French Woman Scammed Out of $855K by AI-Faked Brad Pitt Romance

AI Romance Scam: French Woman Loses $855K in Elaborate Brad Pitt Impersonation
A French woman named Anne lost $855,000 to scammers using AI to impersonate Brad Pitt and his mother over 18 months. The scammers’ use of AI-generated photos and messages led to her financial ruin, highlighting the growing threat of AI-facilitated scams.
- AI-powered romance scam targets French woman
- Scammers impersonate Brad Pitt and his mother
- Victim loses $855,000 over 18 months
- TV channel removes broadcast due to online harassment
Anne, a 53-year-old interior designer from France, became the target of an AI-powered romance scam that drained her savings over 18 months. Using AI-generated photos and messages, scammers created a convincing illusion of a relationship with Brad Pitt, complete with images and heartfelt messages that seemed all too real. AI-generated photos and messages are created by computers to mimic real people and their communications, making them appear authentic. Anne was told that Pitt needed money for cancer treatment and that his bank accounts were frozen due to his high-profile divorce. This elaborate deception led her to transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars to the scammers, believing she was helping her ‘partner’ in his time of need.
The scam began to unravel when Anne saw photos of Pitt with his current partner, Inés de Ramon, which did not fit the narrative she had been fed. The harsh reality of the scam came crashing down, leaving Anne devastated and financially broken.
In an effort to warn others and find some solace, Anne bravely shared her story on the French TV channel TF1. However, the aftermath was anything but supportive. Anne faced severe online harassment, prompting the channel to remove the broadcast from their platforms to protect her. Harry Roselmack, the presenter, announced the decision, highlighting the viciousness of online trolls and the need to safeguard victims from further harm. This incident raises important questions about the media’s role in protecting victims and the ethical responsibilities involved.
Anne’s experience is a stark reminder of the widespread impact of romance scams, as evidenced by similar cases across the globe. In Spain, five individuals were arrested in 2024 for similar scams, defrauding victims of $350,000 by impersonating Brad Pitt. In Canada, romance scams led to $59 million in losses from 1400 cases in 2022, while in the United States, such scams resulted in over $652 million in losses in 2023, with AI contributing to over $8.8 million in losses from identity theft and online fraud.
The rise of AI-facilitated scams underscores a growing threat in the digital age. Criminals are using computers to make fake videos that look real, known as deepfakes, and generate convincing social media profiles to prey on human emotions. The case of Anne is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability individuals face and the urgent need for increased awareness and cybersecurity measures.
Anne’s own words reflect the confusion and naivety that many victims experience:
“I’m not used to social media, and I didn’t really understand what was happening to me,”
she said, highlighting the ease with which scammers can exploit those less familiar with digital platforms.
As advocates for decentralization, privacy, and freedom in the crypto community, we must also confront the dark side of technology. Scammers are leveraging the same tools that promise to disrupt the status quo for malicious purposes. While we celebrate the potential of Bitcoin and blockchain to revolutionize finance, we cannot ignore the risks that come with technological advancement. However, it’s important to note that AI isn’t all bad; it can also be used to combat scams through advanced detection algorithms and verification technologies.
To protect yourself from AI romance scams, never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, and always verify identities through multiple sources. It’s also crucial to stay informed about the latest scam tactics and to report any suspicious activities to help prevent future scams.
Have you ever encountered a situation where someone online seemed too good to be true? Anne’s story is a cautionary tale for all of us. As we navigate the exciting yet perilous landscape of technological innovation, let’s remain vigilant. The same tools that empower us can be used against us, and it’s our responsibility to stay informed, protect each other, and push for a safer digital world. In the world of crypto, where effective accelerationism drives us forward, we must also champion responsible use and ethical practices.
What happened to Anne?
Anne, a 53-year-old French interior designer, was scammed out of $855,000 by individuals using AI to impersonate Brad Pitt and his mother over 18 months.
How did the scammers deceive Anne?
The scammers used AI-generated photos and messages to create a fake romantic relationship, eventually convincing Anne to send money for Brad Pitt’s supposed cancer treatment.
What was the outcome of Anne sharing her story on TV?
Anne faced severe online harassment, leading the TV channel TF1 to remove the broadcast to protect her.
What broader implications does this scam have?
It highlights the growing threat of AI-facilitated scams, contributing to significant financial losses globally and the need for increased cybersecurity measures.
How have similar scams affected other regions?
Similar scams in Spain led to arrests and financial losses, while in Canada and the US, romance scams resulted in millions of dollars lost in recent years.