How a French Woman Lost $850,000 to a Brad Pitt AI Impersonation Scam
In a tale that sounds like it’s straight out of a Hollywood thriller, a 53-year-old French woman was swindled out of an astounding $850,000 by fraudsters impersonating brad Pitt. This elaborate scam, wich spanned over a year, sheds light on the increasingly elegant tactics used by online criminals adn the emotional vulnerabilities of celebrity admirers.
The victim, identified as Anne, revealed her ordeal on the French TV program Sept à huit. The scam began in September 2023 when Anne received a message on Instagram from someone claiming to be Pitt’s mother. This initial contact quickly led to interactions with a fake Brad Pitt, complete with AI-generated photos and fabricated social media profiles designed to maintain the ruse.
“It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities,” a spokesperson for Brad Pitt stated. “But this is an critically important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence.”
The deception deepened when the scammers convinced Anne that Pitt urgently needed surgery for kidney cancer. They spun a tale claiming his bank accounts were frozen due to his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, and persuaded Anne to transfer $850,000 to a fraudulent account. It wasn’t until Anne read tabloid reports about Pitt’s relationship with his current partner, Inès de Ramon, that she realized she had been duped.
anne reported the incident to French authorities, who launched an inquiry in the summer of 2024. Her interview on Sept à huit garnered significant attention but also subjected her to online harassment. The network eventually removed the episode from its website, citing the harsh treatment Anne endured. Tragically, reports indicate she was hospitalized for severe depression following the ordeal.
This case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of the digital age. Scammers are now using advanced technologies, such as AI, to create believable personas and exploit the trust of unsuspecting individuals. Experts urge caution when dealing with unsolicited messages online, particularly from high-profile figures unlikely to reach out personally.
The incident underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance in navigating digital interactions. While the allure of connecting with a celebrity is powerful, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of such exchanges to avoid falling victim to complex scams.
