Warning: New online ‘challenge' urges teens to commit suicide

'Momo suicide challenge' circulating on WhatsApp

Unit of Investigation of Computer Crimes

It sounds like something out of a horror movie. 

A new viral challenge, called 'Momo suicide challenge', encourages teens to add a contact through the WhatsApp app on a mobile device. Once they do, it urges them to commit self-harm or suicide, according to nine news

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Those who do not follow the “orders” are told their personal information or compromising photos will be leaked, wnem reports

The sick game has prompted a warning from police in a number of countries. 

HEY PARENTS – DO YOU KNOW MOMO? YOUR KIDS MIGHT. There is a new so-called “game” going around social media sites...

Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, August 8, 2018

A tweet from Unit of Investigation of Computer Crimes reads: "Warning for new challenge in children and young people, avoid talking to strangers, seek information that can be used against you." 

"The disturbing avatar for Momo was created by a Japanese artist with no connection with the game," the sun reports    

The challenge is being compared to the Blue Whale 'challenge' which is said to be the cause of 130 suicides in Russia.

WhatsApp is a freeware and cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook

We can all help prevent suicide. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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