In the Brazilian city of Joinville, police arrested a 37-year-old woman who had been living with a family for 14 months under the guise of a minor, posing as a 12-year-old girl named Gabriela.

According to investigators, the fraudster met members of a local church, telling them her story of escaping from an abusive family. The congregants helped her find housing, and subsequently, one of the couples obtained legal guardianship over her. The adoptive parents not only raised the woman as a child but also organized a celebration for her supposed 12th birthday.

The woman attributed her age-inappropriate appearance to the effects of autism and hormone therapy she allegedly underwent as a child. To avoid exposure, she used baby bottles and, citing fear of her biological father, refused to attend school.

The scam was uncovered after one of the foster family's relatives contacted the police. The investigation revealed that the woman had previously attempted similar fraud in other regions of the country.

The woman is currently in custody. She faces charges of fraud and document forgery. The incident was reported by the Daily Mail.