The government is preparing to introduce a powerful new tool to protect people from online fraud and cybercrime.
With digital payment scams and so-called “digital arrests” rising rapidly, the Home Ministry is working on a system that can help users stop fraud before their money disappears.
Emergency Button to Stop Fraud Instantly
The Home Ministry has set up a high-level committee to bring an emergency “kill switch” feature to banks and UPI apps.
This button will allow users to immediately freeze their bank account or digital wallet the moment they suspect fraud.
The goal is to stop transactions in real time.
Since fraudsters usually move stolen money within minutes, this feature could help save funds during the most critical early moments of a scam.
How the Kill Switch Will Work
The committee includes experts from the RBI, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Delhi Police, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Together, they are designing a system that can be integrated directly into banking and UPI platforms.
Once the feature is live, users will be able to press the emergency button as soon as they sense something is wrong.
All outgoing transactions will be halted instantly, cutting off fraudsters before they can move the money further.
Crackdown on Fake and Mule Accounts
Cybercriminals often use fake or rented accounts, known as mule accounts, to quickly distribute stolen money.
To tackle this, the government is considering a real-time monitoring system.
This tool would detect suspicious transactions and block transfers to such accounts before the money is moved.
Alongside this, officials are also discussing the creation of a shared insurance fund to compensate victims who lose money due to cyber fraud.
A Big Step to End Digital Arrest Scams
Cases of digital arrest scams have increased sharply, with many victims losing their entire life savings.
The government believes that technology alone is not enough. Strong laws, smart systems, and public awareness must work together.
The upcoming features are meant to give users immediate control and protection when they need it most.
Reports suggest the committee is close to finalising its recommendations, and the new safeguards could be announced soon.
