15, August 2026

Cyber fraud against women in digital India : a multidimensional study of risk, awareness and financial vulnerability

VOLUME-9; ISSUE-8; AUG-2026

Author(s): 1. Pradip Kalsariya, 2. Nimisha Shukla

Authors Affiliations:

  1. PhD scholar, Department of Rural Economics, Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, India
  2. Head and Professor, Department of Rural Economics, Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, India

DOIs:10.2018/SS/202608002     |     Paper ID: SS202608002


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With digitalization and the increasing use of online financial services, incidents of cyber fraud have increased significantly in India. It is often believed that due to limited digital literacy, lack of cyber awareness, over-trusting nature, and limited technical skills; probability of Cyber fraud among women would be high. Hence, this study aims to test this belief and to analyse demographic, economic, digital usage, and security-related factors that affect vulnerability among women for fraud. The study is based on total of 56 women victims from Ahmedabad and Surat cities selected through purposive sampling method, from 2020 to 2022. Data were collected through direct interviews and questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rho correlation . According to the study, the age group of 36 to 55 was found to be the most vulnerable, while the incidence of fraud was also significant among highly educated women. Women working in private jobs, students, and housewives were found to be at higher risk. Both income and liquid assets were positively correlated with the amount of fraud. Online shopping, credit/debit card, and task-based frauds were the most commonly reported. Most women in the study used Unified Payments Interface (UPI), while awareness about One-Time Password (OTP)s and strong passwords was found to be good. However, the ability to identify fraudulent links and awareness of the cyber helpline 1930 were limited. The study shows that vulnerability to cyber fraud among women is result of combined influence of social, economic, and digital factors. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop digital literacy, cyber awareness, and safe online behaviour among women.

Cyber Fraud, Women Victims, Cyber Awareness, Online Fraud, Cyber Vulnerability, UPI, Digital Security, Socio-Economic Factors, Cybercrime.

Pradip Kalsariya,  Nimisha Shukla,  (2026); Cyber fraud against women in digital India : a multidimensional study of risk, awareness and financial vulnerability,

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