Kaspersky warns that fake GTA VI pre-order pages may steal your payment details.
Dubai: Fans eager to secure an early copy of GTA VI are being targeted by scammers through fake pre-order websites, fraudulent beta downloads, and cryptocurrency schemes, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has warned.
The warning comes after official pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI opened in late June, attracting strong interest from gamers worldwide. Kaspersky said scammers quickly capitalized on the excitement by creating fake storefronts that imitate official platforms and sharing videos that falsely claim to offer leaked beta downloads of the game.
Gamers who enter their payment details on fake pre-order websites risk losing money, while those who download so-called beta files could expose their devices, accounts, and personal data to malware.
Fake pre-order pages
Kaspersky said scammers have created websites that closely mimic the look and branding of the official game, using authentic trailers and promotional artwork to appear legitimate.
The fake websites prompt users to click a “Pre-order Now” button before asking them to provide personal and payment information. After completing the payment, victims receive no game, leaving them vulnerable to financial loss and identity theft.
Kaspersky said it has identified fraudulent pre-order pages in multiple languages, indicating efforts to target gamers across different regions. One fake website impersonated the official PlayStation Store, using fabricated five-star reviews, an age rating, and a listed pre-order price to appear credible.
Users who clicked the pre-order button were redirected to a registration form requesting their name, email address, phone number, taxpayer identification number, and other personal details. They were then prompted to complete the purchase by entering their bank card information or using another payment method.
Fake beta access
Scammers are also exploiting excitement around GTA VI by offering fake beta access, tricking fans into downloading malicious files.
Kaspersky said it uncovered a suspicious website claiming to offer a leaked beta version of GTA VI. The site was promoted through social media and video-sharing platforms, where several accounts posted videos claiming the game could be downloaded safely.
To make the scam appear legitimate, the videos were accompanied by comments claiming the download was genuine. However, Kaspersky warned that opening the file could compromise a user’s device, steal sensitive data, give attackers access to personal accounts, or install malware that runs silently in the background.
Crypto scams
Cryptocurrency users are also being targeted. Kaspersky said it identified a low-reputation website promoting a token with a name resembling GTA VI.
The site copied the game’s branding, artwork, and visual style to create the impression of an official connection. Kaspersky warned that interacting with such websites could put users at risk of losing their cryptocurrency holdings.
“Highly anticipated game releases have long presented significant opportunities for cybercriminals, and we are already detecting related fraudulent activity,” said Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.
“These schemes are carefully timed to capitalize on heightened consumer excitement. Attackers understand that periods of intense anticipation can lower users’ guard and create a false sense of urgency. We strongly recommend purchasing games only through official platforms and avoiding links shared by unverified sources. Equally important is using robust security protection, and our solutions now include AI-powered scam protection,” she said.
How gamers can stay safe
Kaspersky advises gamers to download games and mods only from official stores or trusted websites, as files from unofficial sources may contain malware.
Users should also verify a website’s authenticity before entering personal or payment information by checking the URL, domain name, and organization details for signs of impersonation. To reduce the risk of financial loss, Kaspersky recommends using prepaid cards or dedicated payment services for gaming purchases instead of linking primary bank accounts or credit cards.
The company also recommends enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on gaming accounts, digital IDs and financial apps, and regularly reviewing bank and card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Kaspersky said its security tools can detect malicious attachments and block phishing links. Its consumer protection suite also includes AI-powered scam detection, anti-phishing technology, real-time behavior monitoring, data breach alerts and identity theft protection.
