A French interior designer has revealed her distressing experience of falling victim to a scam involving a fake AI-generated Brad Pitt. Scammers exploited Anne’s unfamiliarity with social media and vulnerability, swindling her out of $850,000. The elaborate scheme underscores the increasing threat of AI-generated scams that target celebrities’ fans.
Anne’s ordeal began in February 2023 when she joined Instagram to share vacation photos from her skiing trip to the French Alps. Someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother, Jane, contacted Anne shortly after. The scammer allegedly portrayed Pitt as needing urgent kidney treatment and being unable to access his funds due to ongoing divorce proceedings with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie. This explanation convinced Anne to provide financial assistance.
The scammers seemingly used multiple tactics, including AI-generated videos, fake social media profiles, and personalized messages to create an illusion of authenticity. Over the course of more than a year, Anne developed an emotional connection with the impersonator, believing she was communicating with the Hollywood actor himself. She reportedly received romantic messages and poems that deepened her trust, making it easier for the scammers to manipulate her.
Initially skeptical, the scammers’ consistent and convincing communication gradually overcame Anne’s doubts. After learning that customs fees were required for gifts intended for her, she sent an initial payment of nearly €10,000. After learning that Pitt’s medical condition required urgent financial support, she transferred an additional sum of almost €775,000—her entire divorce settlement. By this time, Anne had divorced her husband, further isolating her and increasing her reliance on the fraudulent relationship.
Anne’s case is not an isolated incident of celebrity impersonation fraud, as similar scams targeting fans of other celebrities, such as Johnny Depp, have been reported in recent years. The Federal Trade Commission has documented numerous complaints about impersonators using AI to deceive individuals into transferring money. A previous Brad Pitt impersonation case saw two victims lose a combined $350,000, and Spanish authorities arrested five individuals linked to the particular operation in September 2024.
Following Anne’s revelation on French television channel TF1’s “Seven to Eight,” she faced significant online harassment and cyberbullying. Critics also targeted the TV network for not protecting her identity, prompting TF1 to remove the interview from its programming. Anne has since filed a police report, and authorities are investigating the case.
The emotional and financial toll on Anne has been immense. Anne expressed feelings of betrayal and questioned why scammers intent on causing harm targeted her. The case emphasizes the vulnerability of individuals unfamiliar with digital platforms and confronts the need for increased awareness about online scams. Experts have urged social media users to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited messages, particularly those involving financial requests.
As technology advances, scammers are increasingly leveraging AI tools to create realistic videos and messages, making it harder for victims to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent interactions. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for individuals engaging with celebrities or strangers online.
The scam also sheds light on the darker side of parasocial relationships, where fans feel a deep emotional connection with celebrities. Criminals exploit this bond, using it to manipulate victims into believing they are helping someone they admire. To combat such social media scams, experts recommend verifying identities through official channels and refraining from sending money to individuals met online without thorough vetting.
Anne’s story has drawn attention to the broader issue of online fraud and the emotional manipulation employed by scammers. Law enforcement is investigating her case, reminding the public of the importance of digital literacy and the risks associated with online interactions.
