For most people, meeting a Hollywood megastar like Brad Pitt is nothing more than a far-off dream. But for “Anne,” a 53-year-old French interior decorator, that dream seemed to come true—until it turned into a nightmare.
Anne thought she had entered into a long-distance relationship with the famous actor, only to discover she had fallen victim to an elaborate online scam that cost her $850,000 (around ₱49.7 million).
It all began innocently enough.
One day, after posting photos of herself skiing on Instagram, Anne received a message from someone claiming to be “Jane Pitt,” the mother of Brad Pitt. According to Anne, “Jane” insisted she would be a perfect match for her son.
Not long after, a man introduced himself as Brad Pitt and began chatting with Anne. Their daily exchanges blossomed into what Anne believed was a genuine romance. She described him as thoughtful and attentive, often asking about her passions, work, and family. He even sent her poems, songs, and selfies—images she later realized were generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
For over a year, Anne believed she was in a relationship with the Hollywood star. During this time, she shared details about her life, including her divorce from a wealthy ex-husband, which left her with a substantial financial settlement.
However, things took a dark turn when “Brad Pitt” revealed he was suffering from a severe kidney condition and was hospitalized. He claimed he couldn’t afford the medical bills due to his ongoing divorce with Angelina Jolie. Trusting and in love, Anne sent him money—a staggering $850,000 in total.
Anne’s illusion shattered when she saw news reports of Brad Pitt dating Swiss jewelry designer Ines de Ramon. Realizing she had been scammed, she felt a mix of regret and disbelief.
Investigations later revealed that the photos and messages Anne received were AI-generated, explaining why she couldn’t find those pictures on Brad Pitt’s official social media pages.
Now financially ruined and heartbroken, Anne has filed a police complaint. However, the chances of recovering her money remain uncertain.
Anne’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online scams, emphasizing the need for vigilance and skepticism in the digital age.
