In a shocking incident that highlights the dangers of online scams, actor Brad Pitt has become the unwitting focal point of a romance scam involving artificial intelligence. A French woman, identified as Anne, was duped out of $850,000 by a scammer who impersonated Pitt using AI-generated images and a fabricated narrative.
Key Takeaways
- Brad Pitt’s identity was used in a romance scam that defrauded a French woman of $850,000.
- The scammer impersonated Pitt and even created fake communications from his mother.
- The incident raises awareness about the risks of online interactions with supposed celebrities.
The Scam Unfolds
The scam began when Anne received a message from someone claiming to be Jane Etta Pitt, Brad Pitt’s mother. The message suggested that her famous son was looking for companionship, which piqued Anne’s interest. Initially skeptical, she eventually engaged in conversation with the impersonator, believing she was communicating with the real Brad Pitt.
Over the course of 18 months, the scammer cultivated a relationship with Anne, sending her romantic messages, poems, and even a marriage proposal. The impersonator claimed to be suffering from kidney cancer and needed financial assistance for treatment, alleging that his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, had frozen his bank accounts.
The Emotional Toll
Anne was convinced of the authenticity of the relationship, despite her daughter’s warnings that she was being scammed. The fake Pitt sent her images of himself in a hospital gown and even a doctored email from a supposed doctor confirming his dire health situation. This manipulation led Anne to send multiple payments, totaling over $850,000, to the scammer’s Turkish bank account.
The Revelation
The truth began to unravel when Anne saw photographs of the real Brad Pitt with his new girlfriend, Inès de Ramon, during the summer. This revelation forced her to confront the reality of her situation, leading to feelings of betrayal and confusion. Anne expressed her disbelief, questioning why she was targeted and lamenting the emotional and financial damage inflicted upon her.
The Aftermath
Since the story broke, Anne has faced significant backlash, including cyberbullying, prompting the French television station TF1 to pull her interview from airing. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of online interactions, especially with individuals claiming to be celebrities.
Brad Pitt’s representative has issued a warning to the public, urging them to be cautious of unsolicited messages from supposed celebrities, particularly those without verified social media accounts. Pitt himself has no official presence on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, making it easier for scammers to exploit his identity.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the growing issue of identity theft and online scams, particularly those leveraging advanced technologies like AI. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of online communications, especially when they involve financial transactions or personal relationships.
