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The practice carries many names worldwide and among American immigrant communities, including tanda, sou-sou or tontine.

The type of fraudulent schemes alleged in the complaint go by various names — sou-sou, gifting circle, money board, or blessing loom.

The sou-sou can appear to be a success because early participants share testimonies of their substantial gains.

Although not commenting directly about the sou-sou or gifting circles, IRS spokesman Eric Smith said that under federal tax law, all income is taxable unless specifically exempted.

It’s hard not to be sold on the altruistic and cultural backstory of the sou-sou, also known as “Susu,” “blessing loom” or “gifting circle.”