'GTA 5' Coming To PC? Beta Test Emails Are Fraudulent And Contain Malware

Rockstar Games still hasn’t confirmed a PC version of 2013’s “Grand Theft Auto 5” yet, but would-be cyber criminals are still attempting to prey on hopeful gamers by sending fraudulent emails offering a “GTA 5” PC beta test.

The alleged .ZIP file opens an application that reads “Your promo code in app rockstargames.com,” which then directs users to a backdoor entitled BKDR_ANDROM.ATG. This will give hackers access to your computer if you install it, placing your personal information at risk.

Though the email looks suspicious, a number of curious gamers are clicking on the link and falling prey to the misleading beta test.

While demand to bring “GTA 5” to the PC, Xbox One and PS4 is high, Rockstar hasn’t confirmed anything. Still, the rumor mill regarding the game’s launch on the PC and recently released consoles continues to churn. In January, a petition to make the title available to PC gamers garnered more than 660,000 signatures. Mike Julliard, who created the petition, is hoping to eventually gather 1 million signatures.

On March 9, retailer GameStop may have confirmed “GTA 5” will be hitting the PC soon. A listing for the 2013 action-adventure title appeared in the PowerUp Rewards area of GameStop’s website. Using PowerUp Rewards during trade-ins and purchases allow GameStop buyers to earn points that can be redeemed for in-store rewards. The listing was immediately removed.

On Feb. 4, SuperGamer.cz showed the title as being available on June 13 for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Though many eager gamers were hoping for a PC and next-gen release, the PC cover art was somewhat suspicious. The cover read: “Games For Windows Live,” the collective name for a set of services and software Microsoft no longer uses.

Leaked footage of the game may have also appeared online in mid-January. User warrockteam1 posted the clip, claiming it showed gameplay from a PC version of “GTA V.” The video was quickly removed, with YouTube claiming copyright infringement from NYC-based Take-Two Interactive, the publisher that owns Rockstar.

“Grand Theft Auto V" launched last October for the Xbox 360 and PS3 and is an open-world action game developed by Scotland-based Rockstar North and published by NYC-based Rockstar Games. “GTA V,” which received highly favorable reviews, was the 15th installment in the “GTA” series and the first game since 2008’s “GTA IV.” The Spike Video Game Awards gave the title the Most Anticipated Game award in 2012. Following its release, the game received the Game of the Year award at the 2013 Golden Joystick Awards. Only three days following its release, IGN listed “GTA V” as second on its list of “Top 25 Xbox 360 Games.”

Did you receive the fake "GTA 5" beta test email? Leave a comment or Tweet me!