Facts 12/11/2025 22:15

Woman issues terrifying warning after finding a stroller abandoned on the side of the road

A new and deeply unsettling scam has been making the rounds, preying on the kindness and compassion of ordinary people. One mother, Nancy Walsh, has come forward to issue an urgent warning that could prevent others from falling into a dangerous trap.

Her message — now spreading widely on social media — is simple but chilling:

“If you see a stroller, car seat, or any kind of baby situation alone in the middle of nowhere, please — I repeat — don’t get out. Be safe.”

A Scene Designed to Stir the Heart

Imagine driving down a quiet country road at dusk. You see an empty baby stroller sitting on the side of the road — no one around, no nearby houses, no sound except the wind in the trees. Your first instinct, naturally, would be to stop and check if a baby or parent is in trouble.

That’s exactly the reaction these scammers are counting on.

Walsh, who works with Jeff Cook Real Estate, shared photos on Facebook showing the eerie sight she encountered: an abandoned stroller on a grassy verge, illuminated by her car’s headlights. Her car appeared to be the only one around. Because of how the stroller was positioned — facing away from her direction of travel — she couldn’t see what was inside.

“It was the kind of scene that makes your stomach drop,” Walsh said. “It felt wrong — quiet, isolated, and out of place.”

The photo quickly sparked concern and debate online.

The Hidden Danger: A Trap for the Kind-Hearted

According to Walsh and many commenters, such setups are often bait for unsuspecting drivers. The scam typically works like this:

Someone leaves an item that looks like it might contain a baby — a stroller, car seat, or carrier — by the roadside. When a passerby stops to investigate and leaves their car, hidden individuals rush in. They may steal the car, rob the driver, or, in extreme cases, use violence.

One user commented, “Never get out. Always call 911 and let local authorities investigate.”
Another warned, “Yes, people lie in wait. At best, they rob you — at worst, they attack you.”

Others added that in hard times, desperate individuals may resort to such manipulative tactics, using the image of a child to disarm potential victims.

A Few Defend More Innocent Explanations — But the Risk Remains

Not everyone agreed with the sinister interpretation. A few commenters suggested that some people leave old baby gear by the roadside because it’s still usable and they don’t want to throw it away — hoping someone else might take it.

But the majority of users sided with caution.
“Even if it’s nothing,” one person wrote, “you don’t want to find out the hard way. Stay in the car, lock the doors, and call 911.”

Another commenter added: “Someone may have put it there just to see who stops. It’s a bait trap. Don’t get out — pull over, stay in your car, and make the call fast.”

Not an Isolated Scam

Sadly, this isn’t the first time people have been targeted for trying to help. Similar scams have been reported in various countries:

In some cases, a person pretends to be passed out on the roadside, while accomplices wait nearby to ambush whoever stops.
Others involve someone screaming for help or crying like a child, designed to trigger immediate empathy and draw good Samaritans out of their cars.

One woman shared her experience in the comments:

“I once pulled over to help a man who seemed passed out on the side of the road. When the police arrived, they told me it’s a known scam — and as a single woman, I should never stop like that again.”

Another added:

“I’ve heard of people using recordings of babies crying or women screaming to lure drivers out. It’s horrifying — just call the cops and keep moving.”

These stories show how scammers increasingly exploit human empathy — one of our best qualities — for selfish, harmful gain.

What To Do If You See Something Suspicious

If you ever come across a situation like this — a stroller, car seat, or any seemingly abandoned item — follow these safety guidelines:

Stay in your car and keep the doors locked.
Drive a safe distance away before stopping to make a call.
Contact local authorities (911 in the U.S.) and describe the location and what you saw.
Do not investigate alone, especially in isolated or dark areas.
Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.

If someone truly is in danger, trained emergency responders are equipped to handle it safely.

A Viral Warning — and a Valuable Reminder

Walsh’s Facebook post has now been shared more than 23,000 times, striking a chord with parents, travelers, and safety advocates alike. Many commenters expressed gratitude — and shock.

“I would have stopped immediately,” one mother admitted. “Thank you for the warning — this could save lives.”
Another wrote, “It’s awful that scammers prey on people’s compassion. They target the best of us — the ones who care.”

The Bigger Picture: Stay Kind, But Stay Smart

The so-called “abandoned baby” scam is a sad reflection of how criminal tactics continue to evolve. It reminds us that while compassion is essential, personal safety must always come first.

You can still help — just do it safely: alert authorities, share information, and warn others. In the digital age, spreading awareness online can be just as powerful as stopping on the roadside.

So next time you see something that looks suspiciously out of place, remember Nancy Walsh’s message: