UPI Wrong Transfer: Sent Money to the Wrong Account? Follow These Steps to Get Your Money Back Quickly

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed the way India makes digital payments. From metro cities to rural villages, millions of people use UPI apps daily for transactions—be it shopping, bill payments, or money transfers. But with such convenience also comes risk. One of the most common issues users face is accidentally transferring money to the wrong UPI ID, mobile number, or bank account.

If this happens to you, don’t panic. There are clear steps you can follow to recover your money quickly. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do when you make a wrong UPI transfer.

What Is a Wrong UPI Transaction?

A wrong UPI transaction occurs when funds are sent to an unintended recipient. This can happen due to:

• Typing an incorrect UPI ID or mobile number.

• Technical errors while initiating the payment.

• Falling victim to online fraud and transferring money under false pretenses.

Regardless of the reason, timely action is crucial if you want to get your money back.

Step 1: Report the Transaction in Your UPI App

Almost all major UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM UPI offer a built-in feature to report wrong transactions.

• Open your UPI app and go to the transaction history section.

• Select the specific transaction where the mistake happened.

• Look for the Help, Report, or Raise Complaint option.

• Choose the category Wrong UPI Transaction.

• Provide transaction details such as UPI ID, transaction ID, time, and amount.

By reporting the issue immediately within the app, you create an official record that can help in faster resolution.

Step 2: Contact Your Bank

If reporting through the app does not resolve the issue, the next step is to directly contact your bank.

• Visit your nearest bank branch or call the customer care helpline.

• Provide details like UPI transaction ID, beneficiary account number, UPI ID, date, and time of transfer.

• File a written complaint to ensure your request is officially logged.

Banks are responsible for investigating such cases and coordinating with the beneficiary’s bank to reverse the transaction if possible.

Step 3: Escalate to NPCI if Needed

Since UPI is regulated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), you can escalate your complaint if the issue remains unresolved.

• NPCI has a toll-free number: 1800-120-1740, where users can lodge complaints.

• If your problem isn’t solved within 30 days, you can also register a complaint through the NPCI grievance redressal portal.

This escalation ensures that your case is reviewed at a higher level.

Step 4: Contact the Recipient Directly

Sometimes the simplest solution works best. If you accidentally send money to the wrong person, try contacting the account holder directly.

• If the transaction was made to a mobile-linked UPI account, call the number and explain the situation.

• Many times, people return the money voluntarily when they realize it was sent by mistake.

This step can save you the hassle of going through banks and regulators.

Important Tips to Prevent Wrong UPI Transactions

• Double-check details before confirming payment. Always verify the name of the recipient shown on the UPI app.

• Avoid saving random UPI IDs—only keep frequently used contacts saved.

• Enable SMS alerts to track every debit instantly.

• Stay alert against fraud calls asking for UPI PIN entry.

Final Word

While UPI has made digital transactions faster and more accessible than ever, mistakes like wrong transfers can still happen. The good news is that there are multiple ways to recover your money—through the app, your bank, or NPCI.

The key is to act fast. Report the issue immediately, provide accurate details, and keep following up until you get your refund. And most importantly, always double-check recipient details before tapping “Pay.”

By staying cautious and knowing the right steps, you can make your UPI experience safe and hassle-free.