GTA VI pre-order scams: how fraudsters are luring gamers and how to avoid them

Following the official launch of GTA VI pre-orders in late June, security researchers say fraudsters have rapidly set up convincing fake storefronts, deceptive downloads and crypto-themed traps to steal money and personal information from eager players.

How the pre-order trap works

According to Kaspersky researchers, attackers have been creating fake websites that closely imitate the visual style and branding of the official game. These pages often include genuine trailers and promotional artwork and offer a pre-order option for various consoles.

When users click “Pre-order now” they are redirected to registration forms asking for personal details and payment information. Kaspersky says victims who complete the transaction receive no game and instead risk having their bank accounts drained and personal data compromised.

Investigators detected fraudulent pages in multiple languages, suggesting these schemes target players across different regions. One example highlighted by researchers impersonated the official PlayStation storefront and used fabricated five-star reviews, an age rating and a displayed pre-order price to create an illusion of legitimacy.

Fake beta downloads and video tutorials

Threat actors also promoted what they described as leaked or beta versions of the game. These offers were pushed via video platforms and social media, where accounts shared videos purporting to show how to download the game file “safely.” Comments on the posts claimed the download contained a genuine game.

Kaspersky warns that launching such files can compromise a device, potentially leading to theft of sensitive data, unauthorised access to accounts or the silent installation of malware.

Cryptocurrency lures

Cryptocurrency users have been targeted as well. Kaspersky identified a suspicious site promoting a token whose name resembled the game’s title and which imitated the game’s visual style and logo. Researchers cautioned that interacting with such low-reputation pages can result in the loss of crypto assets.

Why attackers succeed

Kaspersky explains these schemes are timed to exploit heightened consumer excitement around highly anticipated releases, which can lower users’ guard and create a sense of urgency.

“These schemes are carefully timed to capitalise on heightened consumer excitement: attackers understand that periods of intense anticipation can lower users’ guard and create a false sense of urgency.”

The quote is attributed to Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.

How to reduce your risk

Kaspersky offers practical advice for gamers to avoid falling victim to these schemes:

• Download only from official sources or reputable websites unofficial sources may contain malware.
• Check website authenticity by double-checking URL formats and organisation name spellings before entering personal data.
• Protect payment information by using prepaid cards or a dedicated payment service for gaming purchases.
• Use reliable security solutions that can identify malicious attachments and block phishing links.
• Enable multi-factor authentication on IDs and financial apps and regularly review statements for unauthorised activity.

Kaspersky also noted its solutions include an AI-powered scam protection feature.

Takeaway

As pre-orders for GTA VI drew attention in late June, researchers warn that fraudsters moved quickly to exploit demand through cloned storefronts, fake downloads and crypto schemes. The security advice from Kaspersky is to stick to official platforms, verify URLs, secure payments and use robust security tools to reduce the risk of fraud.