Many women in Pakistan are falling victim to online scams, from fake parcels to stolen credit cards. Kehkashan Bukhari, for example, lost nearly Rs39,000 after using her card at a café. Although the bank did not make her pay, the fear of fraud left her shaken and she cancelled all her online subscriptions. Women say even small scams take away their confidence in using digital payments.
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Other victims share similar experiences. In Karachi, a homemaker received a call about a fake parcel and gave away her PIN, only to learn her accounts were compromised. In Islamabad, Sarah Batool Haider ordered shoes from Instagram but received an old bathroom slipper instead. When she complained, she was blocked and later ridiculed online, which shows how women are often blamed instead of supported.
Experts believe women are targeted not just for money but also because of social pressures. Scammers use fake job ads, false marriage profiles, and stolen photos to exploit women. Rights activists say weak state action and low digital literacy make the problem worse. With only a few cybercrime offices and limited access to help, many women remain silent out of fear of blame or punishment from their families.
Psychologists warn that such scams cause deep stress, anxiety, and loss of trust. Victims often stop shopping online or avoid digital platforms altogether. Lawyers argue that Pakistan’s cybercrime laws are outdated and poorly enforced, leaving women without real protection. Until stronger laws, better awareness, and supportive systems are in place, women will continue to face both scams and the silence that follows.
