A 53-year-old French woman fell victim to a £700,000 romance scam involving a fake Brad Pitt. The elaborate fraud, featuring AI-generated photos and emotional manipulation, left her devastated.
A 53-year-old French interior designer, Anne (last name withheld), fell victim to an elaborate romance scam involving a fraudster impersonating Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. This case highlights the growing sophistication of online scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
Anne’s ordeal began in September 2023 when she received a message on Instagram from an account claiming to be “Jane Etta Pitt,” purportedly Brad Pitt’s mother. The fraudster quickly connected Anne to another account posing as the award-winning actor himself.
A Romance Born Out of Deceit
Initially skeptical, Anne was soon convinced she was communicating with Brad Pitt. The scammer’s charm, aided by AI-generated images and romantic gestures like poems and songs, ensnared her emotionally. Anne, who was going through personal difficulties, including a failed relationship, described the scammer’s approach as “very well done.”
The fraudster fabricated a heart-wrenching story, claiming to have kidney cancer and alleging that his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, had frozen his bank accounts. To support the supposed treatment, Anne transferred €830,000 (£697,000) over several months.
Signs of Deception Ignored
Anne’s doubts emerged too late. She realized the deception only after seeing media photos of Brad Pitt with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. By then, the scammer had disappeared, leaving her financially devastated and emotionally shattered.
The Aftermath
Anne reported the case to French police in mid-2024, prompting an investigation. Unfortunately, the ordeal left her severely depressed and hospitalized in a clinic.
This scam is part of a broader pattern of “celebrity romance frauds,” with other cases reported in Spain in 2024. Experts warn against engaging with unsolicited messages from unknown accounts and emphasize verifying identities before making financial transactions.
