It is not fictional anymore.
Government of India had frozen its citizens accounts for more than 3 months in an effort to carryout 'demonetization' during which Citizens were not allowed to withdraw more than $30 per day for 3+ months.
Although this was for a CLEANup of corrupt system (much needed), it just shows the power Government holds!
For governments that have any marketing capabilities at all, they can create the back story on why their actions are really "for the best" of the population, sand they can sell that story. Kudos to government of India for having some finesse in their marketing of the crisis they were fixing.
They sometimes "CREATE" the "EMERGENCY" so people willingly participate (not talking about India, it was due overhaul for many decades)