Cybercriminals are cashing in on the massive hype around Grand Theft Auto VI, spinning up fake websites that promise “VIP Early Access” to the game in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.
Security firms Malwarebytes and NordVPN have tracked a surge in these sophisticated scam sites, which use authentic-looking GTA artwork and logos to trick victims. The typical pitch asks users to pay around $250 in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT for an early download. Once the crypto is sent, it’s gone — and the victim gets nothing in return, or worse, malware.
Security researchers noted that the payload varies: some victims end up with information-stealing trojans, others with banking malware, adware, or even ransomware. The scams are particularly targeting PC and Android users, where the release date hasn’t been confirmed yet. Rockstar Games has a confirmed console launch of November 19, but no public beta program exists.
The scam works in part because fans have been waiting for this game for over a decade. That desperation makes people click links they’d normally ignore. The sites look polished enough to pass a quick glance, which is all a scammer needs.
Rockstar has urged gamers to be wary of any offers claiming to sell the game before its official release. If you see an ad or email promising early access to GTA VI, don’t click — and definitely don’t send crypto to anyone claiming to be a Rockstar representative.
Simple rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Especially when it involves a game that hasn’t come out yet.
