Pensioner Scammed in Fake Brad Pitt Relationship Loses £90k and Waits Weeks in Hotel for Him
A Swiss pensioner, known as Patricia, fell victim to a fraudulent scheme centered around a fake romantic relationship with actor Brad Pitt. Over several months in 2024, she was manipulated into transferring nearly £90,000, believing she was involved with the Hollywood star.
How the Scam Began
Patricia’s ordeal began when she followed Brad Pitt on Instagram. Shortly after, she received a message from someone posing as his manager who offered to connect her directly with the actor.
Building a False Relationship
The two began communicating regularly, and Patricia was soon convinced of the legitimacy of the relationship. The scammer sent affectionate messages, claiming, “My love, you are my everything now and forever.” Patricia emphasized how their exchanges felt genuine, leading her to emotionally invest in this false connection.
Demands for Money
As their correspondence deepened, the impostor requested a large sum of money. He claimed he needed $50,000 to facilitate an in-person meeting. Initially hesitant, Patricia eventually sent the money, believing this was normal behavior in celebrity circles.
- First payment: $30,000
- Subsequent payment: $20,000
- Additional demands: $10,000 for alleged medical expenses
Despite her growing financial losses, Patricia held onto hope. She booked a flight to Los Angeles, eager to meet the supposed love of her life. Instead, she spent three lonely weeks waiting in a hotel.
Realization and Aftermath
While back in Switzerland, Patricia learned of another victim, a French woman who lost almost £700,000 in a similar scam. This realization prompted her to contact the authorities, where she disclosed her financial loss of 100,000 Swiss francs.
- Victim’s total loss: £90,000
- Comparison with another scam victim: French woman lost £700,000
Patricia’s experience has left her grappling with emotional turmoil and feelings of shame. She states, “I spent almost a year living a relationship that didn’t exist.” The impact of this deception has deeply affected her mental health, as she strives to rebuild her life.
Wider Implications
This incident highlights a growing trend of online scams, particularly those exploiting emotions and vulnerabilities. Many individuals, like Patricia, fall prey to these manipulative schemes, underscoring the need for greater awareness and caution when engaging with online communications.
As life goes on, Patricia hopes to recover from this unfortunate chapter. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for others who may find themselves drawn into similarly deceitful circumstances.
