The hype for GTA 6 has reached fever pitch, and scammers are once again exploiting the excitement. As pre-orders officially open on June 25, a new wave of fraudulent websites has emerged, promising “VIP early access” to Rockstar’s highly anticipated title in exchange for cryptocurrency.
The Scam: Early Access That Doesn’t Exist
According to a report from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes, scammers are creating professional-looking websites that claim to offer early access to GTA VI – a full five months before its November 19 release date. These sites feature glamorous artwork, official-looking logos, and convincing layouts designed to appear legitimate.
But there’s a catch: payment is only accepted via cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Tether, and Ethereum. Once victims send payment, they are asked to wait for confirmation, enter a transaction ID, and click a “Download” button. No game is ever received, and because cryptocurrency transactions are largely untraceable, there is usually no way to recover the funds.
“Any site claiming to sell GTA 6 early access is not authorised by Rockstar Games and should be treated as fraudulent unless Rockstar announces it through official channels. You pay, you get nothing, and because the payment is made in cryptocurrency, there’s usually no way to get your money back.” – Malwarebytes
How to Spot the Scam
Malwarebytes has identified several red flags to watch out for:
- AI-generated artwork with inconsistent details
- Requests for cryptocurrency payment (not credit cards or PayPal)
- Promises of early access months before the official release
- “Premium and exclusive” branding that mimics official marketing
- QR codes and verification messages that lead nowhere
How to Stay Safe
With pre-orders officially opening today, fans should only purchase GTA VI through authorised retailers and official storefronts:
- Digital: PlayStation Store, Xbox Store
- Physical: Amazon, Argos, GameStop, Smyths, and other major retailers
- Official News: Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive’s official channels
A Growing Problem
This isn’t the first scam targeting GTA VI fans. Earlier this year, NordVPN’s Threat Intelligence team warned of similar schemes involving fake beta keys, malware-laden installers, and phishing pages designed to steal Rockstar Social Club credentials. The combination of massive hype and the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency payments has made GTA VI a prime target for cybercriminals.
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The Bottom Line
Malwarebytes offers one final piece of advice: pause before sending money. If an offer sounds like a way to skip the line, that’s exactly why scammers are using it. Stick to official retailers, ignore crypto-only payment demands, and remember: there is no early access program for GTA VI. Rockstar has only announced the official November 19 release.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Pre-orders open June 25, 2026.