Brazilian Con Artist Poses as Autistic Child, Deceives Family into Adoption
Amanda Maria Souza de Oliveira, a 37-year-old Brazilian woman, has been arrested for posing as a 12-year-old autistic girl named Gabrielle to deceive a family into adopting her. Over a period of 14 months, Oliveira convinced a family in Santa Catarina, Brazil, that she was a child in need of care, using props like a baby bottle and pacifier to maintain her ruse. She claimed her aged appearance was due to abuse and hormone treatments. The scheme unraveled when a suspicious relative discovered Oliveira's true identity online, linking her to similar cons across Brazil. Oliveira has been charged with fraud and identity theft and is currently in custody awaiting trial. 
