The anticipation surrounding the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has grown to unprecedented heights, reminiscent of every new installment in the iconic franchise. Gamers across the globe are eagerly awaiting any official word from Rockstar Games, the game’s developer, regarding its existence and release date. While no such announcement has been made by Rockstar Games, speculations run wild as fans unearth subtle hints from the developer’s social media activities.
Clues from Rockstar Games
Recently, Rockstar Games celebrated the 10-year anniversary of GTA 5, setting the internet abuzz with rumors that the long-awaited announcement for GTA 6 is drawing near. The excitement has reached a fever pitch, and gaming enthusiasts are hanging on every word, every sign, and every possible lead. Tipsters have been relentless in their pursuit of insider information, sharing supposed details and gameplay insights.
Deception by a Twitch Channel
In the midst of this frenzy, a concerning incident has emerged. A Twitch channel, cunningly disguised as Rockstar Games, had purported to provide beta access links to GTA 6, enticing thousands of fans who hoped to get an early glimpse of the game. The impostor channel went by the name “NewsRockstar” and shamelessly sported the developer’s iconic logo.
The stream from this fraudulent channel carried the title “GTA6 OUT NOW! [BETA] – Early Access Beta Test – Twitch and Steam Exclusive.” Unbeknownst to the viewers, it was a trap, and the channel soon amassed over 20,000 eager spectators, all eagerly anticipating their chance to play GTA 6.
Scam Tactics Unveiled
The deceptive stream was anything but genuine. It was, in fact, a phishing scheme designed to exploit the enthusiasm of fans. One viewer who fell victim to this scam lamented, “It was a phishing stream, they were offering access to the GTA 6 beta, but it was to steal Steam accounts.”
The perpetrators behind this scam relied on the viewers’ trust, luring them to click on provided links and unwittingly share their login credentials for their Steam accounts. This malicious act would have allowed hackers to gain unauthorized access to victims’ personal information, potentially compromising their financial details.
Repentance follows
The directive lasted more than five hours before Twitch officials stepped in and took action.
The fake channel was shut down, and later, it was banned from the platform. It was later discovered that the social media account associated with the fraudulent channel was verified as a partnered account. This validation only added to the illusion of legitimacy and likely contributed to the channel’s ability to amass a large viewership in a short span.
In the wake of this incident, it serves as a cautionary tale for all gamers to remain vigilant against potential scams in the ever-expanding gaming universe. As the anticipation for GTA 6 remains undiminished, it is essential to stay informed and exercise discretion, especially when confronted with enticing offers that seem too good to be true.