Cybercriminals are targeting Grand Theft Auto fans with fake websites that impersonate Rockstar Games, the developer behind the long-awaited GTA 6, according to cybersecurity company Malwarebytes. The fraudulent sites advertise a playable GTA 6 demo — no legitimate demo exists — and trick users into downloading malware disguised as a game installer.
The malware is an information stealer designed to extract passwords, cookies, and logged-in browser sessions from a victim’s device. In some cases, the stolen data can allow hackers to access accounts even when multi-factor authentication is enabled.
The scam, reported on August 25, 2026, exploits years of pent-up anticipation for GTA 6. GTA 5, the previous entry in the series, sold more copies than any game in history except Minecraft, and fans have been waiting more than a decade for a follow-up. After multiple delays, GTA 6 is currently expected to release on November 19, 2026. A Netflix broadcast scheduled for Thursday is set to air an extended look at the game.
Cybercriminals appear to be capitalizing on that heightened demand, using the absence of official news as cover to lure eager players toward malicious downloads. Fans searching for any scrap of information about the game may be especially susceptible to convincing-looking fake sites.
Malwarebytes has not specified how many users have been affected. Users are advised to download software only from verified, official sources and to treat any site advertising a GTA 6 demo as fraudulent, as no such demo has been released by Rockstar.
Source: TechCrunch