Spanish police have arrested five individuals in connection with a large-scale fraud operation in which two women were defrauded of €325,000 (over ₹3 crore). The scammers, posing as Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, lured the victims through emails and WhatsApp messages, claiming romantic interest and convincing them to invest in fake projects.
The Scam: Emotional Manipulation and False Promises
The fraudsters initiated contact with the victims via a Brad Pitt fan page. They gained the women’s trust through persistent communication, using emotional manipulation to convince them to make large financial contributions to non-existent business ventures. By building a false sense of romance, the criminals managed to extract significant sums of money from their victims.
Targeting Vulnerable Victims
According to Spanish authorities, the scammers meticulously studied their victims’ online presence, especially on social media, to identify emotionally vulnerable individuals. “The cybercriminals created psychological profiles of their targets, discovering that both women were emotionally fragile, in need of affection, and suffering from depression,” a spokesperson from Spain’s Guardia Civil told The Guardian.
One victim, from Andalusia, lost €175,000 (around ₹2 crore), while the other, from the Basque Country, was defrauded of €150,000 (over ₹1 crore).
Police Raids and Seizures
Following a detailed investigation, Spanish police conducted raids in several provinces, including Almería, Málaga, Vizcaya, Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Huelva, and Seville. During the operation, authorities seized key pieces of evidence, such as mobile phones, computers, bank cards, and even a diary containing scripted phrases used to deceive the victims.
Fortunately, police were able to recover €85,000 (approximately ₹80,000), providing some financial relief to the victims.
A Growing Trend of Celebrity Scams
This case is part of a broader trend of fraud involving cybercriminals impersonating celebrities. In January, a 63-year-old woman was similarly scammed by fraudsters posing as Hollywood actor Kevin Costner. After following a Facebook page she believed belonged to Costner, she was asked to purchase a £100 voucher to become an “official fan.”
Authorities continue to warn the public about the rise of such scams, particularly those exploiting emotional vulnerability and celebrity impersonation.
This case serves as a reminder to be cautious of online interactions, particularly with individuals who claim to be celebrities or promise romantic relationships.