The government is preparing to introduce a powerful new safety feature to protect people from cyber fraud and digital arrests.
A high-level committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs is working on an emergency system for banks and digital payment apps that could help users stop fraud within minutes.
This move comes as online scams continue to rise, with fraudsters emptying bank accounts before victims even realize what’s happening.
Emergency Button to Stop Fraud Instantly
The proposed feature will work like a kill switch or emergency button inside banking and UPI apps.
If a user suspects fraud, they can press this button to immediately freeze their account.
Once activated, all outgoing transactions will stop in real time.
This quick action can prevent fraudsters from moving money across multiple accounts, which usually happens within the first few minutes of a scam.
The goal is simple: give people control at the exact moment they need it most.
Experts from RBI and Cyber Agencies Involved
The committee includes experts from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Delhi Police, and senior officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
They are working on ways to integrate this emergency feature directly into bank apps and UPI platforms
The system is designed to be easy to use so that even non-technical users can act quickly during an emergency.
Crackdown on Fake and Mule Accounts
Cybercriminals often use “mule accounts,” which are fake or rented bank accounts, to move stolen money quickly.
To stop this, the government is considering a real-time detection system.
This tool would identify suspicious accounts and block transactions before the money reaches fraudsters.
There is also discussion around creating a shared insurance fund to help compensate victims who lose money due to cyber fraud.
Digital Arrest Scams May Reduce
Digital arrest scams have increased sharply, with many people losing their lifetime savings.
The government believes technology alone is not enough and is focusing on a mix of strict laws, smarter systems, and public awareness.
The upcoming safety features aim to give users immediate help when they sense something is wrong.
According to reports, the committee is expected to finalize its recommendations soon.
If implemented, this emergency button could become one of the strongest tools yet to protect citizens from online financial fraud.
