A cyber scammer posing as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt exploited a French woman’s vulnerability, convincing her to send over 800,000 euros (approximately $820,000) under the guise of funding his medical treatment. This elaborate con, involving fake photos, AI-generated videos, and poetic declarations of love, highlights the growing sophistication of online fraud schemes.
The beginning: A message from ‘Brad Pitt’s mother’
The victim, identified only as Anne, was first contacted while on a ski trip by an account claiming to be Pitt’s mother, Jane Etta Pitt. Just a day later, “Brad Pitt” himself reached out via Instagram, striking up a conversation that quickly escalated into a so-called friendship.
Anne, 53, who was going through a divorce with her millionaire husband, found herself drawn to the scammer’s charm. “There are so few men who write such things. I liked the man I was talking to, and he knew how to talk to women,” she told local media.
Love poems and false promises
Over the course of a year, Anne became convinced she was in a long-distance relationship with the Hollywood star. The scammer sent her poetic messages, declarations of love, and AI-generated images to reinforce the illusion. However, he consistently refused to speak on the phone, relying instead on doctored visuals to maintain the ruse.
The turning point: A fake kidney surgery
Following her finalized divorce, Anne received a settlement of 775,000 euros. Seizing the opportunity, the scammer fabricated a story about needing funds for a kidney operation, claiming his bank accounts were inaccessible due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
Anne, believing she was supporting the man she loved, sent over her settlement money and additional funds. In return, the scammer promised luxury gifts and even spoke about marriage. None of the promises materialized.
A rude awakening
Anne’s suspicions were finally triggered when news reports surfaced about Brad Pitt’s relationship with jewelry designer Ines De Ramon. The revelation devastated her emotionally, leading to a hospitalization for severe depression.
Realizing she had been conned, Anne approached law enforcement and filed a complaint. “The man behind the messages destroyed my life,” she lamented in her statement.
Not an isolated case
Anne is not alone in falling victim to fake Brad Pitt schemes. In September 2024, authorities arrested five individuals for impersonating the actor on WhatsApp. They reportedly swindled two Spanish women out of 325,000 euros, using a fan page for the Oscar-winning actor to target their victims.
The broader problem of celebrity scams
This case underscores the alarming trend of scammers impersonating celebrities to exploit unsuspecting victims. With the use of advanced technologies like AI to create convincing visuals, such frauds are becoming increasingly difficult to detect.
Experts urge individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially those claiming to be from high-profile figures. As Anne’s case continues to unfold, it serves as a sobering reminder of the emotional and financial toll such scams can inflict.
