Urgent Warning: Public Defender Impersonators Defrauding Brazilians

Scammers Impersonate Public Defenders in Brazil, Defrauding Vulnerable Citizens June 1, 2025, marked a surge in reports of a sophisticated scam targeting vulnerable Brazilians who depend on the country's public defender system for legal aid. Fraudsters are contacting citizens through messaging apps, posing as public defenders to extort money. The scam has been reported in at least 12 states and the Federal District. "I didn't suspect anything," recounts Andreia Regina, a victim of the scam. "I only made the transfer when he contacted me again, five minutes later, to check if the money had arrived." Andreia transferred R$1,000 before realizing she'd been defrauded. Daniel Leão, a public defender in Ceará, confirms the alarming trend. He discovered that a fake lawyer was using his identity to perpetrate the same type of fraud. The video underscores the importance of verifying information through official channels, as public defenders never solicit payments. Samia Costa Farias, the deputy secretary of ConDege, explains that the virtual nature of modern processes has intensified such scams. The emotional distress experienced by victims like Andreia is palpable, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness. The report concludes with a call for citizens to remain vigilant and contact official channels if they receive suspicious messages.