📌 UPI Money Sent to the Wrong Account? Here’s How to Get It Back

Balasahana Suresh
Accidentally transferring money to the wrong UPI ID is a common wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital payment mistake, but you can take steps to recover your funds if you act quickly.

🧠 Step‑by‑Step Recovery Process

1. Contact the Recipient First

If you know the person who received the money by mistake:
👉 Reach out to them immediately and ask politely for a refund.
Provide them the transaction details (amount, time, transaction ID).
If they agree and send it back, your problem is solved quickly.

2. Report the Mistake in Your UPI App

Every UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.) has a “Report a problem / Dispute transaction” option:

Open the app

Go to Transaction History

Select the wrong transaction

Tap Report / Dispute

Choose the reason like “Sent to wrong UPI ID/account”

Submit the details and screenshots if asked

This triggers an internal complaint and the app will coordinate with banks/NPCI for a resolution.

3. Contact Your Bank’s customer Support

Your bank plays a big role in reversal requests.

  • Call or email your bank’s helpline as soon as possible.
  • Provide: UPI transaction ID, date, time, amount, and the mistaken recipient ID.
  • The bank will contact the recipient’s bank and try to get the money returned.
Note: If funds were transferred across banks, it might take slightly longer for interbank coordination.

4. File a Complaint with NPCI (Dispute Redressal)

If the app and bank don’t resolve it:
🔹 Go to the NPCI UPI Dispute Redressal portal on npci.org.in.
🔹 Select UPIDispute Redressal/Complaint.
🔹 Fill in transaction details and choose the reason (“incorrectly transferred”).
NPCI is the governing body for UPI and helps coordinate refunds between banks.

You can also call the official UPI helpline: 1800‑120‑1740 (available 24/7).

5. Escalate Further if Needed

If you still don’t get a refund after giving enough time:
Banking Ombudsman (RBI) — File a grievance via the RBI’s banking Ombudsman Scheme.
Police Cybercrime Complaint — If the recipient refuses to cooperate and you suspect fraud.
These options are usually for larger amounts or unresolved cases.

 How Long It Takes

  • If both sender and recipient are with the same bank: refund may come within 24‑48 hours.
  • If different banks are involved: it may take 3–7 business days or longer depending on cooperation.
  • Quick action increases the chance of recovery.
📝 Important Tips

✔ Act immediately — the sooner you report, the better the chances of recovery.
✔ Keep screenshots and transaction details ready for complaints.
✔ Always verify UPI IDs and names before confirming payments to avoid mistakes.

⚠️ When Refund Might Not Be Possible

If the recipient refuses to return the money and the bank cannot reverse it, recovery may be difficult — especially if the funds were already withdrawn or transferred out by the recipient. In such situations, legal channels (ombudsman/cybercrime complaint) may be your next recourse.

📌 Quick Summary: How to Get Money Back

Contact the recipient directly

Report the issue in your UPI app

Contact your bank

File a complaint with NPCI

Escalate to Ombudsman / Cybercrime cell if needed

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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