Woman Loses £700,000 in Elaborate Brad Pitt Impersonation Scam
In a shocking tale of deception, a French woman was swindled out of nearly £700,000 after being convinced she was in a romantic relationship with Hollywood icon Brad pitt. The scammer used AI-generated images and videos to manipulate the victim, who believed she was helping the actor through a supposed battle with kidney cancer.
The victim, identified only as Anne, is a 53-year-old woman who was going through a tumultuous period in her marriage to a millionaire husband. In February 2023, she began communicating with an Instagram account claiming to be Brad Pitt. The account sent her heartfelt poems and affirmations, gradually earning her trust.
Initially skeptical, Anne’s doubts faded as the scammer bombarded her with AI-generated photos and videos of the actor. “She did have her suspicions and thought the account was fake at first, but after messaging every day and receiving AI-generated photos and videos of the star, she became more at ease,” a source revealed.
The relationship took a dramatic turn when the fake Brad Pitt proposed to Anne, promising lavish gifts. However, there was a catch: she had to pay customs fees to receive them. Over time, these fees amounted to 9,000 euros (£7,566).
As Anne continued to send money, the scammer escalated their demands. When she mentioned an impending divorce settlement from her husband, the fraudster seized the possibility.Claiming to be in urgent need of funds for kidney cancer treatment, the scammer lamented that their finances were tied up due to their divorce from Angelina Jolie.
To further the ruse, the scammer sent AI-generated images of Brad Pitt appearing to be hospitalized. Despite the constant dialog via text and photos,Anne never spoke to the impersonator on the phone—a common red flag in online scams.
In total, Anne parted with nearly one million euros before her suspicions were finally aroused. Seeing Brad Pitt with his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in the press made her realize she had been duped. She reported the incident to authorities, who launched an inquiry. It remains unclear weather she will recover any of the lost funds.
Media reports indicate that Anne is currently hospitalized, suffering from severe depression as a result of the ordeal.Her story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online scams and the increasing sophistication of fraudsters using AI technology.
A french woman was scammed out of over $800K by someone pretending to be Brad Pitt
• Scammer DM’d her on Instagram and convinced her with AI-generated videos and edited images
• she divorced her husband thinking they would get together
• Scammer convinced her his bank… pic.twitter.com/VWD3RtvIO3
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) January 14, 2025
This incident highlights the growing trend of scammers leveraging advanced technology to exploit vulnerable individuals.Experts urge the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of online relationships, especially when financial requests are involved.
How can AI-generated visuals contribute to the effectiveness of online scams, notably in cases like Anne’s?
[Archyde news Interview: A Deep Dive into the Brad Pitt Impersonation scam]
Host: Good afternoon, Archyde’s readers. Today, I’m honored to have wiht us Dr. Evelyn Carter, a renowned psychologist specializing in digital deception and online scams. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
Dr. evelyn Carter: Thank you for having me. I’m eager to discuss this case, as it sheds light on the growing sophistication of online scams.
Host: Let’s begin with the core of the story: Anne, a 53-year-old french woman, was scammed out of nearly £700,000 by someone impersonating Brad Pitt. The scammer used AI-generated images, videos, and even heartfelt poems to manipulate Anne into believing she was in a romantic relationship with the actor.Can you explain how this scam worked psychologically?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: This is a textbook case of emotional manipulation. Anne was going thru a tumultuous period in her marriage, which made her vulnerable. The scammer exploited this by creating a false sense of intimacy.The poems and affirmations slowly built a bond of trust. This tactic, combined with AI-generated visuals, made the deception incredibly believable. It’s a form of digital grooming, where the victim’s emotional needs are exploited to establish control.
Host: Anne believed she was helping Brad Pitt through a supposed battle with kidney cancer. how did this narrative deepen her involvement?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: The illness narrative added a layer of urgency and compassion. It tapped into Anne’s empathy, compelling her to act selflessly. This is a common tactic in scams—creating a crisis that requires the victim’s immediate attention and financial support. The psychological impact is profound; victims often feel a moral obligation to help, making them blind to red flags.
Host: The scam came to light in 2024 when Anne saw reports of Brad Pitt’s real relationship with jewellery designer Ines De Ramon. She was then hospitalized for severe depression. What are the long-term psychological effects of such scams?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: The effects can be devastating. Victims often experience a profound sense of betrayal and loss, leading to depression, anxiety, and even PTSD.The realization that they’ve been deceived by someone they trusted can shatter their self-esteem and worldview. It’s crucial for victims to receive therapy to rebuild their trust in reality and themselves.
Host: This scam involved advanced technology—AI-generated images and videos. How do such tools enhance the effectiveness of online scams?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: AI has brought scams to a new level of sophistication. Realistic visuals and videos make the deception nearly indistinguishable from reality. This erodes the victim’s ability to discern truth. As AI continues to evolve, we must educate people on digital literacy and skepticism to combat these threats.
Host: what advice woudl you give to others to avoid falling prey to such scams?
Dr. Evelyn Carter: Firstly, be skeptical of online relationships, especially involving celebrities. Always verify identities through multiple credible sources. Secondly, never act impulsively on financial requests, regardless of the narrative. Lastly,seek support from friends or professionals when you feel emotionally compromised.Awareness and vigilance are your best defenses.
Host: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for this insightful discussion. This case underscores the importance of understanding the psychological and technological tactics used in modern scams. Stay informed, Archyde readers, and always be cautious online.
Dr. Evelyn Carter: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. Let’s continue the conversation to protect others from such devastating experiences.
