Fake law firm using your name for out-of-court settlements
How criminals hijack the firm's credibility to close fake settlements with the opposing party.
Audience: Professionals and Personal Brands · Risk level: CRITICAL
Blindfy Intelligence Unit · Technical review by Blindfy
Scenario
The opposing party in a lawsuit is contacted by a supposed "firm representative" offering a discounted out-of-court settlement, demanding a Pix transfer to a third-party account.
How the scam works
Attackers monitor public cases on court systems (PJe, DataJud), identify the lawyers involved, clone the letterhead and approach the party with a credible proposal.
Common mistake
Not monitoring the firm's and partners' names for misuse in communications with opposing parties.
Impact
The client accuses the firm of misconduct, moral damages lawsuits, client loss and the need for an ethics defense.
What works
Standardized official communication with opposing parties, letterhead misuse monitoring and a verified channel to confirm settlements.
Protection checklist
- Standardize a single official communication channel
- Add a footer notice about official channels
- Monitor misuse of the firm's name
- Provide a validation channel for third parties
- Initiate takedown of fake pages
- Notify the OAB when someone else's number is used
- File a police report
Editorial sources
- CERT.br / NIC.br — Cartilha de Segurança para Internet
- ENCCLA / Ministério da Justiça — Enfrentamento a golpes digitais
Your letterhead is worth as much as your argument. Protect the symbolic infrastructure.
