidays? Don’t freak out or start crying or anything. The holidays are a busy time for all, and that means schedules change.

    Young family couple quarreled over mobile phone and social networks, man and woman sad during the New Year holidays and Christmas.

    This couple is fighting over missing dates over the holidays.

  • Do Be on Good Behavior at Holiday Parties with Your New Love

    You might get invited to some fun holiday parties or work parties by your new love, and you might want to invite them to yours. That’s fine and much less pressure than a family event. But, be on good behavior. Don’t try to be the life of the party or anything, as you might mortify your date. Sometimes, people like to overdo it in the early stages and try to really impress, but you really just need to be yourself when meeting new friends and chill out a bit.

    Happy couple with glasses of sparkling wine celebrating New Year indoors

    This couple is enjoying themselves at a holiday party.

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Author Maryann Morgan
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