Fake GTA-6 shops steal payment data — ESET warns of fraud
Counterfeit online shops promise GTA-6 pre-orders with discounts and PC versions. ESET warns: buyers risk losing money and data.
Fake shops exploit GTA-6 hype for payment data fraud
Before the official release date of Grand Theft Auto VI, counterfeit online shops are appearing that advertise heavily discounted pre-orders and alleged PC versions. According to retail-news.de, IT security provider ESET warns: anyone who orders in such a shop risks losing money and sensitive payment data.
ESET expects the number of fraudulent offers to increase further until the game's launch — 19 November on PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox Series X and S — and during the subsequent Christmas season.
Professionally designed pages imitate established retailers
According to ESET, the operators of fake shops copy the design of established retailers or pose as digital game key providers. Product photos, official trailers and counterfeit seals of approval give the sites a legitimate appearance. Users reach the fraudulent sites through advertisements on social networks and sponsored search results.
The domains are often only a few days old and disappear again after a short time. Using AI tools, the operators could set up such sites in a short time, according to ESET.
No PC version, no beta — all such offers are fraud
ESET makes clear: at launch, neither a PC version nor a beta or early access is available. According to the company, any offer advertising one of these promises is fraudulent. Alleged PC downloads could also conceal malware.
ESET identifies further warning signs as unusually low prices from unknown providers as well as demands for advance payment, cryptocurrencies or gift cards. In addition to the purchase price, fraudsters can also steal personal data and credit card information and use them for later phishing attacks.
Recommendations: access direct retailers, check imprint
ESET recommends accessing only known retailers or official stores directly. For unknown providers, the company advises checking the imprint and paying attention to payment methods with buyer protection.
Anyone who has already paid in a suspected fake shop should inform their bank immediately according to ESET, have the affected card blocked and secure all receipts as evidence for filing a criminal complaint.
Source: Google News LU DE