Digital payments through UPI have made money transfers extremely fast and convenient. With just a few taps on a smartphone, payments can be completed within seconds. However, this speed also increases the chances of mistakes. Entering a wrong UPI ID, selecting the incorrect contact, or typing an extra zero in the amount are common errors that can send money to the wrong person.
When the transferred amount is small, people may ignore it. But if a large sum is involved, panic sets in quickly. Unlike failed transactions, UPI payments do not get reversed automatically. Still, if you act promptly and follow the right steps, there is a strong possibility of getting your money back.
What to Do Immediately After a Wrong UPI Transfer
The first and most important step is to act without delay. As soon as you realize that money has been transferred to the wrong account, raise a complaint. Quick reporting increases the chances of blocking the amount before it is withdrawn or transferred further.
You can lodge a complaint directly through the UPI app you used for the transaction. Most apps have a “Help” or “Report a Problem” option where you can select the specific transaction and explain the issue. Experts suggest reporting the issue within the first three hours for the best results.
Request to Freeze the Receiver’s Bank Account
One of the most effective actions is requesting the temporary freezing of the recipient’s bank account. If the account is frozen in time, the receiver will not be able to use or move the mistakenly transferred funds.
This step is especially useful if the recipient refuses to return the money voluntarily. Once frozen, banks can investigate the transaction and take steps to reverse the amount if the claim is found valid.
Use the National Cyber Crime Helpline
For quick action, you can contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialing 1930. This helpline is specifically designed to handle digital payment frauds and wrong transactions.
While making the call, you must provide complete details such as the transaction ID, date, amount, UPI app used, and bank details. If the information is verified, authorities can coordinate with banks to freeze the recipient’s account and prevent misuse of funds.
Apart from the helpline, you can also submit a complaint at your bank branch or contact the nodal officer of the receiver’s bank.
Escalate the Issue on NPCI’s Complaint Portal
If the issue is not resolved through the app or the bank, you can escalate the matter on the official NPCI grievance portal. NPCI oversees UPI operations in India.
On the portal, you will need to submit a complaint using the transaction reference number. After submission, a complaint ID is generated, which allows you to track the progress of your case.
How to Avoid Wrong UPI Payments in the Future
Prevention is always better than recovery. To avoid such mistakes, always double-check the recipient’s name displayed on the screen before confirming the payment. Using QR codes instead of manually entering UPI IDs reduces the risk of errors.
Always recheck the amount before entering your UPI PIN. A single wrong tap in haste can lead to unnecessary stress and financial loss. Staying alert for a few extra seconds can save you from major trouble.
