Woman Issues Frightening Warning After Finding a Stroller Abandoned on the Side of The Road
A disturbing new scam has emerged that takes advantage of people’s natural instinct to help others in need. A concerned mother has used social media to warn others about the potential dangers of stopping to assist what may appear to be an abandoned baby or stroller left by the side of the road.
The Viral Warning
In her now-viral post, the mother shared a photo of a stroller parked near some bushes off a road and cautioned, “If you see a stroller, car seat, or any type of baby situation alone in the middle of nowhere, please, I repeat, don’t get out. Be safe.”
Public Reaction
The post quickly gained traction, with many people chiming in to express their agreement and concerns:
- Safety Concerns: “Yes, people lie in wait. At best, they rob you; at worst, they hurt you,” one person commented.
- Economic Desperation: Another remarked, “Families are struggling, and some will use kids as bait.”
The Scam’s Tactic
The “abandoned baby” scheme involves thieves waiting for a compassionate passerby to stop and check on the seemingly abandoned stroller. When someone stops, the criminals ambush them, often leading to theft or physical harm.
A Familiar Trick
This isn’t the first time such warnings have been shared. However, this recent post has attracted widespread attention due to the cruel nature of using a baby to lure in well-meaning individuals. Public reactions have been mixed, with some expressing outrage at the exploitation of people’s kindness:
- Emotional Manipulation: One person wrote, “This is so cruel because they are targeting the best of us.”
- Mother’s Reaction: A mother commented, “OMG – I would be out of the car so fast to check, thanks for the warning.”
Alternatives to Stopping
Given the dangers, many advised against stopping and instead suggested safer alternatives:
- Call the Authorities: “I would just call the police to have a look at it. It sounds harsh but it isn’t worth the trouble,” one commenter suggested.
- Stay Vigilant: Others recommended remaining in the vehicle and contacting law enforcement rather than physically intervening.
Humorous Responses
Not all reactions were serious. Some people found humor in the situation:
- Husband’s Struggle: “This stroller was probably dumped by my husband, who still can’t figure out how to fold it for the boot after two years,” joked one person.
- Toddler Tantrums: Another said, “A mum probably had to dump it because her toddler wanted to walk but didn’t want her to push the groceries in the empty pram. She’ll be back to get it later.”
Other Similar Scams
The “abandoned baby” scam is part of a larger trend of deceptive practices designed to prey on Good Samaritans. Other similar scams include:
- The ‘Dead Man’ Scam: Someone pretends to be unconscious by the side of the road.
- The Screaming Woman: People scream for help, only to ambush those who respond.
Real-Life Encounters
Many shared personal experiences of encountering similar scams and the advice they’ve received:
- Police Advice: “I pulled over to help a man passed out on the side of the road once. The police officer yelled at me, saying it’s often a scam, and as a single woman, I should be more careful.”
- Women Scammers: “I’ve heard of women screaming for help, only to do the same thing. Just call the cops and move on.”
Conclusion
The viral post, which has been shared over 23,000 times, highlights the growing concern over such deceptive tactics. While it’s natural to want to help others, it’s essential to prioritize your own safety and contact authorities when encountering suspicious situations.
In a world where scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, staying alert and cautious can help protect you. If you ever come across an abandoned baby or any other suspicious circumstance, remember to call the police and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.