GTA 6 was originally scheduled to launch on May 26, but many players are still disappointed as the date fell through. However, what is more worrying than the wait itself is that some players have become targets of scams due to their anxiety. Rockstar Games has not yet released any official version, and has no public testing, closed beta or early access plans, but this period of information vacuum has become the best hunting ground for cybercriminals.
“GTA 6” hasn’t even been released yet, but scammers have already started using their names to make money.
According to a new report from NordVPN’s Threat Intelligence Team (via Notebookcheck), scammers are taking full advantage of players’ high expectations for “Grand Theft Auto VI” and deceiving victims through fake installers, fake beta version qualifications, Android malicious adware, and phishing pages. Most of these attack methods use “early access” as bait, and are paired with Rockstar’s brand visuals or game promotional materials, making players mistakenly believe that they have obtained special qualifications that have not been officially disclosed.
Indian website selling fraud GTA 6 Copies on Pre-Order
by u/CatPsychological2554 in Indiangamers
The most common form of scam is claiming to provide “exclusive beta access” to PS5 or Xbox Series X｜S. These websites often require players to fill in personal information, perform so-called “bot verification,” subscribe to paid services, and even download applications that appear normal but are actually risky. NordVPN points out that the purpose of these processes is not to provide games, but to collect personal information, plant adware, or lead victims into subscription traps.
On the Android platform, a fake app called “GTA 6 Beta” has been widely circulated recently. It uses the Rockstar logo and promotional videos to package itself, but there are no games at all, just full-screen ads and redirect pages. Once users click, they may be taken to a paid subscription trap, or malware may be installed through layers of disguised verification steps. The existence of such apps reflects that players’ expectations for new games have been accurately exploited by scammers.
PC gamers are no exception. Although Rockstar has not announced the release date of the PC version, scammers have begun to distribute fake installation files on piracy and repackaging websites, and even imitate well-known compression and repackaging platforms such as FitGirl, DODI, and ElAmigos. Earlier this month, security researchers discovered a malicious file disguised as a normal installer. After the victim executes it, it will gradually trigger hidden malicious behaviors.
The reason these scams work is simple: players wait too long and get too little information. Rockstar has only confirmed that “GTA 6” will be launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
The most important advice in this situation is actually very simple: anything that seems too good to be true, definitely isn’t. There is currently no “open beta”, “PC beta” or “mobile beta” for “GTA 6”, nor any officially authorized early access qualifications. If you want to confirm game information, please be sure to only go through the official websites and social accounts of Rockstar, PlayStation or Xbox. Before the game is officially released, the scams will only increase. The most effective way to protect yourself is to stay alert and avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
Source: KOCPC Chinese