By: Ubiratã Barros
How It Works and How to Protect Yourself
The fake lawyer scam has become increasingly common in Brazil. In this scam, criminals pretend to be legal professionals — or law firm employees — to deceive unsuspecting people and extort money, often using real information from legal proceedings.
These scammers exploit the trust of victims, who believe they are dealing with legitimate professionals. Below, you will understand how this type of fraud works and what steps to take to avoid falling into this trap.
The fake lawyer scam has already affected celebrities and ordinary people.
From 2024 until now, more than 1,600 complaints of this type of fraud have been registered in the state of São Paulo alone, according to the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB). In Rio de Janeiro, 417 complaints were filed in 2025 alone.
How is the scam carried out?
Criminals use social engineering techniques and public data available in judicial systems to appear credible. Check out the main steps of this scam:
- Initial fake contact
Usually, the scam begins with a message via WhatsApp or another messaging app. The criminal presents himself as a lawyer or law firm assistant, mentioning real details of the victim, such as full name, CPF or even data from a public legal proceeding. - Promise of financial advantage
After gaining the victim’s trust, the fake lawyer informs them that they have received compensation, restitution or some other legal benefit. But there is one condition: they must pay a fee in advance, usually via PIX, to release the amount. - Well-crafted fake documents
To make the situation more convincing, scammers send documents simulating contracts, petitions or even court decisions. These files are created with an official appearance and can easily fool someone without legal experience. - Digital identity cloning
In some cases, criminals even clone WhatsApp numbers of real lawyers, further increasing the feeling of legitimacy in communicating with the victim.
How to protect yourself against the fake lawyer scam?
Avoiding this type of fraud requires caution, critical thinking and rigorous verification. Here are some practical tips:
Always verify the lawyer’s identity
Use reliable platforms, such as ConfirmADV, a tool developed by the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), to confirm the professional’s authenticity. It allows you to quickly check whether the lawyer exists and is registered with the institution.
Be wary of urgent charges
If someone requests immediate payment to release funds related to lawsuits, be alert. Contact your lawyer or office directly through official channels — never use the contact details provided by the supposed unknown professional.
Maintain direct contact
Whenever you have any doubts about a communication received, call the office or legal practice directly. Use registered and publicly available telephone numbers, avoiding the means offered by the supposed “lawyer”.
Report if you suspect fraud
If you believe you have been the target or victim of this scam:
File a police report
Report to the police
Report to the local OAB (Brazilian Bar Association)
The OAB runs campaigns to combat fraud and can help in the investigation of these crimes.
Conclusion
The fake lawyer scam is a real and growing threat. It can cause serious financial damage and significant emotional impacts, especially on vulnerable people or those who are already involved in legal proceedings.
The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed, question suspicious situations and never act on impulse or fear. Remember: no legitimate lawyer will demand urgent payments through informal channels.
