Malwarebytes has warned about a surge of scam 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 X|S. Preorders will be available starting June 25 through Rockstar Games and various platform storefronts.
The cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes reported finding multiple sites involved in the scam, some of which use GTA 6 branding alongside references to Mr. Beast and Lego in an attempt to appear more legitimate.
How the Scam Works and Why These Offers Look Convincing
The scam websites claim to offer early access to Grand Theft Auto 6 in exchange for cryptocurrency payments of a few hundred dollars.
In reality, no actual game access is provided. Since payments are made in cryptocurrency, victims have no straightforward way to recover funds or initiate chargebacks through their banks.
Stefan Dasic of Malwarebytes described GTA 6 as “the perfect bait” for these scams. Grand Theft Auto is one of the most well-known gaming franchises worldwide, with hundreds of millions of copies sold across previous titles.
With 13 years having passed since the release of GTA 5, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 makes it an attractive target for scammers who exploit user interest.
The scam depends on several factors. First, it appeals to those with a strong desire to be among the first to access the game. It also targets users familiar with premium “advance access” editions, which do exist in modern gaming.
The scam sites often imitate legitimate retailer or publisher pages, further adding to their credibility. Additionally, they use pressure tactics to prompt impulsive decisions before users have a chance to verify the offer.
Younger users and individuals less familiar with cryptocurrency and online gaming purchases may be especially vulnerable. However, the scams are not exclusive to inexperienced users. Dasic pointed out that even well-informed people can fall victim when their excitement outweighs caution.
How to Avoid the Scam and What to Do If You Already Paid
Users should follow these guidelines:
- There is currently no early access to GTA 6 available from any source. Rockstar Games has not announced an early access program, and any site claiming to offer one is likely a scam.
- Official preorders are scheduled to start on June 25, 2026, and will only be available through Rockstar Games, the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, and other officially listed retailers.
- Any website asking for payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for early access to a game 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 rather than clicking on links from social media, search ads, or messaging apps.
Make sure the website domain matches the official publisher’s domain, as slight variations are a common scam tactic.
Users who have already sent cryptocurrency to a scam site should avoid sending any more payments, even if the site requests additional funds for what it claims are verification or delivery purposes.
It’s important to report the incident to local law enforcement and the cryptocurrency exchange used to send the funds. Also, report the scam site to 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. 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 preorders will be available starting June 25 through Rockstar Games and various platform stores. Rockstar has not yet announced details about editions, 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 scam sites identified, but Dasic mentioned that scams continue to be effective because they manage to deceive at least some victims. The number of scam attempts is expected to grow as the launch date in November nears.
