When kids see or hear about GTA 5 from their friends, obviously they become interested, and you can hardly expect a ten-year-old to do enough research into a game so as to learn exactly what platforms it's available on, before being enticed by a flashing download button on a (comparatively) well-disguised scam site. In spite of the game's restricted age rating, GTA 5 has become increasingly popular among younger players. Scam site offering 'mobile versions' of GTA 5Ĭhildren, primarily, are easy targets here.
Scammers took advantage of this and churned out as many fake sites as possible to cash in on the fame. With popularity, GTA 5 related search terms began scoring really well and hordes of new players swarmed. The immense popularity of GTA 5, and the hype leading up to the game's release, resulted in these scams not only being more common but also more successful.
The side effect of such a wide reach in terms of customers is that, inevitably, people who aren't as well-versed in the pitfalls of the internet have their interest piqued, and are at greater risk.
The game has become highly popular among mainstream audiences and is attracting new players by the droves. The reason this trap works so well is rooted in the success of GTA Online.
