Gaming fanatics have been ready for Grand Theft Auto VI for over a decade because the final recreation got here out in September 2013, and writer Take-Two Interactive has offered 225 million copies of it since. This 13-year hole naturally has made followers determined for any trace of the sequel, and cybercriminals know this very properly. That’s why they’re utilizing the sport’s large hype to steal cash and infect computer systems.
Safety corporations Malwarebytes and NordVPN simply discovered a significant wave of pretend web sites providing “VIP Early Entry” to the sport. These websites look extremely skilled. They use actual GTA 6 logos and Vice Metropolis paintings to trick folks. However it’s totally a lure.
This isn’t the primary time hackers have used this trick. Again in 2024, Hackread.com reported that Bitdefender researchers caught scammers working faux Fb adverts that used leaked gameplay footage to lure customers into downloading faux PC beta variations of Grand Theft Auto VI.
How the Crypto Lure Works
To ensure that followers to skip the road, the faux pages require patrons to pay round $250, however the hackers solely settle for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDT.
As soon as a sufferer sends the digital forex and inputs their transaction ID to unlock the obtain, the cash is gone. As a result of cryptocurrency funds don’t have any chargeback course of or fraud division, you can’t get your money again. Victims click on the massive obtain button on the display screen solely to search out out that no recreation truly exists.
PC and Android Gamers Face the Highest Danger
Rockstar Video games states that GTA 6 will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Collection X/S later this 12 months, on 19 November, and though official pre-orders opened on 25 June, a launch date for computer systems or cellular gadgets is but to be introduced. Scammers are focusing on this lacking PC model by providing faux beta keys and information.
Nevertheless, as an alternative of a recreation, these information set up several types of malware. Downloading the faux information leads to putting in information-stealing malware, banking trojans, adware, or ransomware onto your machine. Rockstar Video games has confirmed that there’s no public beta programme out there for the sport.
The rip-off is especially harmful for PC and Android customers proper now. Players should defend themselves by utilizing instruments that block malicious websites and by ignoring any supply that claims to promote the sport earlier than November.
