Credit: X & TF1
Woman Tricked Into Sending $850,000 To Fake Brad Pitt For Cancer Treatment
A woman was scammed out of $850,000 by a fake AI Brad Pitt.
A French woman was deceived into parting with hundreds of thousands of pounds by a scammer posing as Brad Pitt, using AI-generated images to build credibility.
The 53-year-old interior designer ultimately transferred €830,000 ($850,000), convinced it was for cancer treatment for the Hollywood star.
The ordeal began when the woman received a social media message from someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother after she had shared photos of her ski holiday in Tignes on Instagram, as reported by TF1.
A day later, another account, this time impersonating Brad Pitt, contacted her, stating his ‘mother’ had spoken highly of her.
The woman, who was facing challenges in her marriage to a millionaire, formed an unexpected connection with the account in February 2023.
She described receiving poems and kind words, which led to the development of what she believed was a genuine relationship.
“There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women; it was always very well done,” she shared with BFMTV.
Despite initial doubts about the account’s authenticity, the scammer’s consistent communication and AI-generated photos and videos of Pitt gradually eased her suspicions.
However, the situation escalated when the fake Brad Pitt began sending poorly made images allegedly from a hospital bed.
The scammer proposed to the woman, promising lavish gifts, though she was asked to cover customs fees totaling €9,000 to receive them.
Seeing her willingness to send money, the scammer increased their demands.
Learning of her impending divorce and expected settlement, the fraudster claimed to need urgent funds for kidney cancer treatment, blaming limited access to his own finances due to a divorce from Angelina Jolie.
The woman communicated exclusively through text and photos, noting that the scammer was never available for calls – an oft-seen tactic among online fraudsters.
Over time, she sent nearly €1 million to the scammer before her suspicions were fully aroused.
Media coverage of Brad Pitt with his new partner, Ines de Ramon, contradicted the scammer’s claims of being bedridden in a hospital.
She subsequently filed a police complaint in the summer of 2024, prompting an investigation.
Reports suggest the woman, now hospitalized and battling severe depression, has yet to recover the funds she lost.
The incident highlights the devastating emotional and financial toll romance scams can inflict.
The case sparked widespread sympathy and criticism online.
One user on X remarked: “Romance scams are the cruellest.”
Others questioned why the victim hadn’t verified the claims, such as by searching for news about the actor’s health.
Commenters also pointed out the vulnerability of individuals in emotionally or socially isolating situations.
One user shared a personal anecdote, stating: “My stepmom won’t stop sending money to a cellist. It’s sad how lonely and lost older people get.”
Related Article: Angelina Jolie Says Marriage To Brad Pitt Caused Her ‘Terrifying’ Health Issues
Related Article: Angelina Jolie Savages Brad Pitt By Naming Hollywood Star Who Was ‘Best’ In Bed
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