Woman Convicted of Fraud After Posing as Child and Living with Brazilian Foster Family

A woman in Brazil has been found guilty of fraud and false identity after residing with a foster family for more than a year under the guise of being a minor, according to judicial authorities. Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, 37, received her conviction on Thursday, as detailed in a translated statement from the Court of Justice of Santa Catarina.

For a period of 14 months, Oliveira was welcomed into the family's home as their foster daughter, having initially claimed to be a child escaping a situation of abuse. The deception was eventually uncovered, and she later confessed to fabricating her identity and age.

A Long-Term Deception

Reports indicate that Oliveira's elaborate deception extended over 15 years, during which she maintained a false identity as a minor. To sustain this fabricated persona, she reportedly adopted a high-pitched, childlike voice and even claimed to others that she had been compelled to take hormones to appear older.

Following her conviction, Oliveira was sentenced to a term of one year, six months, and 10 days in prison, alongside an additional four months and 18 days of detention.

Defense Arguments and Personal Motivations

Lúcio Sousa, one of Oliveira's legal representatives, argued that her scheme was a means of "survival." Prior to the verdict, Sousa stated that his client "admits that she invented an identity," but emphasized that "it was the way she found to survive."

He further characterized her as "a vulnerable person for more than 20 years," noting her history of living on the streets. Sousa also highlighted the absence of any allegations that she gained financial advantage, or committed robbery or theft, suggesting that the core elements of fraud might not have been fully established.

Oliveira herself conveyed that she never intended to inflict harm upon anyone. According to police reports, she acknowledged, "Of course, I deceived people, I lied," but maintained, "But I didn’t intend to scam anyone."

She explained her actions stemmed from a profound personal void, expressing a wish to experience the affection she lacked during her own childhood. "There was a certain void in me, a need to have that kind of care, so I always sought it out," she remarked.

Following the court's decision, Sousa confirmed in an Instagram statement that the defense team intends to "pursue all appropriate legal measures and appeals before the higher courts."