In a shocking case of online deception, a 53-year-old French woman, identified as Anne, was scammed out of €830,000 (approximately $855,000) by an individual who pretended to be Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The scam began innocently enough, with Anne receiving a direct message on Instagram from a person claiming to be Jane Etta Pitt, Brad Pitt’s mother. This initial contact led to a series of exchanges with the alleged actor, who convinced Anne of his authenticity through AI-generated images.
The scammer, who posed as Pitt, even sent photos depicting the actor in a hospital bed, further fueling Anne’s belief in the scammer’s story. As the relationship progressed, the fake Pitt claimed that he was facing serious health issues and required financial assistance for medical expenses. Trusting the alleged actor, Anne sent substantial sums of money to the scammer, totaling €830,000, over the course of several months.
The deception was only uncovered when Anne saw real photos of Brad Pitt alongside his new partner, which made her realize she had been misled. In an emotional turn, Anne reported the scam to the authorities, only to be met with widespread media attention and public ridicule. Some outlets and online communities mocked her situation, calling into question her judgment.
Despite the cyberbullying and harsh reactions, Anne has defended herself, stating, “I am not crazy, nor am I stupid.” She emphasized the sophisticated nature of the scam, pointing out how convincing the fraudster had been, using advanced technology and AI-generated images to maintain the ruse.
The incident highlights the growing dangers of AI-driven scams, which are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. Fraudsters are now using deepfake technology and fake profiles to impersonate celebrities, further complicating efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from online deception.
Anne’s case has sparked a wider conversation about online security and the need for greater vigilance in the digital age. Experts warn that scams like this are on the rise, and individuals must be cautious when interacting with people online, especially when money is involved.
This scam also calls attention to the emotional toll these fraudulent schemes can have on victims, many of whom feel ashamed and embarrassed to come forward. Anne’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers lurking in the online world and the importance of safeguarding personal information in an era where nothing can be taken at face value.
As authorities continue their investigation into the case, Anne hopes her story will raise awareness about the growing threat of digital fraud and help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
