Spanish police have arrested five individuals for scamming two women out of EUR 325,000 by impersonating Hollywood actor Brad Pitt via online platforms and WhatsApp messages.
The suspects contacted the victims through a fan website dedicated to the Oscar-winning actor, leading them to believe they were in a romantic relationship with him, according to a statement from Spain’s Guardia Civil police.
Once they gained the victims’ trust, the scammers proposed investment opportunities in fake projects. A woman from Andalusia was defrauded of EUR 175,000, while another from the Basque Country lost EUR 150,000.
The gang members reportedly studied the women’s social media profiles and crafted psychological profiles, identifying that they were vulnerable, emotionally fragile, and suffering from depression.
Using this knowledge, the scammers continued communication through instant messaging and email, convincing the women that they were in touch with Brad Pitt, who promised a romantic future.
Five suspects were arrested in Andalusia, including the group’s suspected leaders. During the operation, police raided five homes, seizing phones, bank cards, computers, and a diary containing phrases used in the deception.
Authorities have recovered EUR 85,000 of the defrauded money.