Brad Pitt, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, has found himself at the center of a deeply troubling scam—not because of any wrongdoing on his part, but because scammers used his name and fame to deceive a French woman out of $850,000.
The Scam That Exploited Brad Pitt’s Name
A 53-year-old French interior designer named Anne believed she was in a year-and-a-half-long online relationship with Brad Pitt. The deception began in early 2023 when Anne, new to social media, downloaded Instagram. Scammers, posing first as Pitt’s mother and later as Pitt himself, began sending her messages.
To make the con convincing, the scammers sent AI-generated images of Pitt, including pictures showing him in a hospital bed. They concocted a heartbreaking story, claiming Pitt had kidney cancer and was financially struggling due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie. This false narrative persuaded Anne to transfer her life savings, totaling $850,000, to the impersonators.
Brad Pitt’s Team Responds
When news of the scam broke, Brad Pitt’s representatives were quick to denounce the incident and remind fans of the actor’s lack of social media presence.
“It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities,” said a spokesperson for Pitt. “This is an important reminder not to respond to unsolicited online messages, especially from actors who don’t use social media.”
The actor’s team emphasized that Pitt does not communicate directly with fans through any online platforms, making it critical for people to be cautious about anyone claiming to be him online.
A Pattern of Scams Involving Brad Pitt
This is not the first time Pitt’s name has been used in online scams. In September 2024, Spanish authorities arrested five individuals who defrauded two women out of $350,000 by pretending to be Pitt. These scams typically involve false romantic promises or business opportunities tied to the actor.
Why Scammers Use Brad Pitt’s Name
As an internationally recognized star, Brad Pitt’s name carries immense emotional and cultural weight. Scammers exploit the deep admiration and affection fans have for Pitt, using it to manipulate victims into trusting their schemes.
Pitt, known for his iconic roles in films like Fight Club, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Ocean’s Eleven, has a reputation as both a talented actor and a kind-hearted individual. This public image makes him an attractive target for scammers seeking to exploit his fan base.
How Fans Can Stay Safe
To protect yourself and others from celebrity impersonation scams, keep these tips in mind:
- Know Your Celebrity’s Online Presence: Brad Pitt does not have any official social media accounts. Any messages claiming to be from him are fraudulent.
- Beware of Emotional Manipulation: Scammers often use heart-wrenching stories to gain sympathy and trust.
- Question Realism: AI-generated content can appear convincing, but always verify the authenticity of photos or messages.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be a celebrity, report it to the platform and authorities.
A Reminder of Brad Pitt’s Integrity
While this scam is heartbreaking, it’s also a reminder of Brad Pitt’s enduring influence and the strong bond fans feel with him. Pitt’s team continues to work diligently to protect his reputation and warn fans about these dangers.
Fans are urged to exercise caution online and remember that genuine connections with celebrities are extremely rare. Pitt, known for his work both on-screen and as a philanthropist, deserves admiration for his talent—not as a tool for exploitation.
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