Mother Issues Warning About Hazardous ‘Abandoned Stroller’ Scam
A concerning scam aimed at kind-hearted individuals is circulating, prompting one mother to raise awareness. Nancy Walsh, a real estate professional, issued a significant alert after witnessing a disturbing sight: an unattended stroller positioned on a secluded country road.
“If you encounter a stroller, car seat, or any baby-related item left alone in an isolated area, please refrain from exiting your vehicle,” she cautioned on Facebook. Her message, which included images of the stroller, rapidly gained traction online.
Walsh’s car was the sole vehicle in sight, with her headlights casting light on the stroller situated on a grassy area next to a tree-lined road. The peculiar arrangement was disconcerting and potentially hazardous.
Numerous commenters on social media asserted that this is a recognized scam. The ruse entices individuals to leave their cars to investigate what seems to be a child in distress — only for them to be robbed, carjacked, or face even worse outcomes. “Contact 911 and allow the authorities to manage the situation,” one user recommended. Others cautioned, “It’s a trap. Remain in your vehicle, secure the doors, and request assistance.”
Some individuals pointed out that occasionally baby items are left out for charitable purposes, but the majority concurred that the associated dangers are too significant.
Related scams involve fabricated medical crises or pleas for assistance intended to deceive well-meaning bystanders. One woman recounted that law enforcement advised her against approaching someone who appeared unconscious on the roadside, as it was likely a ploy.
Walsh’s warning has been shared over 23,000 times, serving as a reminder to all: always offer help — but do so with caution and intelligence.
