Women in Dumka fall victim to cyber fraud, lose money after accepting free mosquito nets

Dumka : The Mainya Samman Yojana, a flagship initiative by the Jharkhand government, has brought positive changes in the lives of women. What started with ₹1000 has now increased to ₹2500 per month for women under this scheme, benefiting nearly 56 lakh women who are now able to purchase daily necessities. However, about a dozen women from Basmatta village in Dumka district are unknowingly paying for a mosquito net with the money they receive from this scheme. This is the result of falling prey to a cyber fraud, which they initially did not understand.

How did they become victims of cyber fraud?

The affected women explained that a few months ago, a group of people came to their village in a Scorpio vehicle, distributing free mosquito nets under the government’s scheme. In exchange, they took the women’s Aadhaar numbers and thumbprints. A few days later, money started getting withdrawn from their bank accounts. When the women went to the bank to withdraw money, they discovered that their money had already been taken. Initially, they couldn’t understand what was happening, but eventually, they realized they had become victims of cyber fraud.

Appeal to the Chief Minister during a public event

The women decided to bring their concerns to the attention of Chief Minister Hemant Soren during his public program. Before they could meet with the legislator, Basant Soren, for help, the Block Development Officer (BDO) noticed the group of women. The BDO gathered information from the women regarding the incident and advised them to submit an application seeking justice.

BDO assures action will be taken

Although the BDO declined to comment on camera, he assured the women that their issue would be addressed. He stated that, based on their application, the first step would be to block further withdrawals from the affected women’s accounts. After that, the matter would undergo a thorough investigation. The BDO assured the women that the administration would take strict action against those responsible for the fraud.

Increasing threat of cyber fraud

This incident serves as a warning to those who accept free goods without careful consideration. Cyber fraud has become a serious issue, and it is spreading across the country. What began in Jamtara has now reached both national and international levels, with countless victims falling prey to cyber criminals. These fraudsters are targeting everyone—whether uneducated or educated, laborers or government employees. Villages, with their unsuspecting and innocent residents, have become prime targets. Therefore, it is crucial for people to exercise caution and remain vigilant to avoid falling into such traps.