Like millions of gamers around the world, you've spent years waiting for Grand Theft Auto VI. Now, an email offers you the chance to play a pre-release 'beta' version before everyone else - because criminals have decided your anticipation is their next big payday.

The scam, one of many preying on the hype for Rockstar Games' delayed masterpiece, lures victims with polished emails and AI-crafted fake websites. Gerald Kasulis, vice-president of global affairs at cybersecurity firm NordVPN, explains: '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.' Then, without checking, you click - and your login credentials, personal data, or bank details vanish.

NordVPN reports credible fake sites promising early access, some even saying, 'We need you to help us build Vice City' - the game's fictional metropolis. Victims may be asked for personal details like name, address, and date of birth, or to download software labeled 'GTA Mobile 6.' In one case, downloaded malware let fraudsters remotely connect to the victim's computer. Some scams target PC and Android users, even though Rockstar hasn't announced plans for those platforms.

GTA VI is scheduled for release on November 19, after two delays. There is no legitimate beta program. Rockstar Games did not respond to requests for comment. If you've been duped, change passwords immediately, contact your bank, and report the fraud. Remember: if an offer to explore Vice City early seems too good to be true, it's probably a one-way ticket to Scam City.