The basic setup of the scam is deceptively simple: a stroller, often left on the side of a quiet, dark road or in an isolated area, appears abandoned and vulnerable.
Instinctively, many of us would feel compelled to stop and check on the situation, perhaps thinking that there is a baby in distress or in danger.
Imagine yourself in this situation: You’re driving down a lonely, dimly lit road late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
You’ve just finished a long day or night and are heading home, when you spot something by the side of the road — a stroller. At first, you might think nothing of it, but as you get closer, something doesn’t sit right.
The stroller is abandoned, and there’s no sign of any parents or caregivers nearby. Your instincts start to kick in. You may slow down, thinking that something is wrong, maybe a child has been left behind.
For many drivers, the natural thing to do would be to stop, get out of the car, and check to make sure everything is okay.
But this, according to the viral post shared by the mother, is when the criminals strike. When drivers get out of their vehicles to investigate, the criminals — who have been lying in wait — spring their trap.
They ambush the unsuspecting drivers, either robbing them or even attacking them in some cases. It’s an insidious method, relying on the compassion of people who simply want to help.
Criminals Lying in Wait: The Dangers of Unwittingly Falling Into the Trap
One Facebook user commented on the viral post, “Yes, people lie in wait. At best, they rob you. At worst, they bash you too.” It’s a chilling thought, but unfortunately, these kinds of scams have been around for as long as we can remember.Continue reading…
