From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments
INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team ·
Verdict: Suspicious | Risk Score: 5/10 | Severity: Medium
Category: upi_fraud
Scam Intelligence: From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments
Proprietary signals from BharatSecure's scam-tracking database.
| Last reported | Apr 22, 2026 |
How From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments Works
The Reserve Bank of India is proposing enhanced security measures to protect online payments amidst rising fraud. These measures include a waiting period for new payees and high-value transfers, optional 'trusted person' approval for vulnerable users, and an emergency 'kill switch' to block all digital transactions.
How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation
In an era where digital payments are becoming the norm, scammers are increasingly taking advantage of vulnerabilities in online payment systems. They often find and approach their victims through popular platforms like WhatsApp, where they pose as trusted contacts or representatives from financial institutions. For instance, they might send messages claiming to be a friend or a customer service agent, urging their victims to complete an urgent payment or provide vital account information. As users navigate through their busy lives, they may not question the authenticity of these requests and fall prey to their manipulative tactics.
Scammers frequently employ psychological tricks that exploit trust and urgency. They may craft persuasive narratives that resonate with their targets' emotions, such as fear of losing a prize or an urgent financial opportunity. By creating a sense of urgency—such as stating that a payment must be completed immediately to avoid consequences—they lead victims to act rashly. Moreover, scammers manipulate their victims' trust by masquerading as individuals from reputable institutions, often using sender IDs or phone numbers that appear legitimate, further lowering the victim's defenses.
Once victims take the bait, the scam process often follows a predictable trajectory. First, they may receive a message prompting them to share their UPI ID or make a transfer via UPI. Upon completing the transaction, many victims realize they have either sent money to an unknown account or willingly shared sensitive information like their Aadhaar number. For instance, in 2022 alone, UPI-related scams contributed to a significant portion of the total ₹18,000 crore lost due to digital fraud in India. Victims often report feeling violated and helpless once they comprehend that their money has vanished without a trace.
The real-world impact of such scams in India is alarming. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported staggering figures, with cyber fraud incidents causing losses exceeding ₹1,200 crore in the past year alone. As more people transition to digital payment methods, these frauds show no signs of slowing, leaving individuals and banks grappling with the fallout. Additionally, CERT-In and RBI have been active in raising awareness and urging citizens to remain vigilant, but the persistent threat of scammers continues to plague innocent users.
To differentiate legitimate communications from these scams, watch for certain red flags. Authentic organizations will never request personal information through unsecured channels like WhatsApp or other social media platforms. Always verify the sender's contact details and approach the sender directly through official channels before acting. If the urgency seems exaggerated or uncalled-for, take a step back. Engage in regular discussions of online safety with family and friends to heighten awareness about such scams. Remember, staying informed is your first line of defense against online fraud.
Visual Intelligence:
BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.
Who Does From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments Target?
General public across India
Red Flags — How to Identify From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments
- RBI
- online payments
- digital fraud
- kill switch
- trusted person
- security measures
What To Do If You Encounter From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments
- Report any suspicious messages to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
- Verify suspicious requests by calling your bank's customer service directly.
- Educate your loved ones about recognizing scams, sharing real-life examples where applicable.
- Enable two-factor authentication for sensitive applications and links to your Aadhaar and UPI IDs.
- Regularly monitor your bank account statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Consider using a virtual debit card for online payments for an extra layer of protection.
How to Report From trusted persons to kill switch: 6 ways how RBI is planning to safeguard your online payments in India
- Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
- Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud
Frequently Asked Questions
- What to do if I shared my OTP in a upi_fraud scam?
- Immediately inform your bank's customer service, like SBI at 1800-11-1109, and block your card. Also, report it to 1930.
- How can I identify a UPI fraud scam?
- Look out for unsolicited messages or calls asking for your UPI ID or Aadhaar details. Always verify the source.
- How to report UPI fraud in India?
- You can lodge a complaint at 1930, or file a report at cybercrime.gov.in, and contact your bank for additional support.
- What are the steps to recover money lost in a scam?
- Contact your bank immediately, provide all transaction details, and report to cybercrime authorities. Quick action increases chances of recovery.
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