Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made sending money quick and convenient. However, transferring money to the wrong account by mistake can create problems, and recovering the amount may not be easy. Such errors can happen when users rush through a payment or select an incorrect UPI ID or QR code.
If you have accidentally transferred money to the wrong person, do not panic. Report the transaction immediately through your UPI app and contact your bank. Although a refund is not guaranteed, following the proper procedure can improve your chances of recovering the money.
What Should You Do First After Sending Money to the Wrong UPI ID?
UPI transactions are generally completed within seconds. Once a payment is successful, it usually cannot be cancelled directly through the payment app.
To initiate the recovery process, keep the following details ready:
- Transaction date and time
- Amount transferred
- Transaction reference number or UPI transaction ID
- Incorrect UPI ID or recipient details
- Screenshot or receipt of the transaction
- These details will help your bank identify the payment and investigate the complaint.
How to File a Complaint Through Your UPI App
First, open the UPI app you used to make the payment and visit the transaction history. Select the incorrect transaction and look for an option such as “Report an issue” or “Raise a complaint”. Follow the instructions and explain that the money was transferred to the wrong UPI ID.
Next, contact your bank’s customer care and report the mistaken transfer. Ask the bank to register a formal complaint and provide a complaint reference number.
Reporting the issue to your bank is an important step, even if you have already raised a complaint through the payment app. Keep the reference number and all related records for future follow-ups.
Why Can Recovering the Money Take Time?
The recovery process depends on whether the transaction failed or the money was successfully credited to another account.
If a transaction fails but the amount is deducted from your account, the refund may be processed under the applicable banking rules.
However, if the payment is successfully credited to another person’s account, the process is different. The bank generally cannot simply withdraw money from another customer’s account without following the appropriate procedure. Your bank may contact the recipient’s bank and request assistance in recovering the funds.
A complaint does not guarantee a refund. The outcome depends on the circumstances, the banking process and, in some cases, the recipient’s cooperation.
What If the Recipient Refuses to Return the Money?
If the recipient agrees to return the amount, the banks can help facilitate the recovery through the appropriate process.
If the recipient refuses to cooperate, keep all transaction records and your complaint reference number. Follow up regularly with your bank and request an update on the case.
If the issue remains unresolved, escalate the complaint to your bank’s grievance redressal department. If the complaint meets the applicable eligibility requirements, you may also approach the Reserve Bank of India’s Integrated Ombudsman Scheme after following the prescribed complaint process.
Important: Report an incorrect UPI transfer as soon as possible. Keep copies of all communications and never share your UPI PIN, OTP or banking passwords with anyone claiming to help recover your money.