Love Gone Wrong: French Woman Loses Millions in Brad Pitt Scam
In a shocking tale of deception and heartbreak, a 53-year-old French woman has reported losing approximately 6 million DKK (around $910,000) after falling victim to an elaborate online scam. The woman believed she was in a romantic relationship with American actor Brad Pitt, who she claimed needed financial help for supposed medical treatment. The scammer alleged that his bank accounts had been frozen amid his highly publicized divorce from actress Angelina Jolie.
According to reports from The Guardian, the woman's realization of the scam only came after she stumbled upon a social media post featuring the actual Brad Pitt with his current partner, Inés de Ramon. This revelation occurred after the woman had invested a year and a half communicating with the impersonator, who had convinced her of his affinity towards her.
The story took another turn when the woman shared her experience on a French television channel, leading to a wave of ridicule on social media. Consequently, the French TV channel TF1, which aired her interview, decided to retract the broadcast amid the ensuing backlash.
The complex scam began in February 2023, when the woman was first contacted by someone posing as Jane Pitt, the actor's mother. The scammer expressed that the French woman would be an excellent match for her son. Shortly after this initial contact, she was approached by someone claiming to be Brad Pitt himself. To further the ruse, the impersonator provided AI-generated images depicting the actor, in addition to sending personalized songs and poems.
Despite the red flags, the woman reported feeling a deep connection, believing that their relationship was genuine. Her emotional investment ultimately led her to send substantial amounts of money when he expressed a need for assistance.
With significant media attention surrounding the incident, both the victim and her story have become a focal point for discussions around online scams, particularly those that exploit personal relationships. Experts warn that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging technology and emotional manipulation to deceive unsuspecting victims. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism in online interactions, as well as the ongoing battle against scams in the digital age.
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