Anne, a 53-year-old French designer, thought love had knocked on her Instagram. A message from “Brad Pitt’s mother” called her a perfect match for her son. Flattered, Anne soon received sweet notes, poems, and even AI-generated photos from “Brad Pitt” himself. Her life, already in turmoil, found solace in their daily chats. Then came the pleas for help: customs fees, luxury bags, and later, cancer treatment. Convinced, Anne drained €830,000 to save her “Hollywood romance.” Reality struck when she saw Brad Pitt with another woman in the news. Betrayed, Anne reported the scam. Her heart—and finances—were shattered.

Examples of pictures generated by AI that were sent by the scammers

In September 2023, Anne, a 53-year-old French interior designer, received an unexpected Instagram message that would change her life forever. It came from someone claiming to be Jane Etta Pitt, the mother of Hollywood icon Brad Pitt. Flattered and intrigued, Anne was drawn into a whirlwind of daily conversations, poems, and promises that felt too good to be true. Little did she know, this dream connection would unravel into a nightmare, costing her not only her savings but also her emotional well-being. This is the story of how a sophisticated online scam preyed on hope and vulnerability.

A Message From Fame

It started with a seemingly innocent Instagram message from “Brad Pitt’s mother.” Anne, flattered by the idea of being chosen for the Hollywood star, hesitated at first. However, sweet words and charm slowly melted her doubts. When “Brad Pitt” himself reached out, the connection felt magical, like a dream come true.

Love in the Digital World

Anne, in a fragile emotional state, found comfort in the “actor’s” daily messages. Poems, songs, and carefully curated photos made the bond feel real. Despite whispers of suspicion, the attention swept her away.

Brad Pitt has once again become the go-to celebrity for scammers. Credit: JB Lacroix / Getty

From Romance to Requests

The scam soon turned financial. From covering customs fees for luxury gifts to funding treatment for “Pitt’s” fake kidney cancer, Anne transferred money, believing she was helping the man of her dreams. Each plea was meticulously crafted, manipulating her emotions and trust.

The Shocking Truth

Anne’s illusion shattered when she saw Brad Pitt with another woman in the news. Heartbroken and realizing the deception, she reported the scam to authorities. By then, she had lost €830,000 and her peace of mind.

A Cautionary Tale

Anne’s story is a stark reminder of how easily online scammers exploit vulnerability. Her ordeal highlights the growing trend of digital romance fraud, urging others to remain cautious in the face of such convincing schemes.

Conclusion

Anne’s story is a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world. Online scams can be devastating, both emotionally and financially, preying on the vulnerable with calculated precision. While Anne’s loss was monumental, her courage in sharing her experience serves as a warning to others: not every message promising love is what it seems.

What if the Hollywood star you idolized seemed to fall in love with you?