- NordVPN identified malware and fraudulent campaigns aimed at GTA 6 fans
- The web is flooded with fake beta keys, trojanized repacks and phishing sites
- PC and Android users are the main targets
The hype surrounding the release of GTA 6 is real, and threat actors are quick to capitalize on it by targeting players who are disappointed by the game’s delayed release. The lead-up to the release of Rockstar Games’ most anticipated title leaves fans vulnerable to a host of scams, warns NordVPN.
NordVPN, which consistently ranks first on our list of best VPNs, shared findings from its Threat Intelligence team. The team discovered a wave of GTA 6-themed scams targeting eager fans with fake installers, non-existent beta keys, phishing pages, and even Android adware posing as a “GTA 6 beta” app.
Attackers rely on victims to click first and then think later, instilling a sense of urgency in each scam attempt.
NordVPN Reveals the Staggering Extent of GTA 6 Scams
NordVPN has revealed that PC and Android users are the main targets of GTA 6 scams, but threat actors can still promise access to the game on other platforms.
For starters, the game has been confirmed to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, something threat actors are willingly abusing by promising exclusive beta keys for those consoles. Users first fill out a short form, go through a quick verification process, and are then asked to subscribe or download potentially unwanted applications (PUAs).
Windows users are also targeted by clones from well-known piracy sites. These clones distribute malware, cleverly disguised as the real game. NordVPN downloaded one of these scam files and found that it looked surprisingly legitimate, with a suitable game installer that silently launches a Trojan in the background. Malware can modify your PC’s RAM, connect to external servers, and download even more malware.
gta from r/GTA/comments/1t5m6cr/gta6_is_already_on_android
Android users are subject to adware that claims to offer access to the beta version of GTA 6. This is especially clever since the game is unlikely to ever release on Android, but fake apps promising access to the game are still appearing, as shared by NordVPN and several Reddit users.
NordVPN downloaded one of those files and discovered that the app was an empty shell that plays a video and then makes you download additional data. The app attempts to get users to pay a subscription or download more malware, and NordVPN traced it to a domain known for distributing banking trojans, ransomware, and data stealers.
Even Rockstar Social Club accounts are not secure: phishing pages attempt to steal login credentials, and those accounts, quickly stolen, are often resold or used for in-game scams.
How to stay safe
The general rule is not to trust anything that doesn’t come directly from Rockstar Games, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Marketplace. Never download any game related content from third party sitessince even a site that looks legitimate can be a scam.
Don’t trust offers of free beta keysany. Follow the official social media channels of these platforms to keep an eye out for legitimate offers.
Finally, do not share your Rockstar account details on any website other than the official site, and check the URL before writing them inside.
NordVPN just rebranded its Threat Protection package as Next Generation Antivirus, so if you want to stay safer with a stronger security solution, it’s worth checking out.
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