Just days after scammers were caught impersonating Hollywood star Brad Pitt to defraud women on social media, the Oscar winner—who famously lacks any official social media presence—issued a warning through his representative.
Pitt’s representative told People magazine, ‘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.’
On September 23, Spain's Ministry of the Interior announced the arrest of five individuals, with more under investigation, for their alleged involvement in a ‘criminal organization’ that reportedly scammed over $350,000 from two women online.
Authorities revealed that the scammers impersonated a ‘fake Brad Pitt,’ deceiving fans by promising romantic relationships and soliciting funds for supposed investment projects.
Three suspects were apprehended in November, while two others were arrested in July. The charges against them include fraud, money laundering, and forgery.
Numerous celebrities have previously warned fans about fake accounts attempting to scam people online. Notable stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, and Johnny Depp have all addressed similar situations.
In August, actress Florence Pugh took to her Instagram Stories to confront fraudulent accounts impersonating her. ‘I just want to remind everyone that I only have this one account,’ the 28-year-old shared. She mentioned that some fans had been approached for money or personal communication by fake accounts posing as her.
‘I'm truly sorry that this bizarre hobby exists, and I'm also sorry you were misled into thinking those spaces were safe,’ Florence said, encouraging her followers to unfollow and report the imposters.
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