• Brad Pitt has spoken out against a scammer who defrauded a French woman of approximately $850,000.
• The woman believed she was in a relationship with the actor, manipulated by social media impersonation.
• Experts warn that increasing AI sophistication is contributing to the rise in scams.
• Pitt's spokesperson emphasizes the need for caution when engaging with unsolicited online outreach.
• The woman is reportedly receiving treatment for severe depression following the incident.

Brad Pitt has publicly condemned the scammers who exploited a vulnerable French woman, duping her out of approximately $850,000. The victim, identified as Anne, is a 53-year-old interior designer who was led to believe she was in a romantic relationship with the Oscar-winning actor for over a year. According to reports from The Guardian and Newsweek, the scam began in February 2023 when Anne received messages from someone posing as Pitt’s mother, eventually leading to correspondence with the scammer impersonating Pitt himself.

Anne shared her harrowing experience on a French television show, recounting how the impersonator used fake social media profiles and AI-generated images to maintain the facade of a genuine relationship. "It’s awful that scammers take advantage of the strong bond between fans and celebrities," a spokesperson for Pitt stated, emphasizing that this incident serves as a cautionary tale against engaging with unsolicited online outreach.

Over the course of the scam, Anne transferred hundreds of thousands of euros under the pretext of assisting with fictitious medical expenses, claiming the actor needed funds for cancer treatments. The scammer convinced her by sending doctored images portraying Pitt in a hospital. She only realized she had been deceived after seeing a photograph of Pitt with his current girlfriend, Inés de Ramón.

Experts have highlighted that with the enhancements in AI technology, these types of scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. Earlier this year, American citizens reportedly lost over $108 million to various scams utilizing AI, with an alarming average loss of around $14,600 per victim. Similar scams have seen celebrity identities misused, as illustrated by previous incidents involving individuals being tricked into financial schemes using the likeness of famous figures.

As a result of the widespread attention the story garnered, with social media responses ranging from concern to ridicule over the woman's gullibility, the television channel decided to retract the episode from its replay services. Anne has since been receiving treatment for severe depression caused by the ordeal.