Brad Pitt points assertion after scammers arrested for posing as actor on-line: It is terrible that they take benefit

“It is terrible that scammers reap the benefits of followers’ sturdy reference to celebrities, and this is a crucial reminder to not reply to unsolicited on-line outreach, particularly from actors who don’t have any social media presence,” Brad’s consultant informed PEOPLE.

Spain’s Ministry of the Inside introduced on September 23 that 5 individuals have been arrested, and extra are beneath investigation, for his or her involvement in a “prison group” that allegedly scammed over $350,000 from two girls on-line. Authorities mentioned the scammers posed as a “faux Brad Pitt” to deceive followers, promising romantic relationships and asking the ladies to switch cash for funding tasks.

Three suspects have been arrested in November, and two extra have been arrested in July, with costs together with fraud, cash laundering, and forgery.

A number of different celebrities have beforehand warned followers about faux accounts making an attempt to rip-off individuals on-line. Stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, and Johnny Depp have all spoken out about related incidents.

In August, actor Florence Pugh took to her Instagram Tales to handle fraudulent accounts pretending to be her. “Simply wished to remind everybody that I haven’t got every other account aside from this one,” Florence, 28, shared. She added that some individuals had been requested for cash or private communication from faux accounts claiming to be her.

“I am firstly sorry that it is a bizarre interest that some individuals like doing, and I am additionally sorry that you just have been [led] to consider that these areas have been protected,” Florence mentioned, urging followers to unfollow and report the faux accounts.