Malware disguised as fake GTA V serials target gamers

Gamers waiting to get their hands on Grand Theft Auto 5 the easy way—by getting cracks—are now being targeted by malware writers and fraudsters, a security vendor warned this week.

Bitdefender said cyber-criminals launched their own offers of "bogus serials, kits and beta versions" aimed at GTA 5 fans.

"The fake websites are disseminated worldwide, and some are hosted on Russian domains. Considering the global interest for the game, malware writers and fraudsters crafted the baits in English, then redirected gamers to dubious websites that identified their IP and delivered the scam in their native language," Bitdefender's Bianca Stanescu said in a blog post.

She said one website offering GTA serials even pretended to offer a "free security scan."

An investigation showed that when gamers clicked the download button, they were redirected to the bogus antivirus scan.

However, she noted tech-savvy users may sense something is wrong since the bogus scan uses the old Bitdefender logo.

On the other hand, those who don't will eventually be redirected to a survey to get "GTA 5 serial.”

Stanescu said other "scammy websites" propose downloads for Facebook customization and Starbucks gift cards.

"Users are asked to give away their personal information, which may further trigger identity theft. They may also be subscribed to pay for services they didn’t want," she said.

In other cases, she said the file downloaded by the victim will be malicious and will grab personal information, including Facebook credentials.

Leaked GTA copies

She also advised users to disregard GTA copies “accidentally” leaked on the Internet, as they are "probably fake, leading to fraudulent or malicious websites."

"Bitdefender recommends gamers keep their security solution and other software updated to avoid malware infections, phishing and fraud," she added. — VC, GMA News