HENDERSON (KTNV) — Neighbors in the Anthem Country Club community in Henderson say they are concerned after receiving what they describe as a disturbing message from the club's account on an app.
A screenshot of the message posted to Clubster, a communication app used by Anthem Country Club and its residents, shows the post was riddled with expletives, including the N-word.
A spokesperson for Clubster tells 13 Action News that the founder’s personal email and password were compromised, allowing someone to send these derogatory messages to 10 different clubs nationwide.
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Clubster says it has since disabled the account and has taken down the offensive posts.
The company also says it was not hacked, rather the founder's individual email account was compromised.
Clubster CEO McRedmond Morell sent 13 Action News the following statement:
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Meanwhile, the regional director for the Nevada Anti-Defamation League, Jolie Brislin, told 13 Action News the incident is a "horrible statement" that uses a technique called "false flag messaging."
In an emailed statement, Brislin explained further:
A computer hack such as this horrible statement is done to invoke fear in an unsuspecting community. Whoever did this appears to have intended to go beyond just sending a hateful message. It uses a technique called “false flag messaging” that has the added layer of creating confusion about who sent it in hopes that the insidious result will be neighbor turning on neighbor. It is vital that the facts are uncovered as quickly as possible. Anthem Country Club has already begun warning it’s members that the “Clubster” account has been hacked, explaining that the app has been notified and is currently addressing this serious issue.
The general manager of Anthem Country Club says she is doing everything possible to mitigate the situation.
As for Clubster, the company says it will reach out to Henderson police about the incident.
