A troubling roadside scam is making the rounds online, and one mother’s warning has struck a chord with thousands of drivers.
Her message is simple but urgent:
If you see a stroller, car seat, or any baby item abandoned on the side of the road—especially in an isolated area—do not get out of your car. Call authorities instead.
At first glance, this advice feels counterintuitive. Most of us would instinctively stop to check if a child is in danger. That instinct to help is exactly what this scam is designed to exploit.
The Scene That Sparked the Warning
Nancy Walsh, a real estate agent, shared photos of a stroller sitting alone on a quiet country road at night. Her headlights illuminated the pram, positioned on a grassy verge near a tree-lined stretch of road. There were no houses nearby, no other vehicles, and no way to tell whether anything—or anyone—was inside.
The isolation of the setting made the scene even more unsettling. For many drivers, this would be enough to prompt an immediate stop to investigate.
But according to Walsh and many commenters, that’s precisely the trap.
How the “Abandoned Baby” Scam Works
This alleged scam relies on empathy and urgency. A stroller, car seat, or baby carrier is left in plain view, often in a remote location. When a concerned driver stops and exits their vehicle to check on it, scammers who are hiding nearby take advantage of the situation.
Reports suggest the possible outcomes can include:
- Car theft while the vehicle is left running
- Robbery
- Physical assault
The goal is to lure someone out of their car and into a vulnerable position.
Many social media users echoed the warning:
- “Never get out. Stay in the car and call 911.”
- “People lie in wait. At best they rob you, at worst they hurt you.”
- “They’re targeting people with good intentions.”
Are There Innocent Explanations?
Some commenters pointed out that baby items are sometimes left on the roadside for others to take, especially in rural areas where people leave usable goods for free pickup. However, most agreed that when the situation feels suspicious—particularly at night or in an isolated location—it’s safer to assume the worst and act cautiously.
A Broader Pattern of Roadside Scams
This tactic is part of a larger trend of scams that prey on kindness. Similar setups include:
- Someone pretending to be unconscious by the roadside
- A person calling out for help from a hidden location
- Distress scenarios meant to lure drivers out of their vehicles
Several people shared personal stories of stopping to help, only to be warned later by police that such situations are often staged.
What You Should Do Instead
If you ever encounter a suspicious situation like this:
1. Do not exit your vehicle
2. Lock your doors
3. Call emergency services
4. Provide your exact location and description of what you see
Let trained authorities handle the situation safely.
Kindness Shouldn’t Put You in Danger
The hardest part about this warning is that it goes against our natural instinct to help. But scammers rely on that instinct.
As many people noted, this tactic is cruel because it specifically targets compassionate individuals.
Being cautious doesn’t mean you don’t care—it means you’re protecting yourself while still ensuring the situation is addressed by the right people.
Your safety matters too.
