Wrong UPI Transfer – What to Do? How to Reverse It?

UPI Transfer has eased the entire payment system in India; however, sometimes, users may mistakenly conduct a wrong UPI transfer. Due to transacting hurriedly or typing mistakes, a UPI transfer may end in failure, or the amount may reach the wrong receiver. Do you want to know what actions you need to take when you experience a wrong UPI transfer? Dive in:

Common Reasons Behind Wrong UPI Transfer

Before moving on to how to reverse a wrong UPI Transfer and recover the money, let's first understand the common causes of incorrect UPI transfers:

1. Error During Typing: The sender unintentionally makes a typing mistake and enters the wrong UPI address or phone number, and the amount reaches wrong destination.

2. Mistakes Due To Similarities In UPI Address: The sender mistakenly picks the wrong UPI address because of some resemblances.

3. QR Code Scanning Error: In case a QR code is incorrectly generated, and the payment is done by scanning that wrong QR, the transfer will reach an incorrect address. 

4. Malicious IntentPhishing And Fraudulent Activities: UPI users sometimes fall victim to phishing attacks, which allow fraudsters to obtain sensitive information like UPI PIN or other personal details and carry out unauthorized transactions.

5. Refunds Problems: Sometimes, buyers don't receive refunds from the merchants they paid earlier due to some problems on either party's server.

Other Reasons Behind Failed UPI Transfers

Some more reasons behind UPI transfer failure include the following:

  • Exceeded Daily UPI Limit
  • Incorrectly entered PIN
  • Incorrect Receiver’s Details
  • Transaction Timeout
  • Insufficient Bank Balance
  • Technical glitches

Due to these reasons, UPI transfers are sometimes declined – in majority of the cases, money is not debited; and if debited, it automatically comes back to the sender’s account within 5-7 days.

How To Recover/Reverse The Money After A Wrong UPI Transfer?

Here are some methods to recover the money debited due to wrong UPI transfer:

1. Contact The Recipient: In case, the money is sent to the wrong UPI address or number, reach the person immediately and request a refund. You can claim the refund by providing your details and asking for a return of the money.

2. Contact Customer Support of UPI App: Immediately report the wrong transaction to the customer support team of your UPI app. They will ask for some details about the transaction and then assist you.

3. Inform The Bank: Contact your bank and inform the wrong transfer with all the details to get their assistance.

4. Reach A Banking Observer/Ombudsman: You can contact a banking observer or ombudsman to get a mediator and settle the conflict.

5. File A Complaint With NPCI: In case support from the app, bank, or observer does not help, just file a complaint with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). They will investigate this matter further and assist you.

How Do You Register A Complaint About A Wrong UPI Transfer In NPCI?

To register a complaint about wrong UPI transfer, follow these steps

I. Step 1: Go to the official NPCI redressal mechanism page at https://www.npci.org.in/

II. Step 2: Click on “What we do” and select the ‘UPI’

III. Step 3: Click on Dispute Redressal Mechanism

IV. Step 4: Select the type of issue applicable to your case

V. Step 5: Click on ‘Transaction’ under the ‘Complaint’ section

VI. Step 6: Select ‘Nature of the transaction’ and choose ‘Incorrectly transferred to another account’

VII. Step 7: Enter the information such as transaction ID, UPI ID, bank name, amount, email ID, etc.

VIII. Step 8: Click on ‘Submit’

They will come up with a possible solution within a few days.

Alternatively, call the 24x7 UPI Complaint Helpline Number - 18001201740 to raise a complaint.

Who Can Raise A Complaint?

Whoever has done a wrong UPI transfer can file a complaint.

When Can You Raise A Complaint?

You can raise a complaint as soon as you face a pending transfer, failed transfer, or successful transfer, yet the recipient does not receive it.

What Information Is Needed To Register A Wrong UPI Transfer Complaint?

You have to provide the following details to reverse the money debited during a wrong UPI transfer:

  1. Transaction ID, Date, Time
  2. Amount
  3. Recipient’s UPI ID
  4. Bank Name
  5. Account Details: Account Number and Account Holder's Name
  6. Error Message screenshots (if any)

How to Check NPCI UPI Complaint Status

To check the status of your wrong UPI transfer complaint on NPCI, do the following:

  • Visit the NPCI register a complaint webpage.
  • Click the ‘Click here to check complaint status’
  • Enter the details.
  • Enter the CRN number and Captcha code.
  • Click on ‘Get Status’ button

Challenges In Recovering The Debited Money For Wrong UPI Transfer

UPI has undoubtedly revolutionised the entire payment scenario, and people are now using UPI for every single payment. However, recovering money is somewhat challenging for UPI transactions. 

The prime challenge is the receiver may not be cooperative and decline the request to reverse the money. The sender, first and foremost, needs to contact the recipient and request reversal, so, they must be proactive in this matter and reach the recipient as soon as they realize the problem.

Tips To Reverse The Deducted Amount From a Wrong UPI Transaction

UPI has no doubt made the transaction process faster and more convenient, but reversing the amount is a bit risky. So, make sure you

  • Act and take action fast
  • Contact the Recipient
  • Be polite while asking for the return of the money
  • Keep the transaction details handy and provide the recipient (if asked)
  • Contact the Bank if recipient denies to pay the money back
  • Inform the UPI App support team
  • Don’t delay in filing a Complaint with NPCI
  • Take legal help if all other attempts failed

Tips To Reverse The Deducted Amount From a Wrong UPI Transaction

UPI has no doubt made the transaction process faster and more convenient, but reversing the amount is a bit risky. So, make sure you

  • Double-check the UPI ID if you are entering it manually
  • Cross-check the QR code with the receiver
  • Be vigilant while accepting payment requests from any app – check their authenticity
  • Beware of the Fraudsters
  • UPI apps often warn for spammers; don't ignore these
  • Don't share your PIN with anyone
  • Beware of the fake apps

End Words

In the end, we all need to remember that filing a UPI complaint is essential when you have performed a wrong UPI transfer and the receiver is not cooperating. However, you, too, must be very careful while making the transfer and ensure it reaches the correct destination. So, after scanning a QR code or entering the UPI ID, crosscheck with the recipient to confirm the name appears on it, and then enter the amount and PIN. to safeguard your money from wrong UPI transfers.

You can also strengthen your UPI transactions by integrating a payment gateway – reach out to us for assistance.