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What to do if…
you suspect someone is trying to lure a child or vulnerable person nearby and you are at a safe distance

Short answer

Stay at a safe distance and call 911 if you think there’s any immediate risk (or you’re unsure). While you’re on the call, keep eyes on the situation from safety and be ready to describe who, where, and what you observed.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t confront the person or try to “catch them” — escalation can endanger you and the child/vulnerable person.
  • Don’t shout accusations or create a crowd that could panic the child or block exits.
  • Don’t follow closely, chase, or physically intervene if that would put you in danger.
  • Don’t wait for certainty — report what you saw; law enforcement can assess.
  • Don’t post images or identifying details on social media.

What to do now

  1. Re-check your safety and pick a safer vantage point.
    Move to a spot with visibility and an easy exit (near other adults, staff, security, or a staffed counter). If you’re in a store/transit hub, go to staff/security rather than moving closer yourself.
  2. Call 911 if there’s any chance it’s urgent (err on the safe side).
    Use 911 if it looks like the person could leave with them soon, the child/vulnerable person seems distressed/confused, there’s any physical blocking/pulling, or you’re unsure how urgent it is. Say: “I’m at a safe distance. I’m concerned someone is trying to lure a child/vulnerable person.”
  3. Only if it’s clearly not immediate danger, use the local police non-emergency number.
    If you’re confident there is no immediate risk and you’re reporting suspicious behavior for follow-up, contact your local police department’s non-emergency line. If anything changes or you’re unsure, call 911.
  4. Report observations, not conclusions.
    Give the exact location (address/business name/entrance), direction of travel, and what you saw/heard (e.g., offering a ride/gifts, urging them to come along, steering them away from caregivers). Mention whether the child/vulnerable person appears distressed or trying to disengage.
  5. Note identifying details without getting closer.
    Clothing, height/build, distinguishing features, bags, and any vehicle details (color/make/model, license plate, where it’s parked, direction it could leave). Note the time.
    If you consider taking a photo/video: only do it if it does not change your safety, does not require moving closer, and does not escalate the situation. Descriptions are enough.
  6. Quietly involve on-site staff/security if present.
    Tell a manager/security/teacher: “I’ve contacted police because I’m worried someone may be trying to lure a child/vulnerable person. Please keep eyes on it and avoid confrontation.” Let staff handle on-site safety steps.
  7. If the person leaves before officers arrive, do not pursue.
    Stay safe and immediately update 911/local police with direction of travel and vehicle movement.
  8. After the immediate moment, use the right reporting routes for ongoing risk.
    • If this relates to a missing or exploited child, you can also share information with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). In an unfolding emergency, 911 first.
    • If the vulnerable person is an adult at risk, reporting options vary by state. Once immediate danger is addressed, you can contact Adult Protective Services (APS) via local/state channels; the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can help route you to services in your area.

What can wait

  • Trying to prove intent or “build a case” — your role is to report, not investigate.
  • Creating a perfect timeline — give essentials now; add details later if asked.
  • Calling multiple organizations while the situation is live — emergency response comes first.
  • Posting community alerts online.

Important reassurance

Feeling unsure is common. You’re not expected to be certain — you’re expected to act when something looks wrong. Calling 911 (or reporting through appropriate channels after the fact) can prevent harm.

Scope note

These are first steps for the first minutes. Later, dispatch or an officer may ask you to repeat details. If you’re shaken, it’s okay to say so and take a moment.

Important note

This guide is general information for quick, harm-reducing first actions. It’s not legal advice and can’t assess risk from a distance. If you believe anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.

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