French woman scammed nearly $1M by deepfake Brad Pitt faces ridicule online

A French interior designer lost €830,000 in a sophisticated online scam perpetrated by fraudsters impersonating actor Brad Pitt, leading to widespread mockery and subsequent removal of a TV program about her experience.

The scam’s evolution: What began as an Instagram connection in February 2023 escalated into an elaborate scheme involving multiple layers of deception and manipulation.

• The scammers initially contacted the victim, identified as Anne, through a fake account pretending to be Brad Pitt’s mother
• The fraudsters used AI-generated photos of Pitt in hospital beds and fake news reports to maintain the illusion of authenticity
• The scheme included requests for money to cover alleged customs fees for luxury gifts and treatment for supposed kidney cancer

Financial and personal impact: The scam resulted in devastating personal and financial consequences for the victim.

• Anne lost her entire divorce settlement of €775,000 to the scammers
• She attempted suicide three times following the revelation of the fraud
• The victim now lives in a single room with only boxes of possessions remaining
• Her relationship with her daughter became strained as the younger woman unsuccessfully tried to intervene

Media response and public reaction: The incident sparked a complex discourse about online vulnerability and public sympathy.

• French broadcaster TF1 pulled their program about Anne’s story due to resulting harassment
• Netflix France and Toulouse FC faced criticism for making light of the situation through social media posts
• Some social media users defended Anne, noting the sophisticated nature of AI-generated content and its potential to deceive older generations
• Brad Pitt’s representatives warned fans about responding to unsolicited online outreach, especially from celebrities without social media presence

Technical sophistication: The scammers employed advanced technological tools to create convincing fraudulent content.

• AI-generated images showed Brad Pitt in various scenarios, including hospital settings
• Deepfake technology was used to create a fake news broadcast featuring an AI anchor discussing Pitt’s supposed relationship with Anne
• The scammers leveraged multiple fake identities, including a fictional FBI agent, to maintain control over the victim

Looking ahead: The rising threat of AI-enabled fraud: The incident highlights the growing sophistication of online scams and their potential to exploit emotional vulnerabilities, particularly as AI technology becomes more advanced and accessible, raising concerns about the need for better public education and protective measures against such schemes.