Cyber fraud is a growing menace in rural India, as rapid digitalisation outpaces the spread of digital literacy. Vulnerable communities often fall prey to sophisticated scams that exploit their limited understanding of online safety. Badla village in Jharkhand is a case in point, where a resident, Sasita Oraon, was defrauded of INR 58,000 in a […]
As social media usage rapidly expands across rural India, it opens new channels of communication and interaction but simultaneously creates opportunities for cybercrime. The perils of digital misuse, including the hacking of social media accounts, are becoming more apparent in rural regions, where many users lack sufficient knowledge of cybersecurity protocols. This case study examines […]
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, […]
The village of Siyadih is situated in Handia Block, Uttar Pradesh, and is primarily inhabited by women, many of whom are from marginalised communities. The socio-economic conditions of this rural area are representative of much of rural India, where low levels of education and digital literacy, combined with deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs, contribute to […]
Devpura is a small village inhabited by around 700 people from the Banjara community, a traditionally nomadic group classified as a Scheduled Tribe in India. Ashok Banjara’s experience represents the intersection of two crucial issues faced by marginalised communities in rural India—digital vulnerability and cyber fraud. As the sole breadwinner of his family, Ashok, who […]
The rapid digitalisation of India has brought unprecedented access to information and communication, particularly in rural areas. However, it has also led to an increase in digital vulnerabilities, particularly for marginalised and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. This case study examines the work of Rekha Sen, a resident of Ratangarh in the Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh, […]
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, […]
Sahrun, a hardworking and honest man, faced financial difficulties and was seeking ways to improve his economic situation. One day, he saw posters circulating in his village advertising an easy loan of Rs. 1,00,000, promising no hassle or upfront costs. Desperate to resolve his financial struggles, he contacted the number listed on the poster. The […]
This case study focuses on the intervention of a SoochnaPreneur, Sumitra Bala Devi, and the impact of digital literacy efforts in the village of Pindrajora, Jharkhand. The incident centers around Renu Devi, a beneficiary who fell victim to a cyber fraud scheme. Through Sumitra Bala Devi’s efforts, part of a broader initiative aimed at mitigating […]
Misinformation and disinformation, particularly in rural areas, have long been societal challenges, exacerbated by limited digital literacy and accessibility. In Jharkhand’s Khunti district, the village of Gutjora is a microcosm of these struggles. This case study explores the critical role played by Anokha Devi, a local InfoPreneur, in empowering her community through digital literacy, combating […]