Anne, a French woman, fell victim to a sophisticated online scam, believing she was in a romantic relationship with Hollywood actor Brad Pitt for over a year and a half. The deception began in February 2023 when Anne downloaded Instagram and was contacted by someone posing as the famous actor. The impersonator claimed that Pitt's bank accounts were frozen due to his ongoing divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie, manipulating Anne into transferring significant sums of money.
The scammers initially convinced Anne to part with €9,000 under the pretense of paying customs on luxury gifts purportedly sent by Pitt. As the scheme progressed, they fabricated more distressing lies, claiming that Pitt required funds for kidney cancer treatment. In a desperate attempt to support what she thought was a life-saving cause, Anne sent the scammers multiple photos of herself. Unbeknownst to her, these images were used to create AI-generated content depicting her with Pitt, further solidifying the illusion of their relationship.
"I told myself I was maybe saving a man's life," Anne reflected, revealing the extent of her emotional entanglement.
Anne's daughter had long suspected the truth and tirelessly tried to convince her mother that she was being scammed. Despite her daughter's efforts, Anne remained entrapped in the deceit, a decision that ultimately led to the dissolution of her marriage. Her husband divorced her and, in an ironic twist, she received a settlement of €775,000, all of which she handed over to the scammers.
"Like a fool, I paid… Every time I doubted him, he managed to dissipate my doubts," Anne admitted, acknowledging the manipulative power wielded by the fraudsters.
The emotional toll of the scam has been catastrophic for Anne. She has attempted to take her own life three times since discovering the truth. Now financially ruined and emotionally devastated, she resides with a friend, her life reduced to "a small room with some boxes."
"My whole life is a small room with some boxes. That's all I have left," she lamented.
Anne's story has attracted widespread ridicule online, with many mocking her for falling victim to such an elaborate ruse. However, Anne remains resolute in sharing her story to prevent others from experiencing similar fates.
"I just got played, I admit it, and that's why I came forward because I am not the only one," she declared.
A representative for Brad Pitt expressed dismay at the situation.
"It's awful that scammers take advantage of fans' strong connection with celebrities," they stated, emphasizing the dangers posed by individuals impersonating actors who lack a social media presence.
The scammers' use of AI-generated images and videos played a crucial role in convincing Anne of the authenticity of her relationship. This manipulation underscores the increasing challenges posed by technological advancements in deception.
"Life today is paved with cybertraps… and AI progress will only worsen this scenario," warned a commentator in an op-ed published by Libération.
Anne eventually realized the deception after the scammers requested additional funds, claiming to be a "Special FBI Agent John Smith." Determined to seek justice, she reported the incident to the police. Despite this, she remains haunted by her ordeal and implores others to help identify those responsible.
"These people deserve hell. We need to find those scammers, I beg you – please help me find them," Anne pleaded.
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