Perhaps this goes without saying but, please do not download GTA VI from whatever website you’re looking at that claims to provide some kind of early access or beta testing. No such thing exists, and if they do, they’re most likely looking to prey on unsuspecting victims with malware.
We have to point this out because Kaspersky says there are threat actors fishing for scam opportunities shortly after the launch of GTA VI’s pre-orders, setting up things ranging from fake pre-order pages to fraudulent video tutorials, hoping to catch users too eager to secure a copy of the game.
Getting Hit By Malware Before GTA VI?
Kaspersky researchers identified fake pre-order pages replicating the visual style and branding of the official game, with genuine trailers and promotional artwork alongside a pre-order button to make the purchase. Users who click “Pre-order now” are prompted to enter personal details and payment information, and wouldn’t you know it, the user’s data is compromised once the data is sent on its way. In case of doubt, double check the URL for hidden typos (such as ‘0’ instead of ‘o’) which can obfuscate the fraudulent nature of phishing websites.
Such fraudulent pages have been detected in multiple languages. One example is a Portuguese-language website impersonating the official PlayStation storefront, populated with fake five-star reviews, an age rating, and a listed pre-order price. Users who click the pre-order button are directed to a registration form requesting their name, email address, phone number, and Brazilian taxpayer identification number (CPF), followed by a request for bank card details or an alternative payment method.
Rockstar has been tight-lipped on GTA VI’s details in a time where games of this scale often get leaked left and right, so threat actors sees this as an opportunity to “fill the gap”. Case in point, one such website was identified, offering a “leaked” beta version of the game for download, promoted through video platforms and social media accounts sharing tutorials on how to download the file. Even astroturfing tactics are involved, with comments accompanying said content claimed the download contained a genuine version of the game, which is obviously not the case.
Separately, cryptocurrency users have been targeted through low-reputation websites promoting a token with a name resembling the game’s title, using the game’s logo and visual style to create an association with the title. The last time we checked, Rockstar didn’t announce GTA VI-shaped coin of any kind, be it physical, digital, or otherwise – suffice to say any websites that claims as such is not legitimate.
Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, said anticipated game releases have historically presented opportunities for cybercriminals, with schemes “carefully timed to capitalize on heightened consumer excitement” by creating a false sense of urgency. Just remember, GTA VI will launch only in PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles come this November 19, with no PC version announced thus far; any sources outside of Rockstar Games that claim otherwise is false and should be avoided at all costs.
Pokdepinion: We understand the excitement after 13 years of waiting, but do make sure not to compromise your user data by doing these mistakes.
