Brad Pitt Impostors! The Crazy Story Behind The Scam

Victims have reported being contacted by individuals claiming to be the famed actor, engaging in conversations that can quickly escalate. The impostors use charming tactics to build trust and affection, sometimes even sending fake photos to solidify their false identities. Unfortunately, as the relationships develop, the scammers often request money under various pretexts, exploiting the emotional connections they've created.

A rep for the Oscar winner, 60, who does not have any official social media accounts, tells 'People' magazine in a statement Sept. 25, "It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities, and this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence."

Spain's Ministry of the Interior said in a Sept. 23 statement that five people were arrested and more are under investigation in connection to a "criminal organization" that allegedly defrauded over $350,000 from two women online.

The scammers, authorities said, posed as a "fake Brad Pitt" to target his fans.

This situation highlights a growing issue in today’s digital age, where impersonation and online deception can have serious consequences. As technology advances, so do the methods used by scammers, making it increasingly important for individuals to stay vigilant.

Experts recommend several steps to avoid falling victim to such scams. It’s crucial to verify identities, be wary of unsolicited messages, and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Additionally, using video calls can help confirm a person’s identity, as scammers often shy away from direct contact.

The rise of impostors posing as celebrities like Brad Pitt is a troubling trend that underscores the importance of online safety. As victims continue to come forward, it serves as a reminder to remain cautious in our digital interactions and to recognize the signs of a scam before it’s too late.

After building trust, the alleged scammers asked the women to transfer money to invest in various projects with him. Three suspects were arrested in November and two more were arrested in July. Their charges include fraud, money laundering and forgery. Several celebrities have spoken out to warn fans of fraudulent accounts claiming to be them while attempting to solicit and scam on social media, including Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp and more.

In August, Florence Pugh shared a statement on her Instagram Stories saying, "Just wanted to remind everyone that I don't have any other account other than this one. No private pages or private chats or private messaging accounts.. just this one."

“The statement said the accused had contacted the women through an online fan page dedicated to Mr. Pitt and posed as the Oscar-winning American actor,” the outlet reported. “The authorities said the accused had gone on to exchange instant messages and emails with their victims, who thought they were corresponding directly with Mr. Pitt."

Once the scammers got close to the women on social media they asked for money. One of the victims sent the Pitt imposter approximately $168,000, while the second woman gave the crooks $195,500. The authorities said only $94,000 has been recovered during the investigation, which is ongoing.

Pitt has previously made it clear in the past that he’s not a fan of social media.

"Never gonna happen,” Pitt told 'E! News' in July 2019 when asked if he’d join Instagram like other celebs. While Pitt admitted that he should “never say never,” he explained, “I [do] pretty good without it. I don’t see the point.” The actor noted, “I do” like to “keep it quiet” and have privacy.