Scammers exploit GTA VI hype with bogus "VIP early access" websites

Few gaming franchises can match Grand Theft Auto's commercial track record. The series has sold over 465 million copies globally, with GTA 5 alone amounting for more than 225 million of these and generating a record $1 billion in revenue within three days of launch.

With Grand Theft Auto 6 still five months from its console launch and pre-orders not yet open, scammers are currently attempting to cash in on the hype by creating fraudulent websites that promise users early access to title. The sites are designed to appear legitimate and high-end, featuring Vice City-style neon visuals, GTA 6 branding, luxury cars and AI-generated imagery. These are accompanied by pitches along the lines of "VIP Digital Access", "Exclusive Early Access Preview" or "Get GTA 6 before everyone else." Malwarebytes provides an example of what such a site may look like:
 

Once payment is sent in the form of cryptocurrency, victims are instructed to wait for confirmation and enter a transaction ID to supposedly unlock the download, complete with QR codes, verification messages and a big download button. Only to realise that they've been duped. Malwarebytes provides more details on what to look out for.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, with official preorders opening on June 25. A PC version is yet to be announced.