AS our daily lives shift rapidly into the digital world, older citizens, who often lack formal training in online safety, have become the most vulnerable to scams, fraud and digital deception.

Technology has undoubtedly made life convenient, offering online banking, telemedicine and instant communication. Yet, this same convenience has opened doors for fraudsters who exploit the trust and unfamiliarity of senior citizens. Many of them do not recognise early warning signs, and this makes them easy prey.

I witnessed this tragedy personally. My grandmother was called by a fraudster who pretended to be a bank employee, and asked for her PIN and OTP. She, being innocent and not fully aware of such scams, shared the information. Within minutes, she lost Rs90,000 of her hard-earned savings. This incident shook our entire family and made us realise how urgently awareness is needed, especially for the elderly.

Several recent cases reported in media have shown a similar pattern: scammers stealing data through fake apps, imperso-nating officials, or using SIM-swap techniques to empty bank accounts. These are not just potential harms; they are happening in our homes and to our loved ones. Stronger enforcement of cybercrime and widespread public awareness are needed. Families must educate their elders about how to spot scammers and protect themselves from cyber-frauds.

Natasha Shereen Williams
Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2026