A heart-wrenching image of a distressed baby in a carrier flashed across Facebook groups overnight, sparking panic nationwide. The post read: “Baby dumped at our house gate. I can’t find her parents and my neighbours have no idea how she got here, please help me find her parents.” It quickly went viral on Facebook and Instagram.
Scam Alert: Baby Abandonment Post Is Fake
pBut eagle-eyed social media users soon spotted a pattern. The exact same photo and plea were appearing in multiple groups. The person behind the posts tried to cover their tracks by disabling comments and using a business profile. However, users found ways to comment, exposing the scam.
“Scam page with a baby picture and the claim that she was dumped on their doorstep. I’m requesting money. Report and delete,” one user warned.
Stolen Photos Fuel Sick Scam
Investigations revealed the account’s photos were almost certainly stolen. Furious users called the culprits “disgusting” and demanded justice.
“Whoever is behind this account deserves to go to prison,” one user slammed. “If anyone can find the REAL owner of this photo, please tell them their child’s image is being used for these twisted lies.”
Others urged the public to spread the word instead of just commenting.
“Fake profile, using someone else’s photo. These scammers aren’t who they say they are. Share this to raise awareness that these are frauds and the people in the pictures are innocent,” said one concerned user.
Police Investigate, Confirm No Baby Abandoned
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were aware of the posts claiming a child was abandoned at a house in Rainham.
“We conducted several inquiries and found no evidence to support this being true,” a spokesperson said. “Please keep in mind the possibility of scams and fraud.”
Beware: Heart-tugging baby pics and sob stories can easily be weaponised by scammers. Always check the facts before sharing – and report suspicious posts immediately.
