December Holiday Hoaxes
Yule Not Want to Miss
Gift Exchange May Be More than You Bargained For
You may have noticed some of your Facebook and Instagram friends posting content about a “secret sister gift exchange.” Even though the “secret sister gift exchange” sounds promising, it is considered a hoax that has gone viral. The “secret sister gift exchange” message says that if you buy a gift of $10 or more and add your name to a list, then you will receive 36 gifts. NOT TRUE.
It is actually against Facebook’s agreement terms to “engage in unlawful multi-level marketing, such as a pyramid scheme,” on the social network. Posting personal details on Facebook also makes you vulnerable to identity fraud.
This hoax started to appear at the end of October, but it has been spreading rapidly over the past week. This “secret sister gift exchange” is a modern version of an age-old chain letter scheme and if you ask the Postal service, it’s illegal and are essentially forms of gambling. Stick with gift exchanges live and in person.
Read A Review and Check it (at least) Twice
Well, chances are, you’ve encountered it. Increasingly, retailers and manufacturers ask their customers to write positive reviews of their products or services on various websites—sometimes offering a discount for doing so. Advertising and public-relations agencies have also gotten in on the act, masquerading online as delighted consumers. While these reviews appear to be genuine they aren’t. Here are some tips to help you discern the difference between a fake endorsement and the real deal.
Examine the review’s language. A real review is usually more moderate in its praise using less formal language as well. Also, watch for a description of the user’s experience. Authentic reviews provide specific information about how the item performed. Be wary of reviews with formal product names, model numbers, or tech or marketing jargon.
Investigate the reviewer. Some sites, like Amazon.com, cross-reference user reviews with their buyer database and label those people as “verified purchasers” of the merchandise that they’re reviewing. These are the most reliable reviewers.
Check the timing and the number of reviews. It can be a red flag if there are multiple accolades for a product or a service.
Check more than one website for reviews. Compare these and make sure the same reviewer isn’t working for multiple companies.
THINK YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED?
If you suspect you’ve been scammed or exploited, call our
Fraud Hot Line to report it.
720-913-9179
SCHEDULE A SPEAKER
Maro Casparian
Director Consumer Protection
720-913-9036
Email amc@denverda.org me to:
