This paper discusses the problems of conducting research on a low-base rate sensitive family problem, parental child snatching, and proposes that telephone interviewing is a cost efficient and methodologically appropriate solution to these problems. The paper reviews the scant literature on parental child snatching by presenting what are considered the "known facts" about child snatching, and then commenting on the empirical evidence (or lack of evidence) behind these "facts." Next, the paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of survey research using telephone interviewing techniques. These advantages and disadvantages are reviewed both in terms of the specific topic of child snatching and wider applicability to family research. A preliminary survey of the incidence of child snatching is reviewed, and future research on this topic is discussed. The paper concludes with a general review of the strategy of telephone interviewing. (Author)