Brad Pitt has addressed a shocking case involving a French woman, Anne, who was scammed out of nearly $850,000 by a con artist pretending to be the actor.
The ordeal began in 2023 when Anne was contacted through Instagram by someone claiming to be Pitt’s mother. Shortly after, she received messages from a person posing as Pitt, initiating a fake romance.
Over time, Anne was convinced to send substantial sums of money, supposedly to cover “cancer treatment costs” and other personal expenses for the actor.
The scam included AI-generated images and elaborate details to maintain the illusion of a real relationship. Anne even received marriage proposals from the scammer, who preyed on her trust and admiration for Pitt.
After news of the fraud broke, representatives for Pitt described the incident as “awful,” stressing that he has no connection to the case and urging fans to avoid engaging with unsolicited messages online.
They noted the dangers of imposters exploiting the names of public figures, stating (via The Independent, “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities.
“This is an important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online messages, especially from actors who are not present on social networks.”
Anne, a widow and grandmother, opened up about her heartbreak, saying she believed the relationship was genuine due to the detailed messages and apparent personal touches.
Reflecting on the ordeal, she explained, “He made me dream. He used all the right words, all the poetry.”
Online romance scams like this have been on the rise, often targeting individuals who are vulnerable or lonely.
Scammers exploit emotional connections to manipulate their victims, resulting in devastating financial and emotional losses.
While Pitt is not personally involved, his name being used highlights the importance of verifying online interactions, especially with public figures.
Authorities are investigating the incident, though it remains unclear if the scammer will face consequences.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of digital fraud and the need to remain vigilant in online spaces.
