Representative image of online scam.
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Last Sunday, a remarkable scene unfolded in our household. Our domestic help, a woman of quiet demeanour, was engaged in a lengthy video call, her face a picture of anxiety and determination. When I enquired about the call, she revealed that she had received a threatening message, alleging the misuse of her Aadhaar card for international parcel delivery.
This incident provided a fascinating glimpse into the resourcefulness of this seemingly ordinary woman. Despite having only completed eighth grade, she displayed an impressive awareness of current events, gleaned from her daily routine of watching news channels. This habit, coupled with her limited education, had inadvertently equipped her with a unique form of street-smartness.
Her husband, a helper in a waste paper shop, occasionally faced minor confrontations with customers, often stemming from his hearing impairment. These incidents, though minor, had exposed her to the realities of law enforcement, including the infamous Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. In fact, the scammer, during the call, had mentioned Section 420, implying the severity of the alleged offense. This, however, did not intimidate the maid. She retorted that she was aware of Section 420 but enquired about the specific rule governing the misuse of an Aadhaar card for international parcel delivery.
The scammer, seemingly surprised by her unexpected knowledge, attempted to maintain a facade of authority. He continued to insist on the urgency of the situation, threatening immediate arrest and imprisonment if she did not comply with his instructions. However, the maid remained composed. She calmly negotiated with the caller, demanding a face-to-face meeting at the police station. She even proposed a seemingly absurd solution: "Bring my lost Aadhaar card to the police station," she declared, "and I will reward you with one hundred rupees!"
The scammer, clearly taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, was momentarily speechless. The absurdity of the offer, coupled with the maid's unwavering composure, seemed to have broken the spell of fear and intimidation. After a brief silence, the call on the other side abruptly ended.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom and resourcefulness can be found in the most unexpected places. Our maid, despite her limited formal education, demonstrated a remarkable ability to think clearly even under pressure and navigate a challenging situation with composure and intelligence.
Her story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and outsmart even the most cunning of adversaries.
This incident also highlights the importance of critical thinking in an increasingly digitalised world, enabling ordinary individuals to question authority and make informed decisions.