Fake Brad Pitt Steals Woman’s $850,000 Fortune

The shocking case of a French woman scammed out of €830,000 ($850,000) by fraudsters impersonating Brad Pitt has sent ripples through the online community, highlighting the growing dangers of AI-powered romance scams. Anne, a 53-year-old interior designer, fell victim to an elaborate scheme that lasted for 18 months, beginning in February 2023. The scammers employed sophisticated AI technology to create fake images, videos, and messages, convincing Anne she was in a romantic relationship with the Hollywood star.

The deception began when Anne was contacted on Instagram by someone claiming to be Pitt’s mother, Jane Etta, who told Anne that Brad “needed a woman just like her.” The following day, a fake Brad Pitt account reached out to Anne directly. As the scam progressed, the fraudsters sent AI-generated images of Pitt in a hospital bed, claiming he had kidney cancer and needed financial assistance. They even created a fake news clip with an AI-generated anchor discussing Pitt’s “exclusive relationship” with Anne. To add credibility to the ruse, the scammers impersonated multiple individuals, including Pitt’s manager and daughter Shiloh.

The scammers exploited Anne’s emotions and trust to extract large sums of money. They claimed Pitt’s bank accounts were frozen due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie, leading Anne to transfer €9,000 for supposed customs fees on gifts. As the fake Pitt’s “health condition” worsened, Anne transferred her entire divorce settlement of €775,000 to the scammers.

The scam had devastating consequences for Anne. She divorced her wealthy husband, lost her life savings, and attempted suicide three times. Following the public revelation of her story, she faced widespread online mockery and harassment. Brad Pitt’s representative condemned the scam, calling it “awful” and warning fans against engaging with unsolicited online messages, especially from actors without a social media presence.

This incident has prompted a criminal investigation in France, with authorities looking into the sophisticated AI techniques used by the scammers. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the digital world, especially as AI technology becomes more advanced and accessible to malicious actors. The case also underscores the broader issue of celebrity impersonation scams, with Americans reportedly losing over $108 million to such frauds in the past year alone.

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