A surge in sophisticated artificial intelligence scams impersonating celebrities has prompted major Hollywood actors to issue unprecedented warnings after multiple victims lost millions to deepfake technology scams, with one recent case involving an $850,000 fraud using Brad Pitt’s AI-generated likeness.
Brad Pitt’s representatives issued an urgent alert after scammers using AI-generated images defrauded a French woman of $850,000. The 53-year-old interior decorator, identified only as Anne, spent a year and a half believing she was communicating with Pitt through fake social media and WhatsApp accounts. The scammers, posing as both Pitt and his mother, claimed he needed money for kidney cancer treatment and that his bank accounts had been frozen by his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. The victim divorced her husband during the prolonged deception, only discovering the fraud after seeing news reports about Pitt’s current partner.
“It is awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities,” stated Pitt’s representative, emphasizing that the actor has no social media presence and warning fans to ignore any unsolicited messages claiming to be from him.
Johnny Depp has also stepped forward to address the AI threat, warning his fans about scammers’ ability to replicate his face and voice through AI technology. His warning came as part of a broader celebrity response to the increasing sophistication of these impersonation scams.
Tom Hanks has repeatedly warned his followers about AI impersonation scams, particularly addressing fraudulent advertisements using his likeness. “There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with my image in it. I have nothing to do with it,” Hanks warned. He has also had to alert fans about unauthorized AI-generated ads promoting “miracle cures and wonder drugs” that have appeared across multiple platforms.
Other prominent figures, including Gayle King and MrBeast, have joined in warning their followers about AI-generated “deepfake” content that falsely depicts them endorsing products or services. These AI-altered images and videos are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic content, leading to growing concerns about the potential for widespread fraud.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has made AI protection a key issue in their negotiations with major Hollywood studios. The union seeks to establish strict protections for actors’ rights and prevent unauthorized use of their likeness, voice, or performances in response to the growing threat of AI exploitation.
Legislative action is also underway. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the NO FAKES Act, which would provide increased legal protections for individuals’ right to publicity and prevent unauthorized use of their voice and likeness. The legislation aims to address the rapid advancement of AI technology that has outpaced current regulatory frameworks, giving celebrities and ordinary citizens legal recourse against unauthorized AI replications of their likeness.
French authorities have launched a formal investigation into the Brad Pitt impersonation case, with police focusing on tracking the sophisticated network behind the scam. The victim has been hospitalized with severe depression following online harassment after the scam became public, highlighting the devastating personal impact of these deceptions.
In England and Wales, the rise of AI-generated deepfakes has prompted legal changes, particularly regarding their use in pornography. The government has strengthened laws to make it easier to prosecute offenders who create and distribute such content without consent, reflecting growing international concern about AI misuse.
Law enforcement agencies report that these AI-powered scams represent a significant evolution in fraud techniques. Criminals now employ advanced technology to create compelling fake profiles, messages, and deepfake videos that challenge traditional verification methods. These scams often offer personal connections, VIP access, investment opportunities, or charity support, all designed to exploit emotional connections between celebrities and their fans.
