In the digital age, the rapid proliferation of technology has brought about numerous opportunities, but it has also introduced new risks, especially for individuals in rural areas with limited digital awareness. This case study focuses on Poonam, a resident of Batesra village in the Ramgarh block of Alwar district, Rajasthan. Despite being an information-savvy individual, Poonam fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud. The case offers valuable insights into the vulnerabilities that rural communities, particularly women, face in navigating the digital landscape. It also reflects on the socio-cultural dynamics of rural India, where traditional gender roles, limited access to technology, and a lack of digital literacy intersect to increase exposure to cyber threats.
Batesra is a small village located approximately 12 kilometres from Alwar, with a population largely dependent on mining for their livelihood. The social and economic conditions in the village are characterised by high levels of poverty, limited educational attainment, and an over-reliance on manual labour, especially stone breaking. The majority of the population belongs to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), groups that often face socio-economic marginalisation. The educational profile of the community is skewed, with women being particularly disadvantaged in terms of access to formal education.
Women in Batesra, like in many rural areas, are predominantly engaged in domestic tasks or wage labour, contributing to the family income through physically demanding work in the mines. In a social system where women’s voices are often marginalised, Poonam stands out as an informed and active participant in raising awareness in her village. Despite her awareness of social issues, she was not immune to the risks posed by the digital world.
One day, Poonam’s son was playing a game on his phone when he received a strange message from a source named “LG MONY”. Mistaking it for a legitimate message, her son clicked on the link, which directed him to a form requesting personal information. Without consulting Poonam, her son entered the details, unaware of the risks associated with such actions. Shortly thereafter, Poonam received notifications from her bank reporting deposits of ₹2200 and ₹800, which she initially dismissed as a benign transaction.
However, the situation took a dark turn when Poonam was contacted by an unknown individual who claimed she had taken a loan, demanding immediate repayment. When Poonam denied the claim, the situation escalated. The person began sending threatening messages, including a nude photo of Poonam, and threatened to harm her and her family if she did not comply with his demands. The perpetrator’s use of different phone numbers and the involvement of a Pakistani SIM card added a layer of complexity to the case, making it clear that the fraud was part of a larger, more organised cybercrime network.
The scammer’s threats soon extended to Poonam’s friends and family. He fabricated a story that Poonam had taken a loan on their guarantee and was now refusing to repay it, further increasing the social pressure on Poonam to pay the money. In an emotional state, Poonam, fearing the social stigma and the potential harm to her reputation, transferred ₹27,000 to the fraudster in several instalments. Despite the payments, the harassment continued.
The psychological toll of the fraud on Poonam was profound. The fear of social ostracism, humiliation, and the emotional distress caused by the constant threats overwhelmed her. As a woman in a rural context, where honour and reputation are closely tied to social standing, Poonam faced an intense internal conflict. The situation was compounded by the financial loss of her savings, which she had intended to use to purchase a new wheelchair for herself, as she is dependent on her family for mobility due to her disability.
Poonam’s emotional distress was further exacerbated by her inability to discuss the matter with her family due to shame. The fraudster’s manipulations not only caused financial loss but also left her with a deep sense of helplessness and isolation. She feared that revealing the truth to her family would undermine her standing within the household and expose her vulnerability as a woman with limited control over financial decisions.
Fortunately, Poonam confided in her friend Monica, who recognised the signs of cyber fraud and immediately took action. Monica advised Poonam to block the scammer’s number, report the issue to the police, and disconnect the SIM card. The importance of this advice cannot be overstated, as it marked the turning point in Poonam’s ability to regain control over the situation. Following Monica’s guidance, Poonam filed a complaint with the local police, who assured her that they would investigate the matter. The police advised her to remain calm and assured her that legal action would be taken to apprehend the culprit.
The intervention of Monica, as a trusted local confidante, highlights the importance of community-based support systems in dealing with cyber fraud. Monica’s immediate recognition of the scam and her advice to Poonam not only helped her to break the cycle of harassment but also reinforced the need for digital literacy and awareness within rural communities.
Poonam’s experience provides several key lessons for addressing cyber fraud in rural India. First, it underscores the critical need for widespread digital literacy campaigns that can equip individuals, particularly women, with the knowledge to identify and respond to online threats. In rural areas, where technological literacy is low and the penetration of mobile phones and internet services is high, there is a pressing need to raise awareness about the risks of cybercrime, phishing, and online fraud.
Second, the role of local networks and trusted community members, such as Monica in this case, is vital in addressing the emotional and psychological consequences of cyber fraud. Social support systems can play a crucial role in helping victims cope with the trauma and guiding them through the process of reporting the incident and seeking legal recourse.
Lastly, Poonam’s case highlights the financial vulnerability of women, particularly those with disabilities, who have limited access to resources. The loss of her disability pension savings, which she had intended to use for a wheelchair, underscores the compounding impact of cyber fraud on women’s financial independence and mobility. This situation also points to the need for targeted interventions that consider the intersection of gender, disability, and financial inclusion in digital literacy programmes.
Poonam’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers that exist in the digital realm, particularly for those with limited access to education and technological tools. Her experience of cyber fraud reflects the broader challenges faced by rural communities, where lack of awareness, socio-economic vulnerability, and gendered power dynamics intersect to amplify the risks of digital exploitation. The intervention of Monica and the police provided a glimmer of hope, but the emotional and financial repercussions of the incident continue to affect Poonam.
This case study calls for greater attention to digital literacy initiatives, community-based support systems, and targeted interventions for women and marginalized groups in rural India. By addressing these gaps, it is possible to build a more resilient and informed community capable of protecting itself from the threats posed by the digital world.