Spanish authorities have recently made significant strides in a fraud case that has shocked fans of Oscar-winning actor Brad Pitt.
In a statement released on September 23, 2024, Spain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of five individuals accused of impersonating Pitt online and scamming two women out of a staggering $350,000.
This alarming scheme, which first came to light last November, saw three individuals apprehended initially, while two more were arrested in July this year.
The New York Times reports that the fraudsters contacted their victims through an online fan page dedicated to Pitt, posing as the beloved actor. By exchanging instant messages and emails, they managed to convince the women they were engaged in a romantic relationship with Pitt himself.
The deceptive tactics employed by the imposters included emotional manipulation, ultimately leading the victims to send large sums of money. One woman fell victim to the scam, sending approximately $168,000, while the other transferred around $195,500. To date, only $94,000 has been recovered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Responding to the alarming fraud, Pitt’s publicist, Matthew Hiltzik, issued a statement emphasizing the risks of engaging with unsolicited online outreach.
“It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities. But this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence,” he stated, reiterating that Pitt remains offline and has no official accounts on platforms such as Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).
Pitt, who has recently been making headlines while promoting his latest project, the crime comedy “Wolfs,” which is set to stream on Apple TV+ starting September 27, continues to navigate the challenges of celebrity amid a troubling wave of online fraud. As authorities encourage potential victims to remain vigilant, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the depths of the internet.
