WASHINGTON (KKTV) - Don't respond to that "Secret Sister" Facebook post!

It may look like a fun way to get in the holiday spirit, but the Better Business Bureau warns it's actually a scam.

If you haven't seen the post floating around social media, it goes something like this: "I am looking for six more or ladies interested in a holiday gift exchange. Doesn't matter where you live, anyone can join in! All you have to do is buy one gift valued at $10, send it to your secret sis, and then you'll receive six to 36 gifts in return! Let me know if you're interested, and I'll send you information on your sister!"

But what you're actually doing, according to the BBB, is giving your name and address to strangers on the internet:

"The scheme starts with a convincing invitation, either by email or social media to sign up for what seems like a great, fun program. All you must do is provide your name and address and personal information of a few additional friends, and tack this information on to a list that’s already started of people you’ve never met on the Internet. Next, it’s your turn to send an email or social media invitation to send a modest gift to a stranger along with their friends, family and contacts.

The cycle continues and you’re left with buying and shipping gifts for unknown individuals, in hopes that the favor is reciprocated by receiving the promised number of gifts in return. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen. Just like any other pyramid scheme, it relies on the recruitment of individuals to keep the scam afloat. Once people stop participating in the gift exchange, the gift supply stops as well, and leaves hundreds of disappointed people without their promised gifts."

The BBB says it's all actually a pyramid scheme, similar to those chain letters we used to get in our mailbox or inbox. It also leaves you vulnerable to cyber thieves who could obtain your personal information and use it in future scams.

Stick to Secret Santa with officemates or friends this holiday season!