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Swiss Retiree Loses Nearly 100,000 Francs to 'Fake Brad Pitt' Romance Scam

French reports frame it as another case in a serial celebrity‑impersonation scheme blamed on brouteur networks.

Overview

  • The victim was first contacted in May 2024 by someone presenting as Brad Pitt’s manager after viewing the actor’s official Instagram.
  • Over nearly a year, the impersonator professed love, signed messages as “Pitt,” and sent flowers to build credibility.
  • She wired $50,000 in two transfers to facilitate a supposed meeting, then paid two additional $10,000 sums for alleged medical fees.
  • She traveled to Los Angeles and waited three weeks in a hotel, spending about $20,000 on the trip, without meeting anyone.
  • After recognizing similarities to a French case that cost another victim more than €800,000, she filed a police complaint and hired a private detective who suspects Nigerian brouteurs, with no recovery of funds announced.