Grand Theft Auto VI is set to land next year, and many of us are desperate to get our hands on it.
Despite our waning patience though, it’s important that we remain vigilant.
Why? GTA VI-related scams have started to surface.
As we’re all well aware, GTA VI is set to launch on 26 May 2026 and, as it stands, there is no announced early access period.
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I’ll admit, it’s unlikely there will be one.
The game’s online mode is yet to be announced so will likely drop after the base game has landed, and it’s unusual for major single-player releases to hold early access periods.
It’s with this in mind that we should set our sights solely on 26 May 2026, unless communicated otherwise by Rockstar’s official channels.
Anything you see elsewhere to the contrary is likely to be untrue or, worst case scenario, linked to a scam.
One such fraudulent opportunity was spotted by Reddit user NoFact3290 who was shown a suspect advert ahead of a YouTube video.
‘GTA VI alpha version out now, download & test the gameplay,” it read, using a GTA VI trailer image.
Rockstar Games’ logo and name could be seen in the bottom, left-hand corner next to a big download button.
Close inspection, though, reveals a link to a consultancy firm of some variety.
Whether the firm simply sought out additional traffic, or whether this is some kind of malware scam in disguise, this is clearly dangerous and fraudulent - and you should never click on links of this variety ahead of launch day.
Hopefully YouTube will nuke the ad, but I’m sure copycats will surface.
The ad has, quite unsurprisingly, been slammed by fans as “scummy” with many thankfully catching on that this is a scam.
“Scummy scam ad,” wrote Mr_kai23467342.
“Stuff that YouTube should not be allowed to legally have playing as an ad,” added thederpyderp3.
Remain vigilant, my friends.
Topics: Grand Theft Auto, GTA 6, Rockstar Games, GTA, Youtube