The scammer convinced her she was dating Brad Pitt with AI-generated images
A French woman’s life took a tragic turn when she fell victim to a romance scam involving someone pretending to be Brad Pitt. The elaborate con left her out of nearly $850,000, exposing the growing danger of online fraud.
The Start of the Deception
The ordeal began in February 2023 during a ski trip. The woman, Anne, a 53-year-old interior designer, posted vacation photos on Instagram. Shortly after, she received a message claiming to be from Brad Pitt’s mother. The next day, another account reached out, pretending to be Pitt himself.
Initially skeptical, Anne ignored red flags, convinced by the account’s charm and apparent knowledge of how to talk to women. Despite refusing phone or video calls, the scammer used AI-generated images and videos to maintain the illusion.
A Web of Lies
Over time, the fake relationship escalated. Anne received poems, declarations of love, and even a marriage proposal. Lavish gifts, allegedly from Chanel and Hermès, were promised but never delivered. Instead, Anne was asked to pay customs fees, starting with 9,000 euros.
Anne’s personal life also became entangled. Married to a millionaire almost 20 years her senior, she decided to divorce her husband, sharing details of her settlement with the scammer. The fraudster then fabricated a story about needing financial help for kidney cancer treatment, claiming his bank accounts were frozen due to an ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie. AI-generated images of Pitt in a hospital bed holding a love note to Anne added a cruel touch of realism.
The Horrible Realization
By summer 2024, Anne discovered the truth when news broke about Brad Pitt’s relationship with Ines de Ramon. By then, she had lost nearly one million euros and was left devastated. She reported the scam to police but has since been hospitalized with severe depression. It remains unclear whether she has recovered any of the lost funds.
The Impact of Romance Fraud
Romance fraud is increasingly common and preys on the vulnerable. According to UK police, victims are often lonely, recently bereaved, or suffering from depression. Scammers exploit their desire for connection, often leaving them financially and emotionally broken.
Surrey Police describes romance fraud as one of the fastest-growing crimes affecting vulnerable individuals. Financial losses are often so high that victims fall into denial, making them less likely to report the crime.
Sympathy and Support
The story has resonated with many, drawing sympathy on social media. One commenter wrote, “Romance scams are the cruelest. It’s funny until you realize, more often than not, it’s a vulnerable person that just wanted to be loved.” Another added, “Exploiting someone’s desire to be loved is obscene.”
Staying Safe Online
This tragic case underscores the importance of online safety. Experts recommend:
- Verifying Identities: Be cautious of profiles that seem too good to be true.
- Avoiding Financial Transfers: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Seeking Support: If something feels off, confide in trusted friends or family.
These schemes become more sophisticated, it’s essential to remain vigilant online and support those who have fallen victim. Protecting vulnerable individuals from such exploitation should be a collective effort.