A lawyer named Carla Missurino from Araraquara, São Paulo, has reported that her photo and name have been fraudulently used in at least five attempts to scam her clients. The scammers use mobile phones to send false information about judicial processes, claiming that clients must make payments via PIX for supposed fees to receive funds. This alarming trend highlights the growing issue of online fraud in Brazil, particularly within the legal sector.

According to data from the Order of Attorneys of Brazil (OAB), there have been a significant number of reported scams throughout the state of São Paulo, with an average of 292 incidents per month from November 2024 to January 2026, totaling 4,388 reports. These scams often involve criminals impersonating lawyers and leveraging public legal information to trick victims into believing they are legitimate. The case of Missurino underscores the risks attorneys face regarding identity theft and the need for increased awareness about such deceitful schemes.

Missurino explains that the scammers utilize cloned photos from social media and communication platforms like WhatsApp, which makes their impersonation more convincing. They lure clients by stating that they are the lawyer handling their cases and often ask for money under false pretenses. This situation not only impacts the victims financially but also diminishes trust in legal professionals as these scams proliferate and can damage the reputations of innocent attorneys. Consequently, it is essential for both the legal community and the public to remain vigilant against these threats and foster better strategies to prevent such frauds.