How to Detect and Respond to Scammer “Moms”

Lately, I have noticed an uptick in pro-abortion people posing as abortion-minded moms contacting us for help. Sometimes, it is readily apparent they are scammers, seeking to disrupt what we do. Other times, it is less obvious. Since it is likely we will encounter this, it is wise to have a plan of action and an awareness of whether the mom is authentic.

Why it matters

In all honesty, I would respond very similarly if it were an abortion-minded mom OR a scammer. In both cases, I see an opportunity to educate on the humanity and value of the baby, share the Gospel, show the positive truths about sidewalk outreach, and expose the evil darkness and deceptions of abortion.

However, if I am convinced the person is not a pregnant mom, there is a reduced sense of urgency and importance. I can take my time and be more measured in my responses (especially by text) if I know a baby’s life is not on the line. I can be more careful in choosing to engage at all! I will likely be more aware of how my words could end up becoming fodder for the abortion industry to dissect and distort if I believe it is a scammer.

It’s valuable to discern if the “mom” is authentic 

Usually, we can discern if we ask enough questions. If our radar is alert to the possibility of a scammer, we are more likely to be correct in what we determine to be the truth. In each of the suggested key things to notice or ask below, listen for answers that seem off, confusing, or inconsistent.

Some key things to notice or ask:

1. How did the mom find out about you?
2. How did she get your phone number?
3. Why is she contacting you? 
4. Is she willing to speak by phone or only through text?
5. What is her story and why is she seeking help?
6. Does she seem to be speaking the “talking points” of the pro-abortion industry?
7. Are there inconsistencies in her story, and do facts seem to change when questioned further?

If convinced it is a scammer

We do not need to go into what to do or say if we are convinced it is a legitimate cry for help from a mom; however, if we are convinced it is a scammer, there are some precautions:

1. Text or call from a Google voice number so your location cannot be traced.
2. Do not give out your last name or personal information.
3. If you offer to meet, be sure it is in a highly public place.
4. Be careful NOT to give details on the ministry or yourself that could be used either to find or somehow defame you.
5. Be careful with accusations. I usually do NOT accuse them of scamming or lying. For one thing, I could be wrong. For another, I then lose the opportunity God has perhaps given me to change a heart.
6. Use the same three talking points, but with a Gospel emphasis especially. If this is a scammer, she does not need resources. She DOES need Jesus. Sharing facts of fetal development and humanity are also helpful since so many pro-abortion proponents are ignorant regarding such facts.
7. Be aware that these texts will VERY likely be made public in some pro-abortion venue or social media. Be careful never to say anything that would dishonor God or discredit your testimony as a Christ-follower. 
8. Do not say anything that is inconsistent with ministry policy and beliefs.
9. Always be respectful and kind. Your witness may end up swaying the scammer to reconsider her preconceptions about pro-life people or, more importantly, people who love Jesus.