A new alarming scam has developed that takes advantage of strangers’ compassion, and one mother, Nancy Walsh, is issuing a warning that could keep you out of danger. Her urgent note reads: “If you notice a stroller, car seat, or any form of baby situation alone in the middle of nowhere, please do not leave. “Be safe.” Of course, if we see any baby equipment on the side of the road, our first reaction would be to jump out of the car and make sure no infant or child is in danger.
Walsh, an estate agent, witnessed this potentially unsettling incident, which may cause fear for anybody traveling alone. She shared images of an abandoned stroller found on the side of a remote road. Her automobile looked to be the only vehicle in the vicinity, and her headlights highlighted the pram, which was facing away from her direction of travel, making it impossible to tell if there was anything inside.
The stroller was parked on a grassy verge next to the road, which was bordered by big trees on one side. This type of scenario may be particularly distressing owing to the remote area and the mysteries surrounding the abandoned stroller. Walsh, like many other social media users, believes this is a trap. “Never go out. “Always call 911 and allow local authorities to investigate,” one individual remarked.
“People lie in wait. “At best, they rob you; at worst, they bash you,” another said. “Families are struggling, and some of them will use kids as bait,” someone other commented.This reported scam involves a person getting out of their vehicle and leaving it alone while they check on the stroller. The scammers then steal the vehicle, rob the victim, or even physically harm him.
However, some individuals commented on Walsh’s article, stating that some people leave baby items on the side of the road because they are still usable and don’t want to throw them away in case someone else needs them.However, most of them felt that the cause for these abandoned strollers was evil. “Someone may have put it on for when someone gets off [the road] to see what happens…,” wrote an individual.
Another concurred, saying, “It’s a bait trap.” Do not get out. Pull over. Stay in the car. Lock the door. And call 911 immediately.”Walsh’s warning is not the first to be issued in this situation. “OMG – I would be out of the car so fast to check, thanks for the warning,” one mother said. “This is so cruel because they are targeting the best of us,” said another, adding that they would definitely get out and check if there was a youngster in danger.
The ‘abandoned baby’ scam is a worrisome example of a larger trend of fraudulent operations designed to take advantage of the generosity of caring folks. Other similar scams involve a person pretending to be unconscious by the side of the road while others set up an ambush to harm people who offer assistance. Some people spoke about their firsthand experiences with such schemes.
“I once pulled over to aid a man who had passed out on the side of the road. “The police officer yelled at me and said it is often a scam, and as a single woman, I should be more cautious,” one social media user wrote. “I’ve heard of ladies shouting for aid only to repeat the same action. “Just call the cops and move on,” another person said.
Walsh’s post received a lot of attention and has been shared 23,000 times. No matter how much we want to help those we believe are in need, we must constantly exercise extreme caution and ensure that we do not endanger our own lives.