PARIS: A 53-year-old French woman fell victim to an elaborate scam involving an AI-generated impersonation of Brad Pitt, losing €830,000 in the process. The fraudsters used technology to pose as the Hollywood star, weaving a story of love, illness, and financial need that spanned over 18 months.

The deception began with a message from an account claiming to be Jane Etta Pitt, Brad Pitt’s supposed mother. This account convinced the victim, an interior designer, that she was “the perfect match” for her son. Shortly after, an AI-generated version of Pitt contacted her, initiating a relationship filled with love letters, poems, and even a marriage proposal.

At the time, the woman was undergoing a divorce from a millionaire entrepreneur, leaving her vulnerable. The scammers played on her emotions, starting with small financial requests. One such instance involved clearing a €9,000 customs bill for “luxurious handbags.”

The con escalated when the imposter claimed to have kidney cancer. He blamed his inability to pay for treatment on his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, who had allegedly frozen his bank accounts. A fake “doctor” further manipulated the victim, claiming Pitt was “dying and fighting to survive.” Believing the story, she transferred €830,000 to a Turkish account.

The truth unraveled when the real Brad Pitt was spotted with his partner Inès de Ramon, prompting the victim to realise the scam. Speaking to French media, she expressed shock and regret, stating, “I loved the man I was talking to.”

The case has left the victim hospitalised with depression. French police are now investigating the cybercrime, highlighting the dangers of online scams.