Whether at work or school, December is the season for gift exchanges and scammers want to get in on the action. One pyramid scam often seen around this season involves a viral social media post about joining in a Secret Holiday gift exchange. It promises that if you send one gift to a recipient, you will receive upwards of 30 gifts in return. However, these chain “gift exchanges” are a form of illegal gambling. Not only may you not receive any gifts, but you also may end up in legal trouble. With so many ways to give in real life, skip the virtual gift giving and have a safer holiday season.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork