A 53-year-old woman from France, identified only as Anne, recently came forward with a shocking account of being deceived by someone impersonating Hollywood actor Brad Pitt in a massive catfishing scam.
Anne revealed that she was manipulated into parting with nearly her entire life savings, totaling $850,000, after falling victim to a con artist’s elaborate ruse.
Anne shared her story during an interview on the French news program Sept à huit. She explained that she was initially contacted by someone posing as Brad Pitt‘s mother, Jane Etta Pitt, on social media.
Unfamiliar with social media platforms, Anne said she didn’t immediately realize she was being targeted.
According to Anne, the fake Jane Etta Pitt introduced her to someone claiming to be Brad, who then pursued an online correspondence with her.
“I’m not used to social media,” Anne admitted. “And I didn’t really understand what was happening to me.”
The scammer, posing as Brad, began building a romantic connection with Anne, sharing love poems and engaging her in heartfelt conversations. Anne said, “There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done.”
Eventually, the scammer convinced Anne to lend him money, claiming he was unable to access his funds due to a supposed financial dispute related to his divorce from Angelina Jolie.
He even sent her what Anne now believes were AI-generated images to substantiate his claims of undergoing cancer treatment.
“It hurt me to do it,” Anne said, “but I told myself that I might save a man’s life.”
Brad Pitt’s Response to the Fraud
When news of Anne‘s ordeal surfaced, Brad Pitt‘s representative issued a statement addressing the incident. “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities,” the rep said in a statement to E! News. “But this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence.”
Brad Pitt does not maintain verified accounts on major social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or X (formerly Twitter), further underscoring the fraudulent nature of the interaction.
Anne only discovered she had been conned after seeing photos of the real Brad Pitt with his current girlfriend, Ines de Ramon. By then, the financial damage had already been done.
Reflecting on her experience, Anne expressed anguish over the deception: “I ask myself why they chose me to do such harm like this? I’ve never harmed anyone. These people deserve hell.”
Protecting Against Catfishing Scams
Anne‘s story is a stark reminder of the importance of caution in online interactions, particularly with individuals claiming to be high-profile figures.
Experts emphasize that genuine celebrities rarely, if ever, contact fans directly through social media. Authorities encourage vigilance and advise reporting suspicious activity to prevent similar scams.
As Anne continues to cope with the emotional and financial toll of this experience, her story serves as a cautionary tale for others navigating the digital age.