We’re kicking off 2025 with quite the story. While the title might sound like a Wattpad fanfic, it’s all too real. Anne, a 53-year-old French woman, gave up everything to please a scammer—and an artificial intelligence program. Unwittingly… or so it seems.

Anne’s relationship with her fake Brad Pitt began with a direct message and a series of AI-generated images created by an anonymous scammer. As time went on, Anne, who was already struggling in her marriage to her millionaire husband, grew closer to “Brad,” receiving poems and romantic messages from him.

What started in February 2023 escalated into a full-blown “relationship” when the fake Brad Pitt proposed to Anne and began sending her expensive gifts. With a foundation of “trust” established, Anne confided in Brad that she was about to divorce and would soon receive a significant settlement. This prompted the scammer to ask Anne for financial help, claiming he needed funds for “kidney cancer treatment” and couldn’t access his own money due to his divorce from Angelina Jolie. Their conversations ultimately led Anne to transfer over $800,000 to her long-distance love.

So, what tipped off this wealthy Frenchwoman to the scam? A television program revealing that Brad Pitt was dating Ines de Ramon. After some (belated) investigation, Anne reported the scam to the authorities. Today, she is reportedly in a clinic battling severe depression caused by the ordeal.

The takeaway? Be cautious online.