The Facebook Scam “Secret Sister Gift Exchange” has been identified on various social networks offering a gift exchange wherein the users will need to send money.
In return they are offered many lucrative gifts which are are never received. The practice is considered illegal in many states and countries as gambling and participating in it can lead to many fraud issues. Our overview shows the indications of the scam and how potential targets can protect themselves.
Threat Summary
| Name | Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" |
| Type | Scam Message on Facebook |
| Short Description | The Facebook Scam “Secret Sister Gift Exchange” coerces the targets into sending money and gifts. |
| Symptoms | Fraud financial transactions and malware infections |
| Distribution Method | Fake or hacked Facebook messages, current infections are done via Facebook |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange". |
Facebook Scam “Secret Sister Gift Exchange” – Overview
The Facebook Scam “Secret Sister Gift Exchange” is being distributed mainly through social networks — Facebook in particular. The criminals make use of hacked accounts or ones specially created for the occasion.
The main concept of the hackers behind it is that this is a modified version of the “Secret Santa” gifts exchange, popular in Facebook groups and Reddit communities. Participating users will need to send a gift to an anonymous user and in exchange they will receive many times more an item. The scammers will coordinate the process on Facebook. However in this case the participating users are coerced into sending out money ($10). The links sent through the social networks redirect to a landing page or a payment gateway.
Such actions are considered gambling and in many states in countries is illegal.
It is very possible that these scams can be distributed via email phishing messages as well. They are conduits for many types of scams and can be designed as being sent by a legitimate and trusted source. Examples might be charities, well-known companies, online services or representatives of celebrities.
Successful scams can lead to crimes such as identity theft and financial abuse. The information can be harvested in databases and used at later stages with blackmail intent. Further troubles comes with the fact that the landing pages can lead to dangerous virus infections. Depending on the acquired infection the users may be able to partially restore their computers. In other cases only advanced anti-spyware solutions will remedy the affected hosts. Refer to our in-depth instructions for more information.
Future versions can make use of scam calls and other phishing tactics. They can have a higher chance of infecting users.
Remove Secret Sister Gift Scam
To remove the Secret Sister Gift Exchange scam you should simply delete the email message. However, if you are truly breached and you recognize any of the listed passwords, you should see the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. In case you can not get rid of files related to the scam or find out other malicious ones, you should search for and remove any leftover malware pieces with an advanced anti-malware tool. Software like that will keep your system secure in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" (Windows).
Get rid of Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange". Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange", the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" (Mac)
Remove Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" will be removed.
Eliminate Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange"-FAQ
What Is Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange"?
The Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange"?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange"?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" Work?
Once installed, Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange"?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Facebook Scam "Secret Sister Gift Exchange" threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.