Cybercriminals are distributing fraudulent invitations for beta testing versions of Grand Theft Auto VI using AI to create fake websites and emails that offer pre-release access. There is no legitimate beta testing program announced for the game.

Falling victim to this fraud can lead to personal data being sold or bank details being stolen. Clicking links or sharing information in these scams can also result in login credentials for Grand Theft Auto's online platform being stolen or malicious software being downloaded onto a user's device. Researchers found that software downloaded from one such fake site contained malware that allowed fraudsters to connect to a victim's computer.

Gerald Kasulis, vice-president of global affairs at the cybersecurity company NordVPN, commented on the tactics used. Kasulis said, "You're a gamer, you're waiting for the game, and you get an email that looks really official and polished; with the help of AI, scammers can actually mimic official websites really, really well."

NordVPN has observed credible fake websites that appear to offer early access to the game. These emails and fraudulent websites claim that players are part of an exclusive group selected to play the game early to identify glitches. Kasulis added, "Then without really checking … they just click on those things, believing they are official beta testing [invitations]."

Some of the sites provide a code, referred to as a "beta key," for Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles. One fraud site includes the statement, "Before GTA VI launches to the world, we're inviting a select group of players to experience the game early." Another states, "We need you to help us build Vice City."

In some instances, gamers are instructed to download software presented as the new game, with one version named GTA Mobile 6. Players may be asked for personal details, such as their name, address, date of birth, or logins for the existing online game, to gain access. Some of these fraudulent activities target PC and Android users, despite there being no announced plans for Grand Theft Auto VI on these platforms. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to arrive on November 19, following two postponements of its release.