Brazil's Bar Association flags AI-driven fake‑lawyer scams targeting citizens

The Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB) has warned that a rapidly growing "fake lawyer" fraud uses real court‑process data and artificial‑intelligence tools to deceive victims. Criminals pose as attorneys, cite genuine case numbers and even generate AI‑replicated voices and forged documents, urging victims to pay fees via PIX or bank transfers. The OAB and state courts have issued nationwide alerts, and fintech Cerus advises people to verify any unexpected requests with the originating firm.

In a related disciplinary matter, the OAB's Santa Catarina section will examine a case in which a lawyer was convicted of defrauding an elderly, illiterate couple in Penha. A court nullified the sale contract, ordered the lawyer to pay R$ 15,000 in moral damages, and sent the decision to the OAB for possible sanctions. Both incidents illustrate the association's intensified effort to combat legal fraud and protect consumers.