For many people, meeting their favorite celebrity would be a dream come true. In fact, many people go to great lengths to make that dream come true. An internet-famous case has caught news involving a French woman who was romantically involved with actor Brad Pitt. Or who she thought it was. The incident wasn't a unique situation, but a common scam that many people fall for.

The French lady named Anne was contacted through Instagram Messenger by a scammer pretending to be Brad Pitt's mother. In a series of messages, she built trust and emotionally bonded with Anne, often asking her to send money to help her son, Brad Pitt, who was ill and going through treatment. The scammer was able to claim $850,000 from Anne, who had recently gone through a divorce and received the settlement.

Here are some red flags Anne missed:

1. If it's too good to be true, it probably is: Hollywood stars personally reaching out to fans is slim, and rarely do celebrities engage directly and personally with fans. Celebrities go to great lengths to stay out of the limelight and can be seen with official social media checkmark profiles to confirm they are the legitimate person. If you are reached out to by an unofficial profile, then watch out; it could be a scam. If it feels off, trust your gut and move on!

2. They ask you for money: And they want it immediately. Scammers will do anything to ask you for financial assistance. They will even go to great lengths to create a sob story or anything to trigger a response that would lead to higher financial rewards. Never transfer funds to someone you don't know.

3. Reluctance to meet in person: Not sure if they are the real deal? Ask them to meet in person or do a video call. Most scammers will avoid meeting face-to-face.

4. Their story doesn't line up: Scammers at times can't keep up with their own lies, often providing contradictory details or vague answers.

5. They want you isolated: No more family or friends for you! Often, scammers try their best to keep you relying only on them as your only human connection. They will discourage you from interacting with friends or family that could threaten the connection they have with you. They want to maintain control.

In conclusion, the story of Anne serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online scams, particularly those that exploit emotional vulnerabilities. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical when approached by strangers online, especially when financial assistance is requested. By recognizing the warning signs and trusting their instincts, people can protect themselves from falling victim to similar scams. Awareness and education are key in navigating the digital landscape safely.

Article inspired by "Breaking Down the Brad Pitt Scam: How it Happened and What We Can Learn."