The romance scam deploys its nets with formidable ingenuity. A woman was defrauded of more than $855,000. Under the guise of a fictional romance with a so-called Brad Pitt, she was caught in a whirlwind of lies. *Psychological manipulation* led Anne to break off her marriage, believing in a true love. Her vulnerability was exploited, making this tragedy a poignant illustration of the dangers of virtual relationships. This story raises questions about the emotional and financial consequences of such scams, revealing the extent of the damage inflicted by modern frauds.
A large-scale scam
A 53-year-old French woman, identified as Anne, was reportedly the victim of a romance scam orchestrated by an individual posing as the American star Brad Pitt. The scammer deceived Anne into extracting the colossal sum of 830,000 euros, which is about $855,000. The use of images generated by artificial intelligence allowed the scammer to create convincing visual evidence, making the manipulation even more effective.
A deceptive virtual romance
In February 2023, Anne received a message on Instagram from someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother. This approach led to a series of exchanges between Anne and the scammer who was posing as the celebrity. The woman described her initial skepticism which quickly dissipated after an apparent romantic connection developed. The latter professed love and ultimately proposed to Anne.
Anne, overwhelmed by her emotions, considered leaving her husband. In fact, she accepted the divorce, firmly believing in the authenticity of the feelings expressed by her virtual interlocutor.
Unending money requests
The situation took an alarming turn when the scammer began soliciting funds. Initially, he asked for money to cover customs fees on supposedly sent gifts, such as luxurious jewelry. He also claimed to have health issues, mentioning a complaint for kidney cancer. Anne, showing compassion, transferred significant amounts, including a request for 60,000 euros intended to “free” assets that the scammer claimed were frozen due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
The brutal awakening of Anne
Anne’s realization occurred when she spotted real images of Brad Pitt with his current girlfriend on social media. This sudden discovery raised doubts and triggered an alarm in her mind. Understanding that she had been deceived, she decided to report the account to the police.
The psychological consequences
This manipulation only had financial repercussions but also severely impacted Anne’s mental health. She suffered from severe depression, leading even to hospitalization. The intensity of this true emotional trauma should not be taken lightly, as the psychological damage caused by such manipulation can be deep and persistent.
A warning for the community
Anne’s situation quickly went viral, sparking a widespread reaction on social media. Nearly six million internet users watched her story, which served as a warning about online scams. The Federal Trade Commission even reported that scams originating from social networks now generate the highest financial losses in the United States, reaching $1.4 billion in 2023.
Preventing online scams
In the face of a resurgence of scams, it becomes imperative to adopt protective strategies. Experts strongly advise never to share personal information with strangers, to avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages, and to contact their bank in case of unusual activities. Social networks appear to be fertile ground for scammers, making users particularly vulnerable.
The use of artificial intelligence to create misleading content underscores the need for heightened vigilance. With the proliferation of artificially generated images, as well as sophisticated scams, users must remain alert. Resources like Daisy, a virtual grandmother, dedicate themselves to helping people avoid these online traps.
Every individual must keep in mind that, despite an appearance of realism, digital interactions never offer the desired security guarantees. Stories like Anne’s reveal the tenacity of scammers in their schemes, and the necessity for heightened awareness against such emotional manipulations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total amount of money that this woman lost in the scam?
She lost a total of about $855,000, or 830,000 euros.
How did the scammer manage to convince the victim that he was Brad Pitt?
The scammer used AI-generated photos and engaged in conversations via messages and poems to establish an emotional connection.
What were the key steps of the scam?
The woman first received a message from someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother, followed by a series of communications where the scammer expressed his love, requested money, and asked the woman to divorce her husband.
Why did this woman decide to divorce her husband?
She believed she was going to live a true love story with the scammer posing as Brad Pitt and thought that a relationship with him was within reach.
What excuses did the scammer use to ask for money?
He claimed to need money to pay for customs fees on expensive gifts, to treat a kidney cancer, and even mentioned that his assets were frozen due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
What signs could have alerted the victim that it was a scam?
Repeated requests for money and inconsistencies in the stories shared by the scammer, as well as the fact that she never met or saw in person the individual claiming to be Brad Pitt.
How did the victim discover the truth about the scam?
She saw recent photos of Brad Pitt with his girlfriend on social media, which led her to doubt the veracity of the relationship.
What impact did this scam have on the mental health of the victim?
The situation severely affected her mental health, leading to episodes of severe depression and hospitalizations.
What advice could be given to prevent this type of scam?
It is recommended to never give money or personal information to strangers online and to always verify the identity of the people you are communicating with.
