GTA Online cheaters will be subject to in-game penalties & bans, Rockstar warns

Grand Theft Auto Online developer Rockstar North has issued a warning to anyone found cheating or using counterfeit GTA$. It has explained what it may do to cheated in a new blog.

In a blog post titled 'Taking aim at GTA Online cheaters,' Rockstar began, "In recent weeks, a small number of Grand Theft Auto Online players sought to exploit the game by generating and distributing game-breaking amounts of in-game cash, disrupting the experience for other players.

"We will continue to issue title updates on an ongoing basis to counter the negative impact this has had on gameplay, and as part of today’s maintenance period, we are removing the counterfeit GTA$ from the game's economy. Anyone that innocently received GTA$ as a result of these exploits but did not engage in cheating to acquire it will not face any further action - the funds will just be removed , and you'll be able to keep any items you currently own."

Rockstar warns that anyone who is found to be cheating will find themselves, "subject to in-game penalties at our discretion." This means either being isolated in player pools full of other cheaters or a straight-up GTA Online ban. The company encourages players to report instances of suspected cheating using the in-game report tool, which is activated by highlighting a suspect player under the 'Online' tab. From there, select 'Report' then 'Exploits' to file a case.

The studio concluded, "We're grateful for the community's continued support in dealing with these issues and once again apologize to anyone that has had their Grand Theft Auto Online experience sullied by these exploits that broke the game's natural flow. Please stay tuned for lots more news about GTA Online in the weeks ahead."

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