GTA 6 is exciting. It’s going to be massive. It might even be one of the greatest games ever made. But please, for the love of all things gaming, do not fall for these bogus pre-order offers.
The hype surrounding Rockstar Games’ next title has reached fever pitch. Fans are desperate for any scrap of news, and scammers have taken notice. With the marketing campaign yet to officially kick off, shady websites are already popping up, asking for deposits to secure a copy of the game.
It’s a cheeky operation. And it’s almost certainly a scam.
The $10 “Deposit” Trick
One example was shared by Reddit user Prestigious_Wait7705, who posted a screenshot of a website asking for a crisp $10 deposit. The promise? That you’ll be one of the first customers to get a chance to pre-order the game when the official pre-orders go live.
Think about that for a moment. You’re paying $10 for the privilege of paying another $70 or so later. It’s a ridiculous proposition when you break it down, but in the current climate of hype and desperation, some fans might actually be tempted.
The sites aren’t difficult to find. A quick search for “GTA 6 pre-order” brings up several questionable pages, all offering early access or exclusive bonuses that almost certainly don’t exist.
Why This Is Almost Certainly a Scam
Here’s the reality: GTA 6 is currently listed on the Xbox and PlayStation stores, but you can only wishlist it at the time of writing. Official pre-orders have not opened, and Rockstar has given no indication of when they will.
Anyone claiming to offer a pre-order deposit is operating without authorization. They have no guarantee of securing a copy, and they certainly don’t have the right to charge you for the “opportunity.”
There’s also the matter of digital versus physical copies. Most gamers will be buying the game digitally, either through the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Rockstar’s own launcher on PC. Digital copies won’t run out. You won’t need to secure one early.
For those who prefer physical copies, there will be more than enough to go around from official retailers when the game launches. There’s no shortage coming. It’s not a limited-edition collectible.
The Desperation Factor
What makes this scam particularly insidious is that it preys on genuine excitement. GTA fans are absolutely feverish for the game, and the whole world knows it. Even non-gamers understand just how monumental the next Grand Theft Auto is going to be.
This excitement creates vulnerability. People want to be first. They want to secure their copy. They want to be part of the moment. And scammers know exactly how to exploit that.
The Reddit user who shared the $10 deposit offer captioned it simply: “These are scams right?” It’s a fair question, but the answer is clear. If it’s not on the official PlayStation, Xbox, or Rockstar storefronts, it’s not legitimate.
What About Scalpers?
Even when official pre-orders do go live, there’s every chance that some people will try to take advantage of the hype. Physical copies of the game could be scalped and sold at a profit on the second-hand market, just like we saw with PlayStation 5 consoles and graphics cards during the pandemic.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see similar behavior with GTA 6. But that’s a problem for later. For now, the focus should be on avoiding these early pre-order traps.
How to Stay Safe
If you’re eager to secure a copy of GTA VI, here’s what you should do:
Wait for the official announcement. Rockstar and Take-Two will make plenty of noise when pre-orders open. They want your money, and they’ll make sure you know exactly when and where to spend it.
Only use official retailers. This means the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Rockstar’s own website, and major physical retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and Target. If a website you’ve never heard of is offering a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t pay for the “chance” to pre-order. There is no such thing. Pre-orders are straightforward. You pay for the game, you get the game. You don’t pay someone else to let you pay for the game.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Adds Red Dead Redemption 2 Star To Cast As Fan-Favourite Returns
- GTA 6’s Pre-Order Bonuses Are Already Clear – Here’s What to Expect
- GTA 6’s Map Is Already Dividing Gamers Amid Lengthy Pre-Order Wait
The Bottom Line
The GTA VI hype is real, and it’s only going to intensify as we get closer to the November 19 release date. With summer marketing about to begin, we can expect more news, more trailers, and eventually, official pre-orders.
Until then, keep your wallets closed. Don’t be tempted by early deposit offers. And if something seems suspicious, it probably is. Your $10 is better spent elsewhere—like saving up for the game itself.