Definitely be careful

A chilling new scam has been making the rounds, and one mother’s viral warning is alerting thousands to the potential danger. Nancy Walsh, a real estate agent and mother, shared her firsthand experience after encountering an abandoned stroller on a deserted, tree-lined road late one evening.

At first glance, the stroller seemed oddly placed on the grassy shoulder — far from any homes or sidewalks. Nancy’s instincts told her something wasn’t right. Instead of stopping, she drove on and later posted a warning on Facebook: *“If you see a stroller, car seat, or any baby item alone in the middle of nowhere, please don’t get out. Call for help instead.”* Her message quickly gained traction, with more than 23,000 shares and countless comments from people across the country.

According to commenters, this tactic is a known ploy used by criminals. By leaving a baby item in plain sight, they prey on compassion, hoping passersby will stop and investigate. Once someone leaves the safety of their locked vehicle, they can become easy targets for robbery, assault, or carjacking.

Experts and law enforcement alike recommend a simple response: **stay in your car, keep the doors locked, and immediately call 911**. As one commenter stressed, *“Your safety comes first. Let trained professionals handle it.”* Others noted that while abandoned baby gear may sometimes be innocent — such as donations or curbside pickups — context is key. On a remote road or isolated area, it should always be treated with suspicion.

This scheme mirrors other scams in which individuals feign injury or unconsciousness by the roadside to lure good Samaritans into ambushes. Police in several regions have previously warned drivers not to approach suspicious roadside scenes but instead to contact authorities.

Nancy’s story has since become a sobering reminder of how criminals exploit empathy. While it may feel counterintuitive not to help immediately, being cautious doesn’t mean being unkind. As Nancy concluded in her post: *“Always help — but do it smartly and safely. Your life is precious, and so is your family’s.”*

Her warning is clear: trust your instincts, stay vigilant, and remember that the safest way to help is often from behind the wheel.