Sent Money to the Wrong UPI ID or Account? Here’s How You Can Get It Back
Wrong UPI Transaction: Digital payments in India have become faster and more convenient with UPI. From big cities to small towns and villages, people are sending and receiving money within seconds. But mistakes can happen—sometimes money is transferred to the wrong UPI ID or account due to a typing error, wrong contact, or even fraud.
If this happens to you, don’t panic. As per RBI guidelines, acting quickly and reporting the issue to your UPI app, bank, or NPCI increases the chances of recovering your money. Here’s everything you need to know.
When Do Wrong UPI Transactions Happen?
Wrong transactions can occur due to several reasons:
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Entering the wrong mobile number or UPI ID in a hurry.
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Selecting the wrong contact saved in your phone.
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Technical glitches in the app or network.
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Fraud, where users are tricked into sending money to scammers.
What Do RBI Guidelines Say?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) makes it clear that entering the correct details is the responsibility of the user. While banks and UPI apps work to provide secure systems, you must double-check before confirming a transaction.
At the same time, RBI has directed all banks and UPI apps to offer a proper grievance redressal system. If your money goes to the wrong account, you have the right to lodge a complaint immediately.
Steps to Take If Money Goes to the Wrong Account
1. Report the Issue in the UPI App
Most UPI apps such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM have a “Help” or “Report” option.
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Select the transaction that went wrong.
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Choose “Wrong UPI Transaction” or the closest option.
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Provide all transaction details and submit a complaint.
2. Contact Your Bank Immediately
If the app complaint doesn’t resolve the issue, reach out to your bank.
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Call customer care or visit the nearest branch.
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Keep details such as transaction ID, date, time, and recipient information ready.
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Submitting a written complaint is recommended as it gets officially recorded.
3. File a Complaint with NPCI
If your issue is not resolved within 30 days, you can approach the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
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Call NPCI’s toll-free number: 1800-120-1740.
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File an online complaint through the NPCI website with complete details.
Can the Money Really Be Recovered?
Recovery is possible but not guaranteed. If the recipient agrees to return the money, the process is simple. However, if the person refuses, banks and NPCI can only attempt to help—they cannot forcefully reverse the payment. This is why quick action is critical.
How to Avoid Wrong UPI Transactions
Prevention is always better than cure. Keep these tips in mind:
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Double-check the recipient’s UPI ID or account details before confirming.
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Verify the name that appears before completing the payment.
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Avoid relying on auto-saved contacts as they may be outdated.
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Stay away from suspicious QR codes and unknown payment links.
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When sending money to a new person, test with a small amount first.
Final Thoughts
UPI has made money transfers fast and convenient, but mistakes can happen in seconds. Always stay cautious, confirm details carefully, and act quickly if a wrong transaction occurs. Following RBI guidelines and contacting your UPI app, bank, and NPCI without delay gives you the best chance of recovering your money.
