In Brazil, the scam of fake lawyers has been expanding beyond isolated incidents, as reported by authorities and legal organizations. This fraudulent scheme is now exhibiting characteristics typical of organized crime operations, including a structured division of tasks, systematic use of judicial data, and simultaneous activities across different states. The advancement of these approaches signifies a worrying professionalization among the criminals involved in this scheme.

According to the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil - São Paulo (OAB-SP), there is growing concern about the increasing recurrence and standardization of these fraudulent practices. The Brazilian National Justice Council (CNJ) reported 73 cases of such scams in the past year alone, and already, three cases have been registered in January of this year, beginning with a notable incident in São Paulo. This trend raises alarms as it indicates that the authorities may be facing a coordinated effort by these criminals, which could complicate preventive actions and legal proceedings.

Generally, the scam operates as follows: victims receive a phone call, message, or email from someone posing as a lawyer or representative of the office in charge of their legal case. The perpetrator demonstrates detailed knowledge of the ongoing process and informs the victim of the immediate need to pay certain fees, often using pressure tactics to compel quick payment. This exploitation of trust and legal understanding presents significant implications, not only for the victims involved but also for the integrity of the legal profession in Brazil.