Hollywood star Brad Pitt alerted fans by issuing a warning related to social media impersonation scams. Through his representative, the actor spoke out after scammers were arrested for allegedly defrauding women on social media by impersonating him on September 25.
Brad Pitt's representative alerts fans of scammer
As the actor does not have any social media account on any platform. On behalf of him, his representative issued a statement to 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.”
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According to The New York Times, on September 23, Spain’s Ministry of the Interior reported that five people were taken into custody and more are being investigated for being part of a ‘criminal organization.’ “The cybercriminals, to capture the victims, had studied their social networks and made a psychological profile of them, thus discovering that both women were two vulnerable people, lacking in affection and in a state of depression,” Spain’s Guardia Civil police said.
This group allegedly scammed over $350,000 from two women through social media. The scammers pretended to be a 'fake Brad Pitt,' luring romantic relationships and demanding the women to send money for investment projects. According to ministry, three were arrested in November and two more in July, facing charges of fraud, money laundering, forgery.
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Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp alert fans about scams
Earlier, many celebrities have warned their fans about fake social media accounts trying to scam folks online. Actors like Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, and Johnny Depp have all alerted their fans after falling victim to impersonation scams. In August, 28-year-old actress Florence Pugh warned fans on Instagram, “Just wanted to remind everyone that I don’t have any other account other than this one.” The actress further added that fake accounts have been asking fans for cash or private conversations on the name of her. Florence apologized to fans deceived by fake accounts, urging them to report and unfollow.