Scammers Are 'Dangling the One Thing' PC Gamers Won't Get Anytime Soon: GTA 6
GTA 6 malware and scams are on the rise, and they're targeting PC and Android users because Rockstar is skipping those platforms for the game's launch. With pre-orders set to open this week, the hype has created a perfect environment for scammers to exploit eager fans who may miss out on the game when it launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in November.
NordVPN noted that the gap between the console launch and the expected PC version is being weaponized by malicious actors. “The title will initially launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with the PC version expected later — and that gap is exactly what scammers are weaponizing,” NordVPN said in a post on its website. These scammers are dangling the one thing those users won’t get anytime soon: GTA 6.
The Rise of GTA 6-Related Scams
NordVPN has detected various scams related to GTA 6, including fake beta keys and subscription traps. To make their schemes feel more legitimate, scammers have even asked their targets to fill out a short form or go through a fake “Are you a bot?” verification step. Additionally, Android users should be cautious of adware that masquerades as a GTA 6 beta. These fake apps redirect users to websites that may include infostealers, banking trojans, adware, and ransomware.
There are also trojanized GTA 6 repacks, where threat actors create clones of well-known piracy and repack sites to distribute Windows malware disguised as game files. These scams rely on the curiosity and fear of missing out (FOMO) of potential victims. NordVPN advises users to avoid any GTA 6-related offers, links, and messages that trigger such emotions. Using link checkers to test suspicious links can also help avoid falling victim to these scams.
What We Know About GTA 6's PC Release
It’s important to note that there is no official GTA 6 beta or subscription plan, and there’s no GTA 6 on PC — yet — or on mobile. While Rockstar has not confirmed a timeline, there are expectations that a PC version of GTA 6 will eventually be released. However, when that might happen remains a mystery.
The lack of a PC version of GTA 6 at launch is one of the biggest talking points around the game. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar's parent company Take-Two, has typically given vague answers when asked about the console-only release, citing past eventual PC releases for Rockstar games. Clearly, there's a huge appetite for GTA 6 on PC, which is why malware and scammers are targeting PC gamers.
While we wait for answers to these questions and more, check out our analysis of the GTA 6 cover art, our report on the fresh look at Vice City, and how fans are finally accepting that GTA 6 won’t get delayed again.
