Woman Fakes Identity as Autistic Girl to Deceive Family in Brazil

A 37-year-old woman in Brazil has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after impersonating a 12-year-old autistic girl to secure housing and financial support from a charitable couple. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, now 38, was found guilty of defrauding multiple families across the country using elaborate ruses.

Oliveira, who presented herself as 'Gabriele,' claimed to be a severely autistic child and employed tactics such as carrying a doll and using a pacifier to convince her benefactors in Joinville, Santa Catarina, that she was vulnerable. Initially introduced to the couple by a local pastor in 2025, she managed to live with them for over a year, enjoying a decorated bedroom and even a birthday party.

Her deception unraveled when her adoptive aunt expressed doubts about her story, leading to an investigation that revealed Oliveira had used similar tactics in various states, including São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Previous victims described her as a teenager who had escaped abuse, and she was able to elicit sympathy and support from those who took her in.

Police discovered that Oliveira had manipulated her appearance and behavior to maintain her facade, searching her phone revealed online inquiries about the behaviors of autistic individuals. Investigator Rodrigo Gusso remarked on her remarkable ability to persuade others, suggesting there may be more victims yet to come forward.

During her arrest, Oliveira dropped her act, speaking in her regular adult voice. In her defense, she claimed she did not intend to scam anyone, but the court rejected her assertion of mental illness, determining she had acted with intent.

Source: www.independent.co.uk