In a recent incident, representatives of actor Brad Pitt have issued a statement cautioning fans about the dangers of online scams. The warning comes after reports emerged that a French woman named Anne was defrauded of over $800,000 by an individual pretending to be the renowned actor. This case highlights the vulnerability of fans to sophisticated scams and underscores the importance of verifying unsolicited online communications, especially from celebrities who do not maintain social media profiles. The spokesperson emphasized that scammers exploit fans' emotional connections with celebrities, making it crucial for individuals to remain vigilant.

The scam began when Anne received messages purportedly from Brad Pitt’s mother, suggesting that her son needed someone like Anne. Despite initial doubts, she eventually sent large sums of money after being told that Pitt had kidney cancer and required financial assistance. The scammer used AI-generated images of Pitt in hospital beds to lend credibility to the deception. Anne later realized the truth when she read about Pitt’s relationship with Ines De Ramon, prompting her to file a lawsuit and initiate a police investigation. The television station TF1, which interviewed Anne, removed the footage from its website to shield her from potential harassment.

This is not the first time Pitt’s team has issued such warnings. In September 2024, they released a similar statement following the arrest of five individuals in Spain who were part of a criminal organization using a fake identity of Pitt to defraud women. Spanish authorities also arrested suspects in November 2023 for their involvement in receiving funds from victims. These incidents highlight the ongoing problem of online impersonation and the need for heightened awareness among fans.

Pitt’s latest film, "Wolfs," co-starring George Clooney, premiered on Apple TV+. He is set to appear next in the racing movie "F1," scheduled for release on June 27, 2025. As these high-profile projects keep him in the public eye, his team remains committed to protecting fans from fraudulent schemes. The repeated warnings serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with trusting unsolicited online messages, particularly those claiming to come from celebrities without a social media presence.