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VERIFY | No, this viral photo is not from Rowan County

What should you do if you see a stroller left on the side of the road?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A disturbing Facebook post is circulating around social media. It warns you of a crime in Rowan County where people use a baby stroller to lure you in and steal from you.

Another post also states that a homeless couple off Web Road and Highway 29 has a baby carriage with a puppy. They went on to say they leave the carriage so you stop and then they try to rob people.

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So is this actually happening?

OUR SOURCES

WHAT WE FOUND

First, we did a reverse image search of this photo. it took us to several Facebook posts with the same photo. The earliest post we could find was from 2023.

The Facebook posts state that this is a human trafficking ring that uses a stroller to try and lure you in.

WCNC Charlotte Verify team reached out to the Rowan County Sheriff's Department asking about this baby stroller picture and this post. 

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They gave us this statement: 

"In speaking with our criminal investigation Lt. we have never had any reports of this type of activity, and he even states the same picture with that baby stroller has been circulated before with no one ever reporting such activity."

Law enforcement said they haven't gotten any reports of a homeless couple with a stroller trying to steal from people. However, law enforcement said to be aware of your surroundings, and if something doesn't seem right to call 911.

WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make sure the community has the correct information on news that impacts them. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded. 

VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY

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