Scammers Pose as Brad Pitt, Steal French Woman’s Life Savings
The Scam
A French woman, identified only as Anne, lost her life savings to fraudsters who posed as Brad Pitt, the Hollywood star. The scammers used fake social media and WhatsApp accounts, as well as AI image-creating technology to send Anne what appeared to be selfies and messages from Pitt.
The Con
The scammers pretended that Pitt needed money to pay for kidney treatment, with his bank accounts supposedly frozen due to divorce proceedings with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. Anne, who believed she was in a romantic relationship with Pitt, transferred 830,000 euros to the scammers.
The Realization
Anne spent a year and a half believing she was communicating with Pitt, only to realize she had been scammed when news emerged of his real-life relationship with girlfriend Ines de Ramon. She was subjected to online harassment after her interview went viral, leading TF1 to withdraw it "for the protection of victims."
The Warning
A representative for Brad Pitt has warned fans to be wary of impersonation scams. The spokesperson emphasized that it’s an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence, like Pitt.
The Impact
Romantic scams have been a feature of the internet since the advent of email, but experts say artificial intelligence has increased the risk of identity theft, hoaxes, and fraud online. In September, Spanish police arrested five people accused of scamming two women out of €325,000 by posing as Pitt via online and WhatsApp messages.
The Response
Pitt made headlines last month when he and actress Angelina Jolie signed off on a divorce settlement, marking a turning point in the eight-year legal saga. Once Hollywood’s highest-profile couple, Jolie filed to dissolve their marriage in September 2016.
Conclusion
The scam highlights the importance of being cautious when interacting with strangers online. Celebrities, in particular, are often targeted by scammers who use their fame to manipulate and deceive. It’s essential to remember that no celebrity will ever reach out to you unsolicited, and any requests for money or personal information should be treated with skepticism.
FAQs
- How did the scammers pose as Brad Pitt?
The scammers used fake social media and WhatsApp accounts, as well as AI image-creating technology to send Anne what appeared to be selfies and messages from Pitt. - How did Anne lose her life savings?
Anne transferred 830,000 euros to the scammers, believing she was in a romantic relationship with Pitt. - What is the impact of artificial intelligence on online scams?
Artificial intelligence has increased the risk of identity theft, hoaxes, and fraud online, making it easier for scammers to create fake profiles and messages. - What can I do to protect myself from online scams?
Be cautious when interacting with strangers online, and never respond to unsolicited requests for money or personal information.