French Woman Scammed Out of €830,000 in Deepfake ‘Brad Pitt’ Scheme
A 53-year-old French woman, identified as Anne, lost her life savings of €830,000 to scammers posing as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt. The scheme, which involved advanced AI-generated deepfake content, has since attracted widespread attention, ridicule, and concern over the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud.
Anne’s story was initially featured on a primetime program by French broadcaster TF1. However, after the segment triggered significant online harassment, the broadcaster withdrew the program, though it remains accessible online.
A Deceptive Relationship
Anne, an interior designer, was reportedly contacted on Instagram in early 2023 by someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother. She was told that Pitt “needed a woman just like her.” Shortly after, she began an online relationship with someone impersonating the actor. Despite initial doubts, Anne explained that her lack of familiarity with social media left her vulnerable to manipulation.
The scammers used AI-generated images and videos to create a convincing illusion. They claimed Pitt was in dire need of financial help due to frozen bank accounts and serious health issues, including kidney cancer. Anne transferred funds to cover customs fees for supposed gifts and even provided money for fake medical treatments.
Over the course of the scam, Anne’s financial losses escalated. Following her divorce, she used her settlement of €775,000 to fulfill the scammers’ demands. “I told myself I was maybe saving a man’s life,” Anne shared, citing her own cancer remission as a factor in her decision to help.
Deepfake Technology at Play
The scammers employed AI-generated photos and even a fabricated news video featuring an anchor discussing Pitt’s “exclusive relationship” with Anne. These tactics exploited her emotions and made it increasingly difficult to discern reality from fiction.
When images of the real Brad Pitt with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, surfaced in June 2024, Anne began to question the relationship. Eventually, the scammers’ demands for more money under the guise of “Special FBI Agent John Smith” prompted her to contact the police.
Fallout and Public Reaction
Anne’s ordeal has left her financially ruined and emotionally devastated. She revealed that she attempted suicide three times after the scam came to light. “Why was I chosen to be hurt this way?” she asked tearfully, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The story has drawn a mixed response online. While some mocked Anne’s naivety, others expressed sympathy, pointing out the dangers of AI-driven scams. A widely shared social media post emphasized, “Deepfakes and AI scams are not easy to spot for older generations.”
An op-ed in the French newspaper Libération defended Anne, describing her as a “whistleblower” who exposed the vulnerabilities in an increasingly digital world. The article highlighted how advances in AI are amplifying the risks of fraud.
Awareness and Prevention
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by deepfakes and online scams. A representative for Brad Pitt told Entertainment Weekly, “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities. People should avoid engaging with unsolicited messages, especially from actors who lack a social media presence.”
As technology evolves, so do the methods of cybercriminals. Increased awareness and digital literacy are crucial to protecting individuals from similar schemes in the future.
