Mom Warns of Dangerous ‘Abandoned Stroller’ Scam

A troubling scam targeting compassionate strangers is making the rounds, and one mother is speaking out. Nancy Walsh, a real estate agent, shared a powerful warning after encountering an eerie scene: an abandoned stroller alone on a remote country road.

“If you see a stroller, car seat, or any baby item alone in the middle of nowhere, please don’t get out,” she urged on Facebook. Her post, accompanied by photos of the stroller, quickly went viral.

Walsh’s vehicle was the only one visible, and her headlights illuminated the stroller placed on a grassy verge beside a tree-lined road. The mysterious setup was unsettling and potentially dangerous.

Many online commenters claimed this is a known scam. The setup lures people out of their cars to check on what appears to be a child in need — only for them to be robbed, carjacked, or worse. “Call 911 and let the authorities handle it,” one user advised. Others warned, “It’s bait. Stay in the car, lock the doors, and call for help.”

Some noted that occasionally baby gear is left out for donation, but most agreed the potential risks are too high.

Similar scams include fake medical emergencies or cries for help designed to trick good Samaritans. One woman shared that police warned her not to approach someone passed out on the roadside as it was likely a setup.

Walsh’s message has been shared over 23,000 times, reminding everyone: always help — but do so safely and smartly.