AI-Generated Deepfake of Brad Pitt Leaves Woman Financially Ruined
The rise of AI technology has led to groundbreaking advancements, but it has also opened doors for sophisticated fraud schemes. Anne, a 53-year-old interior designer from France, was tragically scammed out of €800,000 by cybercriminals who used AI to create a deepfake of Hollywood star Brad Pitt.
A Social Media Encounter That Turned into a Nightmare
Anne’s ordeal began innocently when she posted photos from a ski holiday on Instagram. Shortly after, she received a message from someone claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother, Jane Etta Pitt. The message suggested that “her son needed a woman like Anne.” Skeptical at first, Anne eventually found herself talking to what she believed to be the real Brad Pitt, complete with AI-generated photos and videos.
“I couldn’t believe it was Brad Pitt,” Anne shared with French media. “But the photos, the videos—they were so convincing. It was like he was really there.”
An 18-Month Manipulation Campaign
Over the course of 18 months, Anne’s relationship with the imposter deepened. The fake Pitt sent her heartfelt poems, declarations of love, and eventually proposed marriage. Anne described the conversations as incredibly thoughtful and eloquent, saying, “There are so few men who write to you like that. I loved the man I was talking to.”
Under this illusion, Anne made life-altering decisions, even divorcing her millionaire entrepreneur husband, believing she had found true love with the Hollywood actor.
From Love Letters to Financial Ruin
After months of building trust, the scammers began to ask for money. Their requests started small—with €9,000 needed for supposed customs fees on luxury gifts. The demands then escalated dramatically when the fake Pitt claimed he needed urgent cancer treatment but couldn’t access his accounts due to his ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie.
To make the story more convincing, the scammers fabricated medical documents and messages from “doctors.” Anne ultimately transferred €800,000 to a Turkish bank account, believing she was saving the life of the man she loved.
Shocking Revelations and Emotional Fallout
Anne’s belief in the scam persisted even when her daughter raised alarms. It wasn’t until she saw news reports of the real Brad Pitt with his partner, Inés de Ramon, in mid-2024 that the horrifying truth began to sink in.
Even then, the scammers attempted to manipulate her further, sending fake news alerts that claimed Pitt was actually dating an unnamed “special person.” They even posed as an FBI agent, extracting an additional €5,000 by offering to help her escape the scam.
The aftermath was devastating. Anne attempted suicide three times and was hospitalized for severe depression. She eventually moved in with a friend after selling most of her belongings. Now, she has filed criminal complaints and launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal fees.
A Global Surge in AI-Powered Fraud
Anne’s story is a chilling example of how AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Deepfake technology, which involves generating realistic visuals and voices using AI, has been weaponized by cybercriminals across the globe. In Spain, authorities recently arrested a group of scammers who used a similar Brad Pitt impersonation scheme to steal €325,000 from two women.
Experts warn that these scams are difficult to spot. Research has shown that humans struggle to distinguish real images and voices from those generated by AI. According to Steve Grobman, Chief Technology Officer at McAfee, “Cybercriminals are now able to use generative AI for fake voices and deepfakes in ways that used to require far more sophistication.”
In Hong Kong, fraudsters used AI-generated executive impersonations to steal $25.6 million from a multinational company. The scammers conducted video calls using realistic deepfake avatars, convincing employees to transfer funds across multiple accounts.
Can You Spot an AI Scam?
As AI technology advances, the potential for misuse grows. Platforms like Synthesia and ElevenLabs, which specialize in voice and video synthesis, are among the tools that cybercriminals exploit. While these companies are implementing measures to prevent misuse, their capabilities highlight the challenges of regulating AI technology.
For a deeper understanding of the ethical dilemmas surrounding the misuse of AI, you may want to explore The Rise of AI Agents: How Much Control Should They Have in Our Lives?.
A Call for Greater Awareness
Anne’s tragic experience is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by deepfake technology. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, individuals and businesses must stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to such schemes. The human and financial consequences, as Anne’s story illustrates, can be catastrophic.
