Malwarebytes has warned about a rise in fraudulent websites claiming to offer early access to Grand Theft Auto 6 for hundreds of dollars paid in cryptocurrency.
The official game release is scheduled for November 19, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series Pre-orders will be available starting June 25 through Rockstar Games and various platform storefronts.
Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes has discovered several sites involved in the scam, some of which use GTA 6 branding with references to Mister Beast and Lego in an effort to appear more legitimate.
How the scam works and why these offers seem credible
Scam websites claim to provide early access to Grand Theft Auto 6 in exchange for a cryptocurrency payment of a few hundred dollars.
In fact, no actual game access is provided. Since payments are made in cryptocurrency, victims have no direct way to recover the funds through their banks or initiate a chargeback.
Malwarebytes’ Stephen Desick described GTA 6 as “perfect bait” for these scams. Grand Theft Auto is one of the most famous gaming franchises worldwide, with previous titles selling millions of copies.
13 years after the release of GTA 5, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 makes it an attractive target for scammers who take advantage of user interest.
Scam depends on many factors. First of all, it appeals to those who have a strong desire to be one of the first to access the game. It also targets users familiar with the premium “Advanced Access” editions that exist in modern gaming.
Scam sites often mimic legitimate retailer or publisher pages, further increasing their credibility. Additionally, they use pressure tactics to make impulsive decisions before users have a chance to verify the offer.
Younger users and those less familiar with cryptocurrencies and online gaming purchases may be particularly vulnerable. However, scams are not limited to inexperienced users only. Even well-informed people can fall victim to this when their enthusiasm outweighs caution, Dasik said.
How to avoid scams and what to do if you’ve already paid
Users should follow these guidelines:
- There is currently no early access available for GTA 6 from any source. Rockstar Games has not announced an Early Access program, and any site that claims to offer it is likely a scam.
- Official preorders are scheduled to begin on June 25, 2026, and will be available only through Rockstar Games, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and other officially listed retailers.
- Any website asking for payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for early access to games should be considered suspicious. Legitimate game publishers and retailers do not require crypto payments.
To verify any premium edition offers, visit the official Rockstar Games website directly instead of clicking links on social media, search ads, or messaging apps.
Make sure the website domain matches the official publisher’s domain, as minor variations are a common fraud tactic.
Users who have already sent cryptocurrency to a scam site should avoid sending any further payments, even if the site requests additional funds for verification or distribution purposes.
It is important to report the incident to local law enforcement and the cryptocurrency exchange used to send funds. Also, report the scam site on the platforms where it was advertised, such as social media networks.
Keep in mind that cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible, so recovery is unlikely. In the United States, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov accepts reports of online scams.
Similar agencies exist in other countries as well. Reporting these incidents helps law enforcement identify scam patterns, even when individual recovery is not possible.
What comes next as GTA 6 preorders open
Official GTA 6 pre-orders will be available starting June 25th through Rockstar Games and various platform stores. Rockstar has not yet announced details about versions, prices, or preorder bonuses. Interested consumers should keep an eye on rockstargames.com/VI on the release date for the latest information.
Malwarebytes has not disclosed the number of users who have visited the identified scam sites, but Dasik noted that the scams remain effective because they manage to deceive at least some victims. The number of scam attempts is expected to increase as the launch date in November approaches.
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