The email circulating includes a scam link that downloads remote access software once clicked.
FORT SMITH, Ark — Multiple businesses in Fort Smith have reportedly been attacked by a malicious email scam that has led to significant software damage.
Cyberhelix Technical Solutions owner Jared Barnes reported the incident on Thursday. He said he has dealt with at least five businesses in the Fort Smith area that have been affected so far, and that Fayetteville might be next.
“It generally comes in, it’s a single link, it’s talking about financial information they have for you, and when you click the link, it installs a remote access tool, and once they get access to your network or your computer, they start installing additional remote access software,” Barnes said. “It’ll come back when you restart. It’s a pretty vicious, malicious task.”
Barnes said the hacker creates a chain reaction by sending the same email to the user’s contacts, which is how the user initially receives the email with the link.
As for the email content itself, Barnes provided screenshots of examples of what the suspicious email looks like.
He said he is still gathering more information before submitting a police report, but at this rate, it’s more likely.
Cyberhelix Technical Solutions specializes in assisting customers with situations like this, and Barnes said users should call the person who sent the email to confirm it’s real before clicking any email that might include suspicious language or content.
“Your first step is just don’t click the link, be cautious,” Barnes said.
5NEWS reached out to the Fort Smith Police Department, but didn’t receive a response.
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