Five Arrested for Posing as Brad Pitt in $364,000 Scam
Spanish police have arrested five individuals for impersonating Hollywood star Brad Pitt to scam women out of €325,000 ($364,000). The scammers targeted two women, both reportedly around 60 years old, using fake romantic promises to gain their trust.
The criminals operated by visiting online fan platforms dedicated to Pitt and profiling potential victims. They chose women who seemed lonely or depressed, believing they would be more vulnerable. The scammers then contacted them via WhatsApp and email, pretending to be Pitt, promising love and future relationships.
One letter, seized during the investigation, read, “My love for you is true…it is because I love you and am very much in love with you,” playing on the emotions of their victims.
Once the women were convinced of Pitt’s affection, the scammers suggested investing in various projects, successfully scamming the women out of a combined $364,000. Fortunately, police recovered around $95,000 (€85,000) from the criminals.
Brad Pitt’s publicist, Matthew Hiltzik, warned fans about the dangers of online scams, especially given Pitt’s lack of social media presence. “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ connection with celebrities,” Hiltzik said, urging people not to respond to unsolicited online outreach.
For those scammed, immediate action is crucial. In the U.S., victims are advised to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Prevention is key, but if you become a victim, taking swift steps can help mitigate losses.
