As excitement builds around the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI, it seems that some less-than-honest individuals are trying to take advantage of eager fans. Reports indicate that scams targeting GTA enthusiasts are on the rise, with grifters aiming to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting players.
Fake GTA VI beta keys & subscription traps
Of all the cons currently being pulled, fake GTA 6 beta keys are among the most prevalent.
Primarily, these sort of scams will begin by offering you access to the beta via an online form. It should go without saying that unsolicited online forms should be ignored, but Nord has seen these scams use social engineering tactics, such as 'Are you a bot?' checks, to try to convince users of their legitimacy.
Those who've filled in the form are then pushed towards downloading an app, or signing up to a paid subscription with terms that make it difficult to get out of.
Scams like this rely on FOMO and curiosity, but the reality is that Rockstar hasn't announced ANY public beta. You won't be missing out on anything by simply ignoring these forms — so close the tab and walk away.
Trojanized repacks targeting Windows PC
Perhaps the most sophisticated GTA 6 scam known to be in circulation involves Trojan viruses, which are generally spread via piracy or 'repacking' sites (used to distribute compressed versions of video games).
By mimicking the look and function of authentic installers (hence the name Trojan), scammers are tricking users into triggering DLL sideloading attacks on their own devices.
Once started, the Trojan attack begins to inject malicious files into the target device, and depending on how it's been coded, can lead to the malware altering system memory, making root-level changes, or even connecting to external servers to download additional viruses.
Android adware presented as a GTA 6 Beta
Nord also notes that Android mobile users are being targeted by an illegitimate 'GTA 6 Beta' app that's currently found on the Google Play Store.
Although it looks convincing, the app is far from trustworthy, and if you were to click on its 'Download OBB' link, you'd be sent through a series of known malicious domains, linked to infostealers, banking trojans, adware, and ransomware sites.
Again, there is no authentic GTA Beta App for Android, iOS or any other mobile operating service. If you see an advert for one, simply ignore it.
So, how can you protect yourself from these scams? Here are some straightforward tips to keep in mind:
1. Be Wary of Unofficial Sources
Always ensure that you are getting information from reputable and official channels. If a website or social media account claims to have insider information or early access to the game, double-check its authenticity.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Never provide sensitive information such as your credit card details, passwords, or personal identification to anyone claiming to offer special deals or access to the game.
3. Look for Red Flags
Watch out for offers that seem too good to be true. If a deal promises free access to the game or exclusive content for a minimal fee, it's likely a scam.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
When making purchases, always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. This adds an extra layer of security in case something goes wrong.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity, report it to the relevant authorities or platforms. This helps protect others in the community from falling victim to similar schemes.
Make sure to doublecheck URLs before clicking them. If something seems off, copy and paste the URL into a link checker like Cloudflare's, which will let you know if it's safe or not.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy the anticipation of Grand Theft Auto VI without falling prey to scams.
Fake GTA VI beta keys & subscription traps
Of all the cons currently being pulled, fake GTA 6 beta keys are among the most prevalent.
Primarily, these sort of scams will begin by offering you access to the beta via an online form. It should go without saying that unsolicited online forms should be ignored, but Nord has seen these scams use social engineering tactics, such as 'Are you a bot?' checks, to try to convince users of their legitimacy.
Those who've filled in the form are then pushed towards downloading an app, or signing up to a paid subscription with terms that make it difficult to get out of.
Scams like this rely on FOMO and curiosity, but the reality is that Rockstar hasn't announced ANY public beta. You won't be missing out on anything by simply ignoring these forms — so close the tab and walk away.
Trojanized repacks targeting Windows PC
Perhaps the most sophisticated GTA 6 scam known to be in circulation involves Trojan viruses, which are generally spread via piracy or 'repacking' sites (used to distribute compressed versions of video games).
By mimicking the look and function of authentic installers (hence the name Trojan), scammers are tricking users into triggering DLL sideloading attacks on their own devices.
Once started, the Trojan attack begins to inject malicious files into the target device, and depending on how it's been coded, can lead to the malware altering system memory, making root-level changes, or even connecting to external servers to download additional viruses.
Android adware presented as a GTA 6 Beta
Nord also notes that Android mobile users are being targeted by an illegitimate 'GTA 6 Beta' app that's currently found on the Google Play Store.
Although it looks convincing, the app is far from trustworthy, and if you were to click on its 'Download OBB' link, you'd be sent through a series of known malicious domains, linked to infostealers, banking trojans, adware, and ransomware sites.
Again, there is no authentic GTA Beta App for Android, iOS or any other mobile operating service. If you see an advert for one, simply ignore it.
So, how can you protect yourself from these scams? Here are some straightforward tips to keep in mind:
1. Be Wary of Unofficial Sources
Always ensure that you are getting information from reputable and official channels. If a website or social media account claims to have insider information or early access to the game, double-check its authenticity.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Never provide sensitive information such as your credit card details, passwords, or personal identification to anyone claiming to offer special deals or access to the game.
3. Look for Red Flags
Watch out for offers that seem too good to be true. If a deal promises free access to the game or exclusive content for a minimal fee, it's likely a scam.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
When making purchases, always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. This adds an extra layer of security in case something goes wrong.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
If you encounter a scam or suspicious activity, report it to the relevant authorities or platforms. This helps protect others in the community from falling victim to similar schemes.
Make sure to doublecheck URLs before clicking them. If something seems off, copy and paste the URL into a link checker like Cloudflare's, which will let you know if it's safe or not.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy the anticipation of Grand Theft Auto VI without falling prey to scams.
