In a shocking and heartbreaking story, a French widow named Anne was conned out of a staggering $850,000 by a scammer pretending to be none other than Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt. This elaborate scam, which began in 2023, left Anne emotionally and financially devastated. Here’s the tale of how it unfolded, and the shocking aftermath.

How the Scam Began

Anne, a grandmother, was first contacted on Instagram by someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother. At first, she was understandably skeptical, but soon after, another account appeared—this time pretending to be Brad Pitt himself. As the scammer skillfully built a relationship with Anne, she was slowly drawn into a fake online romance.

Anne, who described her initial reaction as disbelief, explained how she couldn’t understand what was happening. “In fact, we’re talking about Brad Pitt, I’m falling from the clouds. At first, I tell myself it’s fake, but I don’t really understand what’s happening to me,” Anne shared with BBC News. Despite her doubts, the scammer’s persistence soon won her over.

The Illusion of Love and Trust

As Anne and the scammer continued to communicate daily, the relationship turned romantic. The fraudster, who used AI-generated images and shared detailed, personal stories, skillfully manipulated Anne’s emotions. “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,” Anne said, describing the emotional manipulation.

The scammer claimed that the money was needed for cancer treatment and other personal expenses. Trusting this fake “Brad Pitt,” Anne sent large sums of money to support him. The scammer even went as far as proposing marriage, deepening the illusion.

Realization and Devastation

It wasn’t until the summer of 2024, when Anne saw photos of Brad Pitt with his real-life girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, that she realized she had been deceived. The crushing truth left Anne not only financially ruined but also emotionally shattered. “He made me dream. He used all the right words, all the poetry,” Anne said, reflecting on the devastating experience.

Anne’s lawyer, Laurène Hanna, confirmed that Anne is now trying to recover the lost funds, but the damage has already been done. In addition to the financial loss, Anne has also been left homeless, as the scam depleted her savings.

A French widow was scammed out of $850,000 by a fraudster pretending to be Brad Pitt. After building a fake online romance, the scammer convinced her to send large sums for “treatment.”

The Broader Impact of Love Scams

Anne’s story is a painful reminder that love scams are a growing issue, with countless individuals falling prey to similar frauds. Laurène Hanna emphasized that Anne is not alone in this experience. “Love scams on the internet are not new. What my client needs is to be given some sensible advice and to be treated with dignity,” Hanna said.

Brad Pitt Responds

Brad Pitt’s representatives have issued a statement condemning the scam, acknowledging the emotional harm caused by such frauds. “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities,” they said. The statement also serves as a cautionary reminder to always be cautious of unsolicited online messages, especially from public figures who are not active on social media platforms.

Conclusion

Anne’s story is a tragic example of how vulnerable people can be when manipulated by scammers who exploit their emotions and trust. It serves as a stark reminder to be cautious when interacting with people online, particularly those claiming to be celebrities. Anne is now left picking up the pieces of her life, hoping to recover both her financial loss and emotional wellbeing.