
A French woman falls victim to an elaborate AI-powered scam, losing $850,000 to a fraudster posing as Brad Pitt.
At a Glance
- A 53-year-old French interior designer was scammed out of $850,000 by someone impersonating Brad Pitt
- The scammer used AI-generated content to create believable images and messages
- The victim, Anne, was convinced to send money for Pitt’s supposed kidney treatment and divorce complications
- The scam lasted over a year and resulted in Anne divorcing her real-life husband
- Anne faced cyberbullying and severe depression after her story was broadcast on French TV
Elaborate Scam Targets Unsuspecting Victim
In a shocking case of identity fraud, a 53-year-old French woman named Anne fell victim to an elaborate scam orchestrated by an individual posing as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The fraudster, using advanced artificial intelligence technology, managed to swindle the interior designer out of a staggering $850,000 over the course of more than a year.
The scam began when Anne was contacted through a fake social media account purporting to be Pitt’s mother. The impersonator claimed that her “son needed someone like Anne,” laying the groundwork for an emotional manipulation that would prove devastating.
AI-Generated Content Fuels Deception
The scammer employed AI-generated photos and personalized messages to create a convincing illusion of a relationship with the Hollywood star. Anne, who was reportedly unfamiliar with social media, fell for the ruse. The fraudster claimed that Pitt needed financial assistance for kidney treatment and was unable to access his bank accounts due to complications from his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
“At first I said to myself that it was fake, that it’s ridiculous,” Anne recounted. But as the deception deepened, her skepticism faded.
Believing she would soon be with Pitt in person, Anne made the drastic decision to divorce her husband. This level of emotional manipulation highlights the dangerous potential of AI-powered scams to devastate lives.
Reality Shatters the Illusion
The elaborate charade finally unraveled when Anne came across news about Pitt’s actual girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. Confronted with the stark reality of her situation, Anne filed a police report. The emotional and financial toll of the scam left her reeling.
“I ask myself why they chose me to do such harm like this? I’ve never harmed anyone. These people deserve hell,” Anne said, expressing her anguish and confusion.
Adding insult to injury, Anne faced a barrage of cyberbullying after her story was broadcast on French TV channel TF1. The public ridicule proved so severe that she was hospitalized for severe depression, prompting TF1 to remove the interview from its programming.
A Growing Threat
This incident is not isolated. Similar scams involving fake celebrity accounts, including those impersonating Johnny Depp, have been reported. The Federal Trade Commission has received nearly 200 complaints related to such fraudulent activities, indicating a growing trend that preys on people’s admiration for celebrities and their desire for connection.
As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, the potential for such scams to proliferate increases. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in online interactions, especially those involving purported celebrities or romantic interests.
Did you even get surgery if you didn't take a selfie during surgery? #fakebradpitt https://t.co/7VTqgMQWLs
— Lauren O'Neil (@laurenoneil) January 14, 2025
The devastating impact on Anne’s life – from the loss of her marriage and savings to the public humiliation and subsequent depression – underscores the very real and dangerous consequences of these technologically advanced scams. It’s a cautionary tale for all internet users, particularly those less familiar with the intricacies of social media and the potential for online deception.
Sources:
- French Woman Faces Cyberbullying After Forking Over $850,000 to AI Brad Pitt
- Scammer posing as Brad Pitt gets woman to hand him $850K after he shares fake hospital photos