1. Why Do Wrong UPI Payments Happen?

Wrong transactions typically occur due to:

Typing a wrong mobile number or UPI ID
Scanning a fake or incorrect QR code
Selecting the wrong contact name from the phonebook
Confusion between similar names or numbers
Not verifying the receiver’s name before confirming payment

Because UPI payments happen instantly, you cannot cancel or reverse them on your own. However, recovery is still possible if you follow the correct procedures.

2. First Step: Check the Transaction Details

As soon as you notice the mistake, open your UPI app and check:

Transaction ID (UTR number)
Receiver’s name
Receiver’s UPI ID or number
Time of transaction
Amount transferred

Take a screenshot immediately. This will be required for filing complaints.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Money Sent to the Wrong Number

Step 1: Contact the Wrong Recipient Politely

Call the person who received the money (if their mobile number is visible):

Politely explain that the payment was made by mistake
Request them to return the money
Share your UPI ID for refunding the amount

Many people do return the money immediately when asked.

If the person refuses or does not respond, move to the next steps.

4. Step 2: Contact Your UPI App Customer Support

A. Google Pay (GPay) Support Steps

Open Google Pay
Tap your profile photo
Select Help & Support
Choose Something went wrong
Select Money sent to the wrong account
Upload the screenshot and submit your complaint

Google Pay’s support team will coordinate with the recipient’s bank on your behalf.

B. PhonePe Support Steps

Open PhonePe
Go to Help
Choose My Transactions
Select the problematic transaction
Click Report a Problem
Choose Money sent to the wrong account
Submit your issue with screenshots

PhonePe will connect with the recipient’s bank for verification.

C. Paytm or BHIM App Support

These apps also have a Help & Support section under transaction history. Follow the instructions and register your complaint.

5. Step 3: Contact Your Bank Immediately

Visit or call your bank’s customer support. Provide:

Transaction ID
Date and time
Wrong mobile number/UPI ID
Screenshot of the payment
Your bank account details

Your bank will raise a complaint to the recipient’s bank through the UPI grievance system.

Important:

As per NPCI rules, the recipient’s bank must contact the wrong recipient, verify the claim, and assist in recovery. However, the bank cannot refund money without the consent of the recipient unless there is clear evidence of fraud.

6. Step 4: Call the National UPI Helpline (NPCI)

NPCI manages all UPI transactions in India. If your app or bank does not resolve the issue, you can escalate it to NPCI.

UPI Helpline (Dial toll-free): 1800-120-1740

Provide all transaction details. NPCI will forward the complaint to the concerned bank for action.

7. Step 5: File a Complaint with the RBI Ombudsman

If your bank does not help even after repeated requests, you can file a complaint through the RBI Ombudsman:

Website: https://cms.rbi.org.in

You can file a complaint against:

Your bank
The receiving bank
Payment app service providers

The RBI Ombudsman reviews and directs banks to resolve the issue within a fixed time.

8. Step 6: Register Complaint on the Cybercrime Portal (In Case of Fraud)

If the wrong payment was due to:

A scam
Fake QR code
Fraud call
Phishing link

File a complaint at:

https://www.cybercrime.gov.in

Choose the category “Online Financial Fraud.”

Immediate reporting increases the chance of money recovery.

9. What RBI and NPCI Rules Say About Wrong UPI Transfers

According to RBI and NPCI guidelines:

The sender must report the wrong transaction immediately
The bank must register a complaint under “Erroneous Transfer”
The recipient’s bank must contact the receiver and request a refund
Money can be returned only with the recipient’s consent, unless it is a fraud case
Banks must resolve UPI complaints within 90 days

These rules protect honest users and prevent misuse of UPI.

10. Safety Tips for All UPI Users

To avoid wrong transactions and frauds, follow these essential rules:

A. Things You MUST Do

✔️ 1. Never share your UPI PIN

Not with family, friends, bank staff, police, or anyone else.
UPI PIN is for sending money, not receiving.

✔️ 2. Use only official apps

Google Pay
PhonePe
Paytm
BHIM

Avoid fake or duplicate apps.

✔️ 3. Press only the “Pay” button to send money

Never enter UPI PIN for Collect / Request Money notifications.

✔️ 4. Verify the receiver’s name after scanning QR code

Every UPI app displays the beneficiary name—check carefully.

✔️ 5. Check bank SMS alerts and statements regularly

Identify unauthorized transactions early.

✔️ 6. When setting up UPI on a new phone

Make sure the SIM card is your own.

✔️ 7. Report suspicious transactions immediately

Contact bank + UPI app + NPCI helpline.

B. Things You MUST NOT Do

❌ 1. Never share OTP, PIN, or debit card details

Scammers use “verification” as an excuse.

❌ 2. Do not screen-share with strangers

Apps like AnyDesk, TeamViewer allow fraudsters to control your phone.

❌ 3. Do not enter PIN when someone sends a request

Entering PIN = you sending money.

❌ 4. Do not scan unknown QR codes

Many frauds happen through fake QR codes.

❌ 5. Never click unknown payment links

“Cashback,” “KYC Update,” “Lottery,” etc. are scams.

❌ 6. Do not update KYC through phone calls

Banks never ask for KYC via calls.

❌ 7. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for UPI transactions

Unsecured networks can be hacked.

11. What Happens After You File a Wrong Payment Complaint?

After you submit your issue:

Step 1: Your bank logs the complaint

Step 2: Recipient’s bank is notified

Step 3: Recipient is contacted for consent

Step 4: If the recipient agrees, the bank refunds the amount

Step 5: If the recipient refuses

You must escalate the complaint to NPCI or the RBI Ombudsman.

In fraud cases, cybercrime teams may freeze the recipient’s account.

12. Is It Guaranteed That You Will Get Your Money Back?

Recovery depends on:

Whether the recipient is cooperative
Whether the money is still in their account
Whether the bank identifies fraud
How quickly you report the issue

Prompt action greatly increases your chances.

Complaint Now

13. Summary: What You Should Do Immediately

Save transaction screenshot
Call the wrong recipient
Report the issue on your UPI app
Inform your bank
Call UPI helpline (1800-120-1740)
File NPCI complaint if needed
Approach RBI Ombudsman if unresolved
Report cyber fraud instantly on cybercrime.gov.in

Conclusion

Sending money to the wrong UPI number is stressful, but not hopeless.
Thanks to RBI and NPCI regulations, users now have a clear and effective system for resolving such issues.