Rebecca Busch was already nervous about her daughter Samantha's trip to the Grand Canyon.
But her anxiety went through the roof when the 22-year-old texted a photograph of herself plunging into the enormous abyss.
The incredible image was actually an elaborate rouse designed to wind up her overprotective mother - in reality, Ms Busch was stood firmly on a ledge as her boyfriend took the snap.
But Mrs Busch, of Westmont, Illinois, took the bait, claiming the shot nearly gave her a heart attack, and now the prank has gone viral after it was posted on Reddit.
Samantha said her mom had now calmed down and forgiven her for getting her pulse racing.
'She's fine. She wasn't even angry. She was just relieved,' the young woman said.
But, despite the reaction, she insisted the prank wouldn't be her last.
To read more about this story CLICK HERE.
TXT 24
Twitter
Facebook