Dating Scam Alert: French Woman Duped of Rs 7 Crore by Fraudster Posing as Brad Pitt
In a shocking case of online fraud, a 53-year-old French interior designer named Anne lost nearly €1 million (approximately Rs 7 crore) to a scammer impersonating Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The elaborate scheme, which spanned several months, involved the use of AI-generated media to create lifelike photos and videos, making the deception alarmingly convincing.
Anne’s ordeal began in February 2023 after she shared a luxurious ski trip on social media. She was first contacted by someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother, followed by an account posing as the actor himself. Flattered by poetic messages and compliments, Anne gradually formed an emotional connection with her virtual suitor.
“There are so few men who write like this. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women,” Anne shared during an interview.
To build trust, the fraudster used AI-generated images and videos mimicking Brad Pitt’s voice and appearance. The scammer even proposed marriage and promised lavish gifts but claimed customs fees of €9,000 were required to release them.
As their bond deepened, the requests for money escalated. After learning of Anne’s pending divorce settlement, the impersonator fabricated a story about needing funds for cancer treatment, citing financial difficulties due to a divorce from Angelina Jolie. He even shared AI-generated images of himself appearing ill and bedridden.
Over time, Anne transferred a staggering €830,000, believing she was helping her future husband. However, doubts emerged when news surfaced linking the real Brad Pitt to his current partner, Ines de Ramon.
Realizing she had been duped, Anne approached authorities. The emotional and financial toll of the scam left her hospitalized with severe depression.
This heartbreaking story serves as a powerful warning about the growing sophistication of online scams, particularly those leveraging artificial intelligence to create convincing deceptions. Experts urge vigilance and caution when engaging with unknown individuals online.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
