A frightening new scam is making the rounds, and it plays on our natural instinct to help those in need—especially when it involves a child. One mother, Nancy Walsh, is speaking out about a dangerous situation she recently encountered, and her message could very well save someone’s life.

Walsh, a real estate agent, took to Facebook to share her alarming experience. Her post reads, “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.” Her words come with a strong sense of urgency, and for good reason.

Imagine driving down a quiet, rural road and seeing a lone baby stroller off to the side. It’s instinctual for most people to stop and make sure a baby isn’t in danger. But that very compassion could put you in harm’s way.

In the photos Walsh posted, you can see a baby stroller abandoned along a country road, surrounded by trees and completely isolated. Her car appears to be the only one around, and the stroller is facing away from her. With her headlights casting eerie shadows, it’s unclear whether the stroller is empty or not. Either way, the setup feels suspicious.

According to Walsh and many commenters on her post, the stroller may not be there by accident—it could be part of a trap. The idea is chilling: the setup is designed to lure someone out of their car. Once they do, they’re vulnerable. Thieves could be hiding nearby, waiting to rob, attack, or even steal the victim’s car.

Social media users jumped in to support Walsh’s warning. One person commented, “Never get out. Always call 911 and let local authorities investigate.” Another added, “Yes, people lie in wait. At best they rob you, at worst they bash you too.” One user even said, “Families are struggling. Some of them will use kids as bait.”

Though there were a few who suggested that the stroller might have been left on the roadside simply because someone no longer needed it, the majority of reactions leaned toward caution. “It’s a bait trap. Don’t get out. Pull over. STAY IN THE CAR. Lock the door. And call 911 FAST,” one commenter warned.

Nancy’s warning isn’t an isolated case. This type of scam—often referred to as the “abandoned baby” trick—has been reported before. It’s part of a larger trend where scammers exploit the kindness of strangers. In similar schemes, someone might pretend to be unconscious on the roadside, while accomplices wait to ambush anyone who stops to help.

People who have fallen for these traps have shared their experiences online. One woman recalled pulling over to assist a man who seemed passed out. When the police arrived, the officer scolded her for putting herself in danger. “He told me it’s a common scam and as a single woman, I should be more careful,” she wrote. Another person shared how they once heard a woman screaming for help in a parking lot—only to find out it was a setup.

The reality is that while many of us are wired to help others, it’s critical to be aware of the risks involved. Especially in today’s world, not every cry for help is genuine—and some might lead you straight into danger.

Walsh’s post has now been shared over 23,000 times. Her message resonates because it highlights a disturbing truth: good people are being targeted for their compassion. And while it’s heartbreaking to think twice before helping what seems to be a child in need, the smarter move is to stay in your car, lock the doors, and call 911.

Let the authorities do what they’re trained to do. Your instinct to help isn’t wrong—but in situations like this, protecting yourself must come first.

Please share this story with your loved ones, especially those who travel alone or live in remote areas. A moment of caution could prevent a devastating encounter.