Spanish police arrested five people for impersonating Brad Pitt in order to scam women by convincing them that the famed Hollywood actor was in love with them. The two women targeted by the online scammers lost a combined €325,000 ($364,000), Spanish media reported.
Police say that the criminals operated by visiting online platforms for fans of the actor, and built up psychological profiles of the potential victims. They chose the two women, reportedly both aged 60, because they believed they lacked romantic relationships and appeared to be in states of depression.
The scammers then sent WhatsApp messages and emails pretending to be Pitt (who does not have any social media presence) and promised future romantic relationships.
“My love for you is true. Feeling from my heart and forever, please forgive me and accept me … it is because I love you and am very much in love with you,” one handwritten letter that was found during a search of the criminals’ property reads, according to Times of London.
After the criminals convinced the victims of Pitt’s love, they began suggesting the women invest with him in various projects. Police have since been able to recover approximately $95,000 (€85,000) on behalf of the victims.
In a statement to the New York Times, Matthew Hiltzik— a publicist to Pitt—issued a warning about the risks of scams and reminded the public that the actor doesn’t have a social media presence.
Hiltzik is quoted as telling the publication: “It’s awful that scammers take advantage of fans’ strong connection with celebrities. But this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence.”
TIME has reached out to Guardia Civil, the Spanish police agency handling the case for further comment.
If you have been scammed, you must act immediately and contact the relevant authorities to alert them of your situation. In the U.S., experts recommend contacting the Federal trade commission at the ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The main cause of action is prevention, but if you do find yourself falling victim to a scam, there are additional steps you can take.
