Kaylah Walton
A 53-year-old woman from France, referred to as Anne, has shared her distressing experience of being tricked by someone posing as Hollywood star Brad Pitt in a significant catfishing scam.
Anne disclosed that she was misled into losing nearly all her life savings, amounting to $850,000, due to a con artist’s intricate scheme.
Anne recounted her experience in an interview on the French news show Sept à huit, explaining that her interaction began with someone posing as Brad Pitt‘s mother, Jane Etta Pitt, on social media.
Not familiar with social media, Anne didn’t realize at first that she was being targeted.
The impersonator, pretending to be Jane Etta Pitt, introduced her to someone claiming to be Brad, who subsequently engaged in a romantic online exchange with her.
“I’m not experienced with social media,” Anne confessed. “I didn’t fully grasp what was happening to me.”
Assuming the identity of Brad, the scammer forged a romantic relationship with Anne, sending her love letters and deeply personal messages. She remarked, “It’s rare for men to express themselves this way. I felt a connection with him; he knew how to communicate well.”
Eventually, the fraudster persuaded her to lend him money, citing an inability to access his finances due to a supposed dispute related to his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
He even provided Anne with what she now suspects were AI-generated images to back up his claims of undergoing cancer treatment.
“It hurt me to do it,” Anne stated, “but I thought I might be saving someone’s life.”
Brad Pitt’s Reaction to the Scandal
Upon hearing about Anne‘s situation, a representative for Brad Pitt released a statement addressing the matter. “It’s tragic that scammers exploit the strong ties fans feel towards celebrities,” the rep told E! News. “This also serves as a crucial reminder never to respond to unsolicited messages from individuals claiming to be celebrities, especially those without a social media presence.”
Brad Pitt does not have verified profiles on popular social media platforms, thus highlighting the deceptive nature of the interaction.
It wasn’t until she saw actual images of Brad Pitt with his current partner, Ines de Ramon, that Anne realized she had been deceived, though by then it was too late, and the financial harm was done.
Looking back, Anne expressed sorrow over the betrayal, saying, “I wonder why they chose to inflict such pain on someone like me. I’ve never harmed anyone. These scammers deserve to face consequences.”
How to Guard Against Catfishing Scams
Anne’s experience highlights the necessity for caution in online interactions, especially with individuals claiming to be celebrities.
Experts stress that authentic celebrities rarely reach out directly to fans through social media. Authorities recommend being vigilant and reporting any suspicious communications to help prevent similar scams.
As Anne processes the emotional and financial fallout of this ordeal, her story serves as a vital warning for others navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
