Jamshedpur: Amid growing concern over cyber fraud targeting the elderly, a city-based social organisation has launched a free digital literacy programme to help senior citizens use online banking and digital payment platforms safely.Under the initiative, volunteers are training elderly residents in basic digital banking, secure UPI transactions, safe ATM use and ways to identify common online scams. Between June and July, the organisation, Jeevan Jyoti, trained around 20 senior citizens, most of them grandparents, in cyber safety practices.Jeevan Jyoti president Manoj Mishra said they deliberately roped in higher secondary and undergraduate students to train their own grandparents. “The idea behind involving family members is to ensure that sensitive banking and personal information remains secure and does not fall into the wrong hands,” he said.The sessions focus on mobile banking operations, safe handling of passwords and PINs, secure use of ATMs and precautions while making digital payments. Volunteers also explain how fraudsters use phishing emails, fake text messages, suspicious links and scam calls to trick people into sharing confidential information or transferring money.Mishra said the participants were also being told about the importance of quick reporting. “One of the key messages we emphasise is that victims should immediately report any cyber fraud by dialling 1930, the national cybercrime helpline,” he said.For many participants, the training has helped demystify digital transactions while making them more alert. L B Prasad, 73, a resident of Mango, said he learnt how cyber criminals manipulate people on the phone. “The sessions have made us much more cautious while using online banking,” he said.Ravi Shankar, 67, a former Tata Steel employee and a resident of Dimna, said young people were best placed to guide elderly family members. “Today’s children are highly tech-savvy, and they are the best people to guide their grandparents on safe digital practices,” he said.The organisation now plans to expand the programme by engaging a cyber security expert to train volunteers on emerging threats, including “digital arrest” scams. These volunteers will later share the lessons with senior citizens and other family members.
