The cyber fraud incident began when Reena received a phone call from a person claiming to be a senior officer from the “toilet head office” in Lucknow. The caller informed Reena that her household had been approved for a toilet under a government scheme worth ₹36,000. Initially sceptical, Reena questioned the validity of the claim, as she had not applied for such a scheme. However, the fraudster provided details about her husband Sushil Kumar and their two children, which convinced Reena that the call was legitimate.
The fraudster instructed Reena to pay a fee of ₹1,200 via PhonePe or another digital payment service. Reena, unfamiliar with digital payments, explained that no one in her village used these platforms and that due to the rainy season, she could not easily leave the village. The caller insisted, claiming that the money would be deposited into her account once the payment was made. At this point, Reena’s husband returned home, and after hearing the story, he took the phone. As soon as he mentioned the possibility of reporting the fraud, the caller disconnected and subsequently blocked Reena’s number.
The fraudsters employed a highly targeted approach, leveraging official-sounding information and personal details to build credibility. This method, often referred to as phishing, involves the use of social engineering techniques to manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information or money. In Reena’s case, the fraudsters combined the promise of a government benefit with personalised details, such as her husband’s name and their children’s identities, to gain trust.
Phishing scams like this are increasingly common in rural India, where government welfare schemes are a significant source of support for low-income families. Fraudsters exploit this by pretending to represent official bodies, offering financial benefits, and demanding small payments in return. The fraudsters in this case also took advantage of the victim’s lack of familiarity with digital payment systems, such as PhonePe, Google Pay, and public service centres, to create a sense of urgency and pressure.
Technology played a central role in this scam. The use of a phone call, combined with specific details about the victim’s family, gave the appearance of authenticity. Moreover, the fraudster’s quick disconnection of the call and subsequent blocking of Reena’s number demonstrates their use of evasive tactics to avoid detection.
The psychological and emotional impact of the incident on Reena and her family was profound. Initially, the detailed information provided by the fraudsters about her family created confusion and fear. Reena, like many women in rural India, relies heavily on her family for decision-making, particularly when it comes to finances and digital matters. Her initial mistrust of the call was overridden by the fraudster’s convincing use of personal information, a tactic that made her question her own judgement.
Reena’s husband, Sushil Kumar, also became involved when he realised the seriousness of the situation. The call put them both in a vulnerable position, and the realisation that they had nearly been defrauded caused anxiety and distress. While the couple managed to avoid financial loss, the incident left them wary of future interactions with unknown callers or digital platforms. This mistrust, while protective in the short term, may also prevent them from engaging with legitimate digital opportunities, such as government schemes or digital payment systems, which are increasingly important for financial inclusion in rural India.
This case highlights the broader challenges faced by rural communities in India when it comes to navigating the digital landscape. Misinformation and cyber fraud are becoming more prevalent, yet there is a significant gap in digital literacy. In Reena’s village, few people use digital payment platforms, and there is limited access to reliable internet. Furthermore, traditional trust networks, which rely on face-to-face interactions and community verification, are breaking down in the face of anonymous digital communications.
The flood-prone geography of the region also played a role in this incident. Reena’s inability to travel due to the heavy rains delayed her response, and it was only because of this delay that her husband was able to intervene and prevent the scam from succeeding. However, in more accessible conditions, Reena may have followed through with the fraudster’s instructions, highlighting the precarious position many rural residents are in when dealing with digital financial transactions.
After realising they had been targeted by fraudsters, Reena and her husband took immediate action by blocking the number and reporting the incident to local authorities. While they did not suffer financial loss, the emotional toll of the event lingered. To prevent similar incidents in the future, the family began spreading awareness within their village, warning others about the dangers of phishing scams and the importance of verifying any calls or messages related to government schemes.
Reena’s case illustrates the need for stronger digital literacy programs in rural areas. Such programs should focus not only on teaching people how to use digital tools but also on educating them about the risks associated with these platforms. Local community workers, such as panchayat members and digital service coordinators, can play a key role in disseminating this information and building trust within the community.
This case of cyber fraud underscores the urgent need for digital literacy initiatives targeted at rural and marginalised communities in India. As the government pushes for greater digital inclusion through initiatives like Digital India, it is crucial to ensure that people have the skills and knowledge to protect themselves from cyber threats.
Reena’s case is a microcosm of the challenges faced by rural India as it navigates the digital revolution. Cyber fraud, fuelled by misinformation and the exploitation of vulnerable populations, poses a significant threat to the financial security of these communities. While Reena and her family managed to avoid financial loss, the emotional and psychological impact of the event has left lasting scars. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and local communities to build digital resilience and protect the most vulnerable from exploitation.