Amanda Todd probe delayed by online rumours, scams
Port Coquitlam, B.C., teen's suicide has drawn international attention online
The Canadian Press
Posted: Oct 17, 2012 6:13 AM PT
Last Updated: Oct 17, 2012 2:02 PM PT
RCMP say online rumours and scams are delaying their investigation into the case of B.C. teenager Amanda Todd, who turned to YouTube to express her sadness about being bullied before taking her life.
Sgt. Peter Thiessen says one of those rumours is an "unfounded allegation" by the internet activist group Anonymous that identifies a New Westminster man as the B.C. teen's tormentor.
CBC News has learned that some of the background information that was posted could not have applied to the man who was named, and that there are at least two other people online using the same name and similar email addresses.
The 15-year-old took her own life last week, after enduring years of Internet sexual exploitation and bullying by her peers.
RCMP are warning scams, rumours and false information about the death of Amanda Todd are appearing online. (Facebook)Social media expert Dave Teixeira says it's understandable for people to be motivated to support Todd, but the extreme views being expressed by some is a real concern.
"At the very worst, you are finding someone who is not involved and that could bring great stress if not great harm onto that person. So, for people who want to help, they have to notify authorities when they think they've found information that's pertinent to this case," Teixeira told CBC News on Tuesday.
Expressing extremely negative comments can also work against those making such postings online.
RCMP still getting tips
A Toronto man was fired when his employer was informed about comments the employee had made about Todd and her death.
Thiessen said that another rumour suggested autopsy photos had been leaked – a false story that caused Todd's family extreme stress. No autopsy was performed on the 15-year-old.
There are even websites taking advantage of the tragedy by pretending to collect funds for her family, and police say donations should only be made to the Amanda Todd Trust at RBC.
RCMP says they've received thousands of tips and their investigation continues into the sexual exploitation and assault Todd endured before her death.
With files from the CBC's Alan WatermanShare Tools
Latest British Columbia News Headlines
- Antipsychotic drugs recalled
- Health Canada says three companies are voluntarily recalling all lots of the antipsychotic drug quetiapine. more »
- Harper chief of staff resigns amid Senate expense scandal
- Nigel Wright has resigned as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's chief of staff, following revelations he wrote a $90,000 cheque to repay living expenses claimed by Senator Mike Duffy. more »
- Whitecaps surrender late goal, settle for draw with Timbers
- Second-half substitute Jose Valencia's goal in the 83rd minute gave the Portland Timbers a 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday in Major League Soccer action. more »
- Police urge boaters to be safe on the water
- Safety officials are encouraging boaters to be cautious on the water, as Safe Boating week kicked off on Saturday. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Search continues for 2 missing New Brunswick fishermen
- A search effort has resumed for two missing fishermen off the coast of New Brunswick, after a distress call was issued from their boat early Saturday. more »
- Jeep driver apologizes after stunt kills Edmonton woman
- A man claiming to be the driver of a Jeep that struck and killed a spectator at a charity event in Edmonton says he is sorry for what happened. more »
- Senior Pakistani politician shot dead
- Gunmen in Pakistan have killed a senior member of Imran Khan's Movement for Justice (PTI) party outside her home in Karachi. more »
- Virginia parade crash driver likely had medical problem
- Authorities believe the driver who plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a Virginia mountain town parade suffered from a medical condition and did not cause the crash intentionally, an emergency official said Sunday. more »
- Holmes Hydro can proceed without environmental assessment
- Public raising funds to buy alleged Rob Ford crack video
- British classic car show held in Vancouver
- RCMP has 'no interest' in discussing harassment suit settlement
- Spectator killed at Edmonton Jeep event
- First Nations chief asks to meet B.C. premier over pipelines
- B.C.'s largest Ahmadiyya mosque opens in Delta
- Police urge boaters to be safe on the water
- B.C. climber killed jumping to avoid falling rock

