Kaylah Walton
A French woman, aged 53 and named Anne, fell victim to a stunning and tragic case of online deception, losing an astonishing $850,000 to someone impersonating Hollywood star Brad Pitt. Believing she was engaged in a romantic liaison with the actor, she repeatedly sent funds for supposed medical expenses.
The scam originated when Anne was approached via Instagram by an individual claiming to be the mother of Angelina Jolie’s ex-husband. This person later took on Pitt’s identity, sending Anne romantic poems, affectionate messages, and AI-generated visuals to reinforce the fabricated relationship.
During this period, Anne, who was already having issues in her marriage, chose to divorce her husband to focus fully on the fictitious relationship with Pitt. The scammer further manipulated her by sending falsified hospital pictures and claiming that Pitt was desperately in need of medical assistance.
An unfortunate turn of events
Anne transferred approximately 830,000 euros (close to $850,000) during their interaction, convinced she was supporting her adored actor. Her illusion shattered when she came across news about Brad Pitt’s relationship with jewelry designer Ines De Ramon, which made her realize she had been duped.
This alarming discovery has underscored how vulnerable people can be to online scams and the clever tactics employed by fraudsters to exploit emotions. Anne’s experience serves as a vital reminder to always verify the identities of individuals before sending any money or personal details.
The sophistication of online scams is increasing, making it essential for individuals to remain cautious and question unsolicited inquiries, especially those with financial implications. Authorities are currently looking into the case, and Anne aspires that her experience will serve as a warning to others on the need for vigilance against such frauds.
