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
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