(Radio Iowa) — Iowans need to beware of a holiday gift exchange called “Secret Sisters” that’s popping up on Facebook and other social media sites. Jeff Niebaum, with the Better Business Bureau in Omaha/Council Bluffs, says it sounds like a great way to get a sleigh full of gifts in the season ahead for a modest investment, but don’t be tempted.

“It’s a post that claims participants will receive up to 36 gifts in exchange for sending just one gift, valued at $10,” Niebaum says. “The users are encouraged to invite others to participate.” It translates to an illegal pyramid scheme, he says, and if you get the email, just delete it. Do not send them your information and don’t send a gift — as you won’t get one back, let alone 36 gifts.

“Those who have reached out to us at the Better Business Bureau have told us they’re kind of unsure of what’s going on,” Niebaum says. “They participated, they sent their information and they sent a gift but they never received anything.” If you get a message from a friend asking you to take part in this exchange, let them know it’s a scam and not to share your data with the crooks.

“They’ll ask for the person you’re sending it to, their information, and your information,” Niebaum says. “Once you give them that, they’ll have your mailing information, your name, and they’ll contact you in the future with other scams.” Niebaum says this hoax may be considered illegal gambling and could result in participants facing some sort of charge.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are telling people to avoid eating romaine lettuce because of an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 32 people in 11 states. The Food and Drug Administration says it’s working with officials in Canada, where people are also being warned to stay away from romaine lettuce. The strain identified is different than the one linked to romaine earlier this year, but it appears similar to one linked to leafy greens last year.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb says the agency doesn’t yet have enough information to request suppliers issue a recall. But he says suppliers can help by withdrawing romaine products until the contamination can be identified.

No deaths have been reported. The last illness was reported on Oct. 31. Most E. coli bacteria are not harmful, but some produce toxins that can cause severe illness.

The Harlan Police Department today (Tuesday), said 33-year old Terri Lynn Hallas, of Harlan, was arrested Nov. 17th, following a traffic stop. Hallas was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with driving while barred and failure to prove security against liability.

Police in Council Bluffs are asking for your help in finding the driver of a stolen vehicle that was involved in a pursuit this (Tuesday) morning. Authorities say that around 8:10-a.m., an officer in an unmarked car located a stolen vehicle driving in a reckless manner South on Harrison Street. The officer followed the car until a uniformed patrol car could get the car stopped.

The vehicle continued to drive recklessly and struck a vehicle at 2nd and West Broadway. The stolen vehicle continued to Peirce St. where a second unmarked car located the vehicle until a uniformed patrol car caught up to the suspect vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop. The vehicle continued to elude officers and eventually crossed over into Omaha.

Omaha Police located the suspect vehicle in the area of 30th St. and Interstate 480. The incident remains under investigation, if you have any information please contact crime stoppers at 712-328-7867.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports two separate arrests took place, Monday. At around 11:15-a.m., 29-year old Christopher Lee Peterson, of Glenwood,  was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant for Domestic Abuse Assault. Peterson was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

And, at around 11:40-p.m., 39-year old Shad Edward Mahanke, of Council Bluffs, was arrested near 195th Sttreet and Highway 34, for Driving While Barred ($2,000 bond), and two warrants out of Pottawattamie County.

NORTHWOOD, Iowa (AP) — Officials say some of the nearly 170 dogs seized from a puppy mill in northern Iowa are being placed with shelters and rescue groups across the Midwest. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced Tuesday that dogs have been sent to Iowa shelters in Mason City and Waterloo; to the Wichita Animal Action League in Wichita, Kansas; and to the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha, Nebraska. The ASPCA says the other dogs will remain at an undisclosed shelter where experts can assess them in the investigation.

The dogs rescued Nov. 12 — all Samoyeds — were described as “fearful and undersocialized.” Officials say the dogs were kept in kennels that provided minimal protection from the elements and that they had no access to clean water. Animal neglect charges are pending against the owner.