Police warn about dangers of WhatsApp game that challenges young people to commit suicide

Police agencies in several countries are warning about a diabolical WhatsApp game called "Momo" that encourages young people to commit suicide, according to published reports.

What are the details?

"Momo" is a character illustrated as the face of an evil-looking woman with bulging eyes, stringy black hair, and a sinister smile. The image was taken from an Instagram account and then circulated on WhatsApp, according to reports. WhatsApp is a free Messenger program service owned by Facebook.

According to the Buenos Aires Times, police in Argentina are investigating whether "Momo" is related to the suicide of a 12-year-old girl in Escobar. The girl hanged herself from a tree in her family's backyard, the report states.

Various police agencies are warning about the potential dangers of the WhatsApp game.

Spain’s Guardia Civil wrote in a recent tweet, “Don’t add Momo!”

In Mexico, police said "Momo" began as a Facebook group that encourages people to communicate with an unknown telephone number. Also, Computer Crime Investigators from the Mexican State of Tabasco have warned that "Momo" targets children and young people.

“Avoid talking with strangers,” investigators recently tweeted.

“In social networks, the image of a terrifying woman is circulating,” Mexico investigators said a statement. “They call her ‘Momo’ and she invites those who see her to write to her through WhatsApp.”

Has this happened before?

"Momo" is similar to the Blue Whale challenge that is believed to have led to 130 suicides in Russia, according to The Sun. Blue Whale is believed to be part of a social media group that also encourages people to kill themselves, the report states.

"'Momo' threatens to appear in the night or lay a curse on the users if they do not respond,” Mexican police stated.

Anything else?

In addition to inciting users to commit suicide or violence, criminals are using the game to steal personal information, according to reports.

The National Suicide Hotline is available for free 24/7: 1-800-273-8255.