As the highly anticipated release date of Grand Theft Auto 6 approaches, scammers are taking advantage of eager gamers by offering fake pre-order listings. With no official pre-orders yet available from Rockstar Games, these fraudulent schemes are circulating online, asking for deposits that promise to secure a copy of the game.
How the Scam Works
According to a report from GamingBible, a Reddit user shared a screenshot of a listing that claims to offer a "pre-order guarantee" for $10. This fee is supposedly a deposit to secure an actual pre-order once official channels open. However, since Rockstar has not yet announced any pre-order details, these listings are nothing more than attempts to trick unsuspecting buyers.
Multiple websites have been spotted offering similar early pre-orders at inflated prices. Experts advise gamers to steer clear of such offers until Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, officially open pre-orders.
Current Availability
At present, the only way to show interest in GTA 6 is to add it to wishlists on Xbox and PlayStation stores. No digital pre-orders are available, and physical copies have not been listed either. The game is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, but Trailer 3 has yet to drop, and pricing remains unannounced.
Why There Is No Need to Rush
Gamers concerned about shortages or scalpers can rest easy. The shift toward digital purchases means that physical copies are less in demand. A 2023 BBC report revealed that nearly 90% of game sales in the UK were digital, with physical copies accounting for less than 15% of cross-platform sales. This trend suggests that Rockstar and Take-Two will likely meet demand for both digital and physical editions.
Scalpers are unlikely to corner the market, as the lower demand for physical discs reduces the potential for profit. Therefore, rushing into a pre-order scam is unnecessary.
When Will Official Pre-Orders Begin?
Rockstar has confirmed that GTA 6 remains on track for its November 19 release date, with no further delays expected. The marketing campaign is anticipated to ramp up during the summer, which officially begins on June 21. Trailer 3 is expected to drop within weeks, and pre-orders are likely to follow shortly after, mirroring the timeline used for Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018.
Until then, gamers should avoid any unofficial pre-order listings and wait for announcements from Rockstar or Take-Two. Stay tuned for updates on when pre-orders will go live.
