UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has transformed the way India handles digital transactions, enabling fast, secure, and cashless money transfers within seconds. However, with such convenience also comes the occasional risk—accidentally sending money to the wrong UPI number.
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and you can still recover your funds.
What should you do if money is transferred to the wrong number?
Take Immediate Action
As soon as you realize the UPI payment was sent to the wrong number, respond without delay. The faster you act, the higher the chance of recovering the funds before they are withdrawn or spent.
Note All Transaction Details
Carefully record all the transaction information, including:
- Date and time of the transfer
- Transferred amount
- Receiver’s UPI ID or mobile number
- UPI Transaction ID or UTR (Unique Transaction Reference)
These details can be found in your UPI app transaction history or your bank statement. They are critical when filing a complaint or talking to customer support.
Try Contacting the Receiver
If the recipient’s contact details are visible, try reaching out to them. Politely explain the mistake and request a refund of the transferred amount. However, keep in mind that the receiver is not legally obligated to return the money, and this method doesn’t guarantee success.
Contact Your UPI App or Bank Support
Immediately contact the customer care team of your UPI app (like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, etc.) or your bank. Inform them of the incorrect transaction and provide all relevant details. They may be able to initiate a reversal or lodge a formal complaint on your behalf.
File a Complaint on the NPCI Website
If the UPI app or bank is unable to assist, or if the transaction was marked successful, the next step is to submit a grievance through the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) portal.
This is a free, user-friendly process where you can raise a dispute and track its resolution online.
How do you file a complaint on the NPCI website?
If you’re unable to resolve the issue through your UPI app or bank, the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) provides a Dispute Redressal Mechanism to help you recover funds from a mistaken transfer. Follow these simple steps to file a complaint:
Visit the NPCI Website
Go to the official NPCI website at https://www.npci.org.in/.
Navigate to the ‘Get in Touch’ Section
Scroll down to the “Get in touch” section on the website and select the “UPI” option.
Access the Dispute Redressal Mechanism
Click on the “Dispute Redressal Mechanism” link to proceed to the next step.
Raise a Complaint
Click on the “Raise a Complaint” button to start the complaint submission process.
Select ‘Person to Person’ Transaction
Choose the “Person to Person” transaction option if money is sent to the wrong UPI number.
Provide Your Transaction Details
Fill in all the required details, including:
- Date and time of the transaction
- Amount transferred
- UPI ID or mobile number of the recipient
- Bank name
- Transaction reference number (UTR)
Write and Submit Your Complaint
Carefully write your complaint with all the relevant details, then submit it for processing.
Note Your Complaint Number
Upon submission, you will receive a complaint reference number. Make sure to note it down for future reference and tracking.
Frequently Asked Question
What should I do if I accidentally send money to the wrong UPI number?
If you’ve sent money to the wrong UPI ID, act quickly by contacting your UPI app or bank, noting all transaction details, and filing a complaint with NPCI. The faster you act, the higher your chances of getting your money back.
Can I get my money back if I send it to the wrong UPI number?
Yes, it’s possible to recover funds if you act quickly. Contact your UPI app or bank, or file a complaint on the NPCI website to initiate the process of recovering your money.
How do I file a complaint with NPCI after sending money to the wrong UPI number?
To file a complaint, visit the NPCI website, navigate to the UPI section, and follow the steps under the Dispute Redressal Mechanism. You’ll need to provide details like the transaction amount, date, UPI ID, and transaction reference number (UTR).
Is it necessary to contact the receiver if I sent money to the wrong UPI number?
Yes, if possible, contact the recipient and request a refund. However, the receiver is not obligated to return the funds, so it’s essential not to depend solely on this method.
What transaction details should I collect to file a complaint?
When filing a complaint, gather the transaction date, time, amount, recipient’s UPI ID or mobile number, bank name, and transaction reference number (UTR). These details will help expedite the process.
How long does it take to get my money back after filing a complaint with NPCI?
The timeline can vary, but NPCI typically investigates the issue within 7-10 business days. If the transaction is unsuccessful, your money will be refunded; if it is successful, NPCI will work with the recipient’s bank to request a refund.
Can I recover money sent to the wrong UPI number through my bank?
Yes, your bank’s customer care team can assist in investigating the transaction and potentially initiate a reversal. However, if the recipient has already accepted the payment, it may be more challenging to recover the funds.
Conclusion
Accidentally sending money to the wrong UPI number can be stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and take quick action. By promptly contacting your UPI app or bank, gathering the necessary transaction details, and filing a complaint with NPCI, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering the funds.
