Be careful when you see a stroller on the street 🥲

Warning from Police: Criminals Are Using Baby Strollers to Lure Drivers in Alarming New Scam

What looks like a heartbreaking emergency—a baby stroller abandoned by the roadside—could actually be a trap.

Police departments across the country are sounding the alarm about a chilling new tactic criminals are using to prey on kindhearted drivers. The scam is simple but sinister: they place a stroller, car seat, or even a bundle that looks like a wounded animal in a dark, remote spot to trigger your instinct to stop and help. But stopping could put you in serious danger.

In multiple reported cases, drivers who pulled over were ambushed—some were robbed, others physically attacked, and a few narrowly escaped attempted carjackings. Authorities say these setups are carefully staged, often positioned in places with poor lighting and no surveillance cameras to reduce the chance of getting caught.

Some strollers are eerily convincing, with toys, blankets, or even faint recorded baby cries to heighten the illusion. In the dark, it’s almost impossible to tell whether it’s a real emergency or a calculated setup.

Here’s What You Should Do If You Spot Something Suspicious:

• Stay in your car with the doors locked.

• Do not stop—especially in secluded or dimly lit areas.

• Call 911 immediately and report exactly what you saw and where.

• Drive to a safe, well-lit location before considering any further action.

Police say it may feel heartless to keep driving, but trained emergency responders are far better equipped to handle situations like these. Your safety must come first.

This warning isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness. Scammers are getting more creative, often targeting your most admirable quality: your compassion. Staying alert can protect you and ensure that if someone truly needs help, they get it from the right people.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Be aware. Stay safe.