A 37-year-old woman in Brazil allegedly pretended to be a vulnerable 12-year-old girl to gain the trust of unsuspecting families, using fake abuse claims, childish antics, medical scares, and even Minnie Mouse attire to maintain her deception.
The Alleged Scam Unfolds
Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira is currently detained in Joinville, the largest city in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, after reportedly living with one family for 14 months. Police state that Amanda, whose real age is 37, presented herself to the family as a girl named Gabriele. Court documents indicate she initially approached the family through a church pastor, claiming to be 18, experienced in baking, and seeking employment.
After the couple allowed her to stay temporarily, she allegedly began asserting that she had health issues and no money. Police said Amanda later altered her story, telling the family she was only 11 and had been abused. The couple believed they were helping a child in need and even organized a party to celebrate what they thought was her 12th birthday.
Arrest and Indictment
Amanda was arrested on June 2 after a relative of the family grew suspicious. Police have since indicted her for fraud and false identity. Authorities are also investigating two additional cases in Florianopolis and Chapeco.
Previous Allegations
Nutritionist Renata Magalhaes, who claims she was targeted by the same alleged scam in Rio de Janeiro in 2023, stated that Amanda researched how to imitate a child and mimic the behavior of an autistic teenager. Renata, a clinical child nutritionist specializing in autism, said Amanda's act succeeded because autism is diagnosed through clinical signs rather than laboratory tests.
Renata alleged that Amanda used drawings, childish behavior, and fake crises to sustain the deception. She said Amanda, who allegedly introduced herself as 'Duda,' claimed her father had forced her into prostitution and made her take hormones. This story was used to explain her adult appearance and lack of documents. Renata also claimed she witnessed Amanda vomit needles on several occasions.
'She vomited the needle. She vomited, she did it in front of me. It is bizarre,' Renata said. 'I have seen many people laughing and making jokes on the internet, but she is a fraudster, a narcissist, a dangerous woman. She is a person who puts on a character like a coat and creates a totally fake narrative.'
Renata added that police later found searches on Amanda's phone about autistic behavior and how to create drawings that would move religious families. 'Her phone was full of searches. She researched how an autistic person behaves, how to make drawings to move evangelical people and, to make it worse, there was a huge history of pornographic films,' she said.
Another Victim Comes Forward
Social worker Delma Soares, from Belo Horizonte, claimed Amanda had also lived with her in 2017 while using the name Carolina and claiming to be a vulnerable teen. Delma said Amanda arrived wearing Minnie Mouse clothes, carrying a backpack and a Minnie Mouse headband, and appeared much younger than her real age.
Delma alleged that Amanda called everyone 'auntie,' cried often, slept a lot, and became jealous when Delma gave attention to other children. However, Delma grew suspicious and confronted Amanda about her real age. 'Carol, you're not a minor, you're an adult,' she said. Delma claims Amanda then dropped the childlike act and broke several objects in her home.
Widespread Pattern
Police said Amanda admitted using the same scam in Curitiba, Nova Iguacu, Minas Gerais, Goias, and Ceara. Her court-appointed defense lawyer, Rafael Luiz Siewert, stated that she will undergo mental health examinations.
