Sinister 'Momo suicide challenge' sparks fear as it spreads on WhatsApp

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A sick suicide "game" dubbed “Momo” has been spreading on WhatsApp, prompting police to issue warnings about the shocking challenge.

"Momo" is a viral challenge that asks people to add a contact via WhatsApp - they are then urged to commit self-harm or suicide.

In 2014 two 12-year-old girls in Wisconsin attempted to kill a classmate in an attempt to please the horror character. The Buenos Aires Times reports that police in Argentina are investigating whether “Momo” is linked to the suicide of a 12-year-old girl in the district of Escobar. The girl filmed her activities prior to hanging herself from a tree in her family’s backyard, according to the Buenos Aires Times. Authorities suspect that someone encouraged her to commit suicide, the report says.

The Sun reports that police in a number of countries have voiced their concern about the so-called "challenge." which is believed to be a social media group that encourages people to kill themselves, according to the Sun. “Momo” uses the creepy cropped image of a sculpture depicting a young woman with bulging eyes and black hair

Police in Mexico say that “Momo” started in a Facebook group where people are encouraged to communicate with an unknown telephone number. Computer Crime Investigators from the Mexican State of Tabasco warn that the game is a “new challenge” aimed at children and young people. “Avoid talking with strangers,” it tweeted recently. “In social networks, the image of a terrifying woman is circulating,”

"Momo" threatens to appear in the night or lay a curse on the users if they do not respond, according to Mexican police. Criminals can use the “game” to steal personal information or even incite users to commit suicide or violence

The creepy "Momo" image was taken from an Instagram account and then circulated on WhatsApp”

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