Digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have revolutionized how we transfer money, pay bills, and shop online. However, mistakes like sending money to the wrong UPI address can happen, leading to financial stress. Fortunately, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) new guidelines provide a safety net, allowing users to recover their money within 24 to 48 hours. Here’s a guide on how you can get your money back if you’ve sent it to the wrong UPI address.
1. Contact the Recipient
The first step you should take is to contact the person who received your funds by mistake. If you have their contact details, explain the situation, provide transaction details, and kindly request that they refund the money. Many times, the recipient may not even realize they received the funds and will be willing to return them.
2. Reach Out to UPI App Customer Support
If contacting the recipient doesn’t work or isn’t possible, your next move should be to get in touch with the customer support team of your UPI app. Share all relevant transaction information, including screenshots, timestamps, and UPI addresses involved. The customer support team can assist in initiating the refund process and guide you on further steps.
3. File a Complaint with NPCI
If the issue remains unresolved after contacting your UPI app’s support, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The NPCI oversees the UPI system and will investigate your complaint based on the transaction details and evidence you provide. They may help in recovering your funds if the initial steps have failed.
4. Seek Help from Your Bank
Your bank can also play a crucial role in recovering your money. Inform your bank about the wrong transaction, providing all necessary documentation, including transaction IDs and timestamps. The bank can initiate a chargeback process to recover the transferred funds, especially if both parties use the same bank.
5. Call the Toll-Free Number
In situations where immediate action is required, you can call the UPI helpline at 1800-120-1740. The toll-free number offers support for resolving UPI transaction errors and can assist in getting your money back.
Conclusion
Sending money to the wrong UPI address doesn’t have to result in financial loss. By following these five steps—contacting the recipient, reaching out to customer support, filing a complaint with NPCI, seeking help from your bank, or calling the toll-free number—you can recover your funds efficiently and stress-free.
