Beware of the Fake Brazilian Lawyer

Another scam is sweeping across Brazil, and this time it’s targeting people who think they’re dealing with a lawyer. Known locally as the golpe do falso advogado, the “fake lawyer scam” has grown rapidly in scale since last year.

Here’s how it works. Scammers first obtain information from lawsuits that are publicly available online. Then, posing as attorneys, they contact the “client,” often using real professional license numbers, photos, and law firm logos. Once the victim is engaged, they fabricate a story claiming that money is needed for legal fees, court costs, or the release of funds associated with the dispute.

It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially for people already involved in litigation. And in today’s increasingly digital world, where many legal services are handled online, it can be hard to tell who’s real and who’s not.

What once seemed like an isolated fraud scheme has become a nationwide problem. The Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) has received more than 1,600 complaints in São Paulo alone from people who were tricked by this scam.

To fight back, the OAB has launched a new digital verification tool to protect the public. The platform, ConfirmADV, lets users check whether someone is licensed to practice law in Brazil. It’s a quick and easy way to verify credentials before sending money.

If you’re hiring legal counsel in Brazil, don’t forget to ask for their full name and bar number, and run a check through the OAB’s platform. A few minutes could save you from a costly mistake.