Like millions of gamers around the world, you have been waiting years for Grand Theft Auto VI to be released. Now you have the opportunity to play the much-anticipated game before everyone else.

An email has arrived inviting you to play a pre-release “beta” version of the game so that you can alert the makers to any bugs before its official release later this year.

But the invitation is a scam, one of many as criminals prey on the anticipation of gamers eager to experience the next chapter in the GTA series. Falling victim to the fraud can result in your personal data being sold or your bank details being stolen.

Gerald Kasulis, the vice-president of global affairs at the cybersecurity company NordVPN, says criminals are seeking to exploit the urgency and curiosity of gamers to play the new game. GTA VI is scheduled to arrive on 19 November after its release was postponed twice.

“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,” says Kasulis. “Then without really checking … they just click on those things, believing they are official beta testing [invitations].”

NordVPN says there are credible fake websites that appear to offer early access to the game. Clicking links and sharing information can result in your login to GTA’s online platform being stolen or malicious software being downloaded on to your computer.

What it looks like

“We need you to help us build Vice City,” says one fraud site, referring to the metropolis in which the games are set. “Before GTA VI launches to the world, we’re inviting a select group of players to experience the game early.”

The emails and fake websites tell players that they are part of an exclusive group who get to play the game early so they can identify any glitches.

Some of the sites provide a code to access the game, called a “beta key”, on Xbox and PlayStation 5 consoles. In some cases, gamers may be told to download a piece of software that purported to be the new game, which in one case was called GTA Mobile 6.

In order to gain access to the game, players may be asked for personal details such as name, address and date of birth or their log in for the existing online game. This information can then be sold on by criminals.

In one case, researchers found that when a gamer had downloaded software it contained malware that allowed the fraudsters to connect to the victim’s computer. This can lead to sensitive information like bank details being stolen, Kasulis says.

Some of the frauds are targeting PC and Android users, even though plans for the game on those platforms have not been announced.

What to do

There is no legitimate beta testing programme for GTA VI announced so treat any offers of early access with scepticism. Only rely on legitimate outlets for announcements, such as through Rockstar games, the creators of GTA, or official stores such as the PlayStation Store or Xbox Marketplace.

Do not let the urge to play the new game cloud your judgment. If you have entered gaming passwords into a suspicious site, change them immediately. If you have handed over your financial details, report it to your bank and Report Fraud.

Rockstar Games did not respond when contacted for comment.