Gatineau police, experts warn about 'Momo Challenge'

Gatineau, Que.,police are warning the public about a new viral phenomenon called the "Momo Challenge," in which people are sent disturbing images on social media and asked to complete dangerous tasks.

People who receive a photo of awoman's sculpture on the messaging app WhatsAppare invited to contact an account and do as they're told.

If they refuse, they are told the woman will visit them at night or will launch a curse.

The international phenomenon has been linked in media reports to the suicide of a 12-year-old girl in Argentina.

In Gatineau, at least one person was approached to face the challenge, police said.

Gatineau police service spokesperson Isabelle Vachonsaidpeople should not engage in this challenge, adding that peoplewho do decide to participatemay be exposed to harmful, risky activities.

"If they commit offences because of this challenge, they can be arrested and possibly facecriminal charges," she said.

Police are asking residents toavoid contacting a Momo account.

Block number immediately, expert says

Cybersecurity expert Antoine Normand said in French-language interview with Radio-Canada that this phenomenon could grow.

"It is certain that there is not just oneMomo account," saidNormand, who is the president of Gatineau-basedcybersecurityorganizationIn-Sec-M.

"[This] has become viral. The more it becomes viral, the more people [there will be] who create accounts and who claim to be Momo."

If a person is currently in communication with a Momo account, Normand advises them toblock the number immediately and to do a complete reset of the device.

Gatineaupolice, Ottawa police and the RCMP say they are carefully monitoring the phenomenon and its spread.