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In a striking example of online deception, a 53-year-old woman from France named Anne recently fell victim to scammers masquerading as Brad Pitt, losing $850,000 in the process. Her experience, which went viral after she publicly shared her story, highlights the risks associated with online relationships and fraudulent schemes. Initially believing she was forming a genuine connection with the star of Ocean’s Eleven, Anne’s tale took a troubling turn when she allegedly interacted with individuals posing as Pitt’s family members.
According to a statement released by Pitt’s representative, “It’s terrible that scammers exploit the strong affection fans have for celebrities. This serves as a vital reminder to avoid engaging with unsolicited online communications, particularly from actors who do not use social media.”
After becoming the target of ridicule online, Anne, who works as an interior decorator, recounted how this scam unfolded. It started when she opened an Instagram account to share snapshots from her vacation in Tignes, located in the French Alps. The scammers initially contacted her under the guise of being Pitt’s mother and later escalated their ruse. They sent her manipulated AI images depicting Pitt in distress, allegedly requiring funds for a kidney transplant—a situation they claimed was exacerbated by financial complications from Pitt’s divorce with Angelina Jolie. Eventually, Anne, drawing from her own divorce settlement, sent significant monetary sums to these impostors.
AI and the Scam Economy, Explained
The last three decades have witnessed an alarming rise in the scam economy, encompassing everything from phishing attempts to deceptive messages from suspicious accounts. The digital age has essentially transformed daily life for many adults into a maze of potential fraud.
The rise of AI-generated images has further fueled this issue, preying particularly on less tech-savvy individuals, especially within the Boomer demographic. As society becomes increasingly isolated, it becomes easier for individuals to be misled during moments of vulnerability. This recent incident involving Pitt is merely one of many schemes that have exploited celebrity figures and their connections with fans.
Anne’s story is not an isolated incident; she is among numerous individuals ensnared by similar scams. In a conversation with Le Figaro, she reflected on her experience, stating: “All anyone will remember is that ‘Anne fell in love with a fake Brad Pitt. First of all, I’ve never been unfaithful to my husband. I’m a caring individual, not the foolish or naive person some online comments suggest. I simply wanted to assist someone… and unfortunately, I’ve been taken advantage of. That’s why I decided to share my story; I know I’m not alone.”
One crucial takeaway from this experience is clear: no celebrity is reaching out to you for financial assistance via social media.
Source
movieweb.com