Scams come in many forms, but some are so outlandish they defy belief. A recent case from France illustrates the devastating impact of online deception, as a 53-year-old woman was tricked into sending £700,000 to someone posing as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. This heart-wrenching story highlights the dangers of online fraud and the lengths scammers will go to manipulate their victims.
Let’s take a closer look at how this elaborate scam unfolded, the psychological tactics involved, and what we can learn to protect ourselves from similar schemes.
How the Scam Began: A Message from ‘Brad Pitt’s Mother’
The story begins in February 2023 when Anne, an interior designer from France, received a seemingly innocuous message on social media. The sender claimed to be none other than Brad Pitt’s mother. While Anne was skeptical at first, the following day, she received another direct message—this time from someone posing as the actor himself.
The message reportedly read, “Hello Anne, my mother told me a lot about you. I would like to know more.” For Anne, who was going through a difficult time in her personal life, the message felt like a light in the darkness.
Anne later explained to French media that she was in a fragile emotional state due to marital issues. Feeling isolated, she found comfort in the attention and kindness of the person she believed to be Brad Pitt.
The person sent Anne AI-generated pictures of Brad Pitt (X)
Building Trust: Daily Conversations and Emotional Manipulation
Scammers are master manipulators, and this case was no exception. Over time, Anne and the imposter exchanged daily messages, building what she thought was a genuine friendship. She described the person as charming and attentive, with a way of speaking that made her feel valued and appreciated.
“There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done,” Anne told French news outlets.
The scammer didn’t stop at sweet words. To make their story more believable, they claimed to be battling cancer and facing financial difficulties due to an ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie. To further legitimize their claims, the fraudster sent AI-generated photos of “Brad Pitt” in a hospital, holding personalized messages.
The Financial Trap: Promises of Love and Luxury
As the fake Brad Pitt deepened the connection, they began to make financial requests. The scammer explained that they couldn’t afford cancer treatment due to their costly divorce settlement. Playing on Anne’s emotions, they convinced her to transfer a staggering £700,000 over the course of their interactions.
The scammer promised lavish gifts in return—luxury bags from Chanel and Hermès, among others. To make these promises more convincing, they claimed Anne needed to pay a customs fee of €9,000 (£7,575) for the items. However, none of these promises ever materialized.
Anne transferred the account £697,000 to ‘Brad Pitt’ (TF1)
The Breaking Point: When Reality Set In
For months, Anne believed in the fairy tale. The scammer even persuaded her to agree to marry them, saying they would wed after she received €775,000 (£652,310) from her divorce settlement.
However, her faith in the relationship began to waver when she saw real photos of Brad Pitt with his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in the media. This inconsistency led her to hire private investigators, who uncovered the scam.
The Aftermath: Emotional and Financial Devastation
Anne’s world came crashing down when the truth was revealed. The woman, who had poured her savings and trust into this fabricated relationship, is now reportedly in a hospital clinic, battling severe depression. It’s unclear if she will ever recover the money she lost, though an investigation is said to be underway.
This case underscores the emotional toll scams can take on victims. Beyond the financial loss, Anne has been left grappling with feelings of betrayal, shame, and heartbreak.
The pair would reportedly talk over DM but would never speak over the phone (X)
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Impersonation Scams on the Rise
Unfortunately, Anne’s story is not an isolated incident. Celebrity impersonation scams have become increasingly common, preying on fans’ admiration and emotional connection to their favorite stars.
A representative for Brad Pitt previously addressed such scams, stating, “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities. This is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence.”
The rise of AI technology has only made these scams more convincing. AI-generated images, like those used to deceive Anne, add a layer of authenticity that can easily mislead even the most cautious individuals.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams
Anne’s tragic experience serves as a stark warning to us all. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from online fraud:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages: If a stranger contacts you claiming to be a celebrity or someone you know, verify their identity before engaging further.
- Do not share personal or financial information: Scammers often use emotional manipulation to extract sensitive information. Never send money or share personal details without thorough verification.
- Look for inconsistencies: Pay attention to red flags, such as reluctance to speak over the phone, unrealistic promises, or unusual requests for money.
- Use reverse image search: If you receive photos, use tools like Google’s reverse image search to check if they’ve been taken from other sources.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect someone is impersonating a celebrity or engaging in fraud, report it to the relevant social media platform and local authorities.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for the Digital Age
Anne’s heartbreaking story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of online scams. It highlights how easily emotional vulnerabilities can be exploited by skilled fraudsters, leaving victims not only financially ruined but also emotionally scarred.
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, vigilance and skepticism are more important than ever. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and others from falling prey to similar schemes.
Let Anne’s experience serve as a reminder: not everything—or everyone—you see online is as it seems. Stay cautious, stay vigilant, and always question the too-good-to-be-true.
