A viral book exchange post shares many qualities of a pyramid scheme, and it’s also illegal to participate if you send something in the mail.
Whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you may have seen the following message making the rounds online, claiming you can get free books if you participate in an international literary exchange:
“I’m looking for people to participate in a huge book exchange. You can be anywhere in the world. All you have to do is buy your favorite book (just one) and send it to a stranger (I’ll send you their information in a private message). You’ll receive a maximum of 36 books back to you, to keep. They’ll be the favorite books from strangers around the world.”
Other variations of this claim have appeared for years, like the “secret sister gift exchange” – which has been labeled a scam by the Better Business Bureau. But is it safe to participate, or are you breaking the law?
THE QUESTION
Can participating in social media gift exchanges get you into legal trouble?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Not only is it highly…
