How to recover money sent to a wrong UPI? Here’s Exactly What You Should Do

SDE Dev

Have you ever sent money to the wrong UPI ID by mistake?

It happens to many people. But don’t worry... you still have a chance to get it back.

In this blog, I’ll explain all the steps you can take to try and recover your money.



1. Try Requesting the Money Back

The first thing you should do is ask the person directly.

Most UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm have a “Request Money” feature.

  • Open the app

  • Find the transaction

  • Tap on “Request Money”

  • Write a polite message asking for a refund

If the person is honest, they may send the money back.

2. Call or Visit Your Bank

Next, talk to your bank. Either visit your home branch or call customer care.

Give these details:

  • Transaction ID

  • Date and time

  • Amount

  • Your UPI ID and the wrong UPI ID

  • Screenshot (if you have one)

Ask them to raise a chargeback or dispute.
They may try to recover the money if it hasn’t been withdrawn yet.

3. Raise a Complaint in the UPI App

Most UPI apps have a help section.

Here’s what to do:

  • Open the app

  • Go to the “Help” or “Support” section

  • Select the wrong transaction

  • Tap on “Raise a Dispute”

  • Explain that it was a mistake

The support team may contact the other person’s bank to help you.

4. File a Complaint on the NPCI Website

If the above steps don’t work, go to the official NPCI website.

Link:
👉 NPCI Dispute Form

Fill out the form with:

  • Transaction details

  • Date and time

  • UPI IDs involved

  • Amount

NPCI can help by talking to both banks involved.

5. File a Police or Cyber Crime Complaint

If the amount is large or the person refuses to return the money, take legal help.

You can:

Give them all proof:

  • Transaction screenshot

  • UPI ID

  • Your bank statement

The police or cyber team may trace the person and take action.

🏦 6. Contact the Other Person’s Bank

You can guess the other person’s bank from their UPI ID:

  • @oksbi = SBI

  • @okhdfcbank = HDFC

  • @okicici = ICICI, etc.

Visit or call that bank’s branch.
Tell them you sent money to one of their users by mistake.
Show proof and request their help in reaching out to that person.

📞 7. Call UPI App Customer Support

Each UPI app has a helpline number:

  • Google Pay: 1800-419-0157

  • PhonePe: 080-6872-7374

  • Paytm: 0120-4456-456

Call and give all the details:

  • Transaction ID

  • UPI ID

  • Amount and date

  • Type of mistake

They can raise the issue and talk to the recipient’s bank.

8. Tweet or Email for Help

Sometimes, posting on social media gets faster results.

You can:

  • Tweet to @NPCI_NPCI

  • Tag your UPI app (like @GooglePayIndia, @PhonePe)

  • Email their support with screenshots

Clearly explain your issue and ask for help.

9. NPCI Toll-Free Number

Still stuck? Call NPCI support directly:

📞 NPCI Helpline: 1800-120-1740

They handle UPI-related problems and can guide you.

Important Things to Remember

  • Act fast — delays reduce your chances

  • Keep proof — screenshots, emails, transaction IDs

  • No guarantee — banks can’t take money back without the other person’s permission

  • Police help — may be needed if it’s a fraud or fake UPI ID

Sample Email You Can Send to Your Bank

Here’s a simple email format to send to your bank:

Subject: Urgent: Wrong UPI Transaction – Request for Reversal Assistance

To: [yourbankcare@bank.com]
 Cc: [branch manager's email if known]

Dear [Bank Name] Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to report a mistaken UPI transfer and request your urgent assistance in reversing the transaction.

Here are the details of the transaction:

  • Date of Transaction: [DD/MM/YYYY]

  • Time: [HH:MM AM/PM]

  • Transaction Amount: ₹[Amount]

  • Transaction ID / UTR: [Provide the exact ID]

  • Sender Name (Myself): [Your Full Name]

  • Sender’s UPI ID / Bank Account: [Your UPI ID or Account Number]

  • Wrong Recipient UPI ID / Account: [The wrong UPI or account ID used]

I mistakenly sent the above amount to the wrong UPI ID. This was not the intended recipient, and I realized the error only after the transaction was completed.

Kindly investigate the matter and help initiate a chargeback or refund request. I understand that reversals require the recipient's consent, but I would appreciate your assistance in reaching out to the recipient’s bank and taking necessary action as per UPI dispute resolution guidelines.

Attached:

  1. Screenshot of the transaction

  2. My ID proof (if needed)

Please let me know if you need any more details. I look forward to your prompt help in this matter.

Thank you.
 Sincerely,
 [Your Full Name]
 Registered Mobile Number: [Your mobile number]
 Email: [Your email ID]
 Customer ID (if known): [Optional]

Final Words

Sending money to the wrong UPI ID is a common mistake.
But if you act quickly, stay calm, and follow the right steps, there's a good chance you can recover your money.