Con Artists Pose as Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks and More Stars to Swindle Unknowing Fans

Public service announcement: A-list actors will never ask you for money online! Con artists posed as these stars to swindle fans.

Brad Pitt

“At first I said to myself that it was fake, that it’s ridiculous,” a French woman named Anne told French channel TF1, according to NBC News, of being contacted by someone claiming to be the 62-year-old actor’s mother asking for a loan to cover his medical bills for kidney cancer. But AI-generated images somehow convinced her — and Anne sent nearly $800,000. Brad’s rep reminded fans that he doesn’t use social media.

Johnny Depp

“Today, AI can create the illusion of my face and voice. But neither I, nor my team, will ask you for money or your personal information,” the actor, 62, warned fans on Instagram last year after dozens of women gave away thousands of dollars because they thought he was in love with them.

Jennifer Aniston

Despite admitting he knew the image was photoshopped, a 71-year-old Minnesota man still sent money to a person claiming to be the Friends actress, 57, because he believed they were in a romantic relationship. Another victim bought a tuxedo to attend her birthday in Los Angeles!

Tom Hanks

“There are multiple ads over the internet falsely using my name, likeness and voice promoting miracle cures and wonder drugs. These ads have been created without my consent, fraudulently and through AI. Do not lose your hard-earned money,” the actor, 69, wrote on Instagram last year, per ABC News, which has since been taken down. He issued a similar warning in 2023.

Keanu Reeves

“I don’t blame anyone but myself,” a San Diego widow told NBC 7. At the time, she was living in her car after losing her life savings because she thought she was dating the star, 61. The scammers even sent a fake driver’s license, which is circulating online, as “proof.” (Keanu doesn’t use social media.)