GTA modding is generally safe when you take basic precautions. Here are the precautions. For the wider safe-modding checklist see the safe modding checklist.
We're not a download host - this is educational guidance. For the broader modding ecosystem, gtamodding.net is the network's modding hub.
Back up before installing anything
Copy the entire game folder before adding mods. If anything breaks, restore from the backup. This is the single most useful precaution.
Cloud-saved games complicate this slightly - some backups don't include cloud saves. Verify your backup covers what you need.
Source matters
Download mods from reputable hosts. Avoid random Discord links, suspicious email attachments, and 'free' mods on unknown sites. Reputable mod sites run virus scanning and community moderation.
Check community comments on the specific mod before installing. If a mod has dozens of warning comments, believe them.
Isolate online and modded installs
Don't take a modded install into online sessions. Maintain separate clean and modded installs if you play both.
Update carefully
When Rockstar patches the game, mods often break. Don't auto-update if you have a working modded install you want to preserve.