Sent Money To The Wrong UPI ID? Here's How To Get It Back Quickly And Safely
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Mistaken UPI transfer? Act fast: contact your bank or NPCI within 3 days to recover funds. Learn how to file complaints and what to do if recovery fails
As UPI (Unified Payments Interface) continues to grow in popularity across India, minor mishaps such as sending money to the wrong person are becoming increasingly common. However, there's no need to panic as there are clear steps to help you recover your funds if you act swiftly and correctly.
Act Promptly: Time Is Crucial
If you've accidentally transferred money to the wrong UPI ID, immediate action is essential. Start by taking a screenshot of the transaction as proof. Next, either call your bank or visit your branch in person and provide full transaction details, including both the sender's and recipient's information.
Alternatively, you can contact the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) helpline at 1800-120-1740 and lodge a complaint within three days of the transaction. The sooner you report the issue, the better the chances of recovering your money.
NPCI's Dispute Redressal Mechanism
NPCI will then investigate and take the necessary steps to help recover your money.
Know Your UPI Limits
Understanding UPI transaction limits can also help prevent accidental large transfers:
(Note: Actual limits may vary slightly by bank.)
If NPCI Doesn't Resolve Your Issue
If neither your bank nor NPCI resolves the issue within 30 days, you have the right to escalate the matter to the Reserve Bank of India's Banking Ombudsman. The Ombudsman acts as an independent mediator between you and the bank, aiming to resolve complaints within another 30 days. Complaints can be submitted online via the RBI's official website.
As digital payments become the norm, it's vital to stay informed about your rights and remedies. By acting promptly and following the correct steps, you can resolve UPI-related mistakes with minimal stress.
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Business Standard
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- Business Standard
Airtel urges RBI, NPCI and banks to collaborate on digital fraud fight
Bharti Airtel has approached around 40 banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), seeking collaboration to establish a collective database of known fraudulent financial domains. Airtel expressed support for regulatory discussions and offered assistance to the RBI in framing mechanisms to ensure that over-the-top (OTT) platforms are held responsible for consumer protection in financial communication, according to a PTI report. The company has also proposed launching joint awareness campaigns to inform the public about evolving tactics in digital fraud and to promote secure digital practices. On 15 May, Airtel introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) based security platform designed to block fraudulent websites in real time, aiming to prevent digital scams targeting users. In a regulatory filing, Airtel stated that the service is the first of its kind globally. The platform has been launched in Haryana and will be expanded to other parts of India in due course. According to Airtel, the solution is compatible with multiple communication platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, emails, web browsers and SMS. Collaboration with NPCI In a separate communication to NPCI, Airtel suggested a partnership to improve the safety of the country's digital payment infrastructure. The telecom operator proposed that awareness initiatives use the combined outreach of Airtel and NPCI to educate users on secure online behaviour, identifying phishing threats and protecting against new digital fraud methods. It also suggested workshops to develop and commercialise anti-fraud solutions to help reduce financial fraud cases. In the communication, Airtel Vice Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Vittal wrote to NPCI MD and CEO Dilip Asbe: 'The NPCI has been deploying AI-based models that offer an advanced real-time Fraud Risk Monitoring and Management solution that generates alerts and allows banks to detect and prevent fraud across all online NPCI products.' Airtel outlined specific proposals in its 16 May letter, including: 'Closer collaboration between Airtel and NPCI to create a repository of known fraudulent financial domains, enabling proactive blocking of these malicious sites and creating a multi-layered defence against digital fraud.' Airtel said its fraud detection technology, which restricts access to malicious websites and phishing links at the access point, could complement NPCI's existing systems. The telecom stated: 'Additionally, during these programmes as well as our overall telco acquisition and experience, we believe that we have strong signals that could lead to identification of potentially fraudulent transactions or users.' It also recommended joint awareness efforts and workshops to build fraud resistance in the digital payments ecosystem. 'Through this collaboration, NPCI, Airtel and the banking sector can collectively create a more robust and resilient framework for reducing fraud and building greater confidence in India's digital financial services. Airtel remains committed to doing its part and would be happy to provide further technical details and explore how we can work together with the NPCI to enhance the security and integrity of India's digital payments ecosystem,' the letter said. RBI partnership In a separate letter to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, Vittal acknowledged the central bank's initiatives, including its work with regulated entities and the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) on the system. Vittal wrote: 'This powerful AI-based system has already demonstrated its ability to identify mule accounts used to route illicit funds. By analysing user behaviour and transaction patterns, banks can now flag and disable suspicious accounts more efficiently, thereby disrupting fraud at the transactional layer.' He added: 'Airtel believes that our fraud detection solution can complement these efforts by stopping fraud at the very first step: the moment a user attempts to access a malicious site.' 'Airtel remains committed to doing its part and would be happy to provide further technical details and explore how we can work together with the RBI in this critical fight against digital fraud,' Vittal stated. OTT cyber risks The company also raised concerns about security risks associated with OTT platforms. It said replicating the protection level of SMS on OTT platforms is 'impossible' because detecting and blocking fraudulent links on these platforms is more difficult compared with websites. Airtel also noted the absence of traceability, compliance obligations and regulatory access within OTT platforms. 'In this context, and in light of the ongoing RBI consultation on additional factor authentication (AFA) for digital payments, we wish to emphasise that financial transactions must continue to be conducted over secure telecom networks. Telecom networks offer a level of protection and oversight that OTT platforms currently lack, thereby helping to mitigate fraud risks and enhance overall consumer safety,' Vittal wrote. Banking industry Airtel's collaboration proposals received positive feedback from both private and public sector banks. Previously, Airtel had approached Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea to propose a joint initiative against telecom fraud, aimed at addressing scams targeting users through telecom networks. In those letters, Airtel cited data showing that over 1.7 million cybercrime complaints were recorded in the first nine months of 2024, with financial losses exceeding ₹11,000 crore. The company urged all telecom providers to jointly work to combat fraudulent and deceptive practices targeting individuals.
Time of India
an hour ago
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Manipur MLAs call on Governor, claim Meitei outfit member among five arrested
A delegation of Manipur MLAs called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday, and one of the legislators claimed after the meeting that altogether five people were arrested in connection with earlier incidents of violence, which triggered widespread protests in the northeastern state. Among the five arrested people, one was apprehended by the CBI , BJP legislator K Ibomcha said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed the arrest of a member of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol, while the police did not disclose details of the four others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Tiger's Ex-Wife? Try Not To Smile When You See Her Now Paperela Undo The CBI said it has arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport on Sunday for his alleged involvement in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. A delegation of at least 20 legislators, including those of the BJP and the Congress, called on the governor and top security officials to discuss the developing situation in the state. Live Events Protests were held across Manipur on Saturday night over the arrests of leaders of the Meitei organisation, prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders and suspend internet services in five Imphal valley districts. Ibomcha, the Lamlai constituency legislator, said, "During the meeting, we were informed that five people were arrested, and of them, one Kanan Singh, was arrested by the CBI in connection with a case. We appreciate the roles the Arambai Tenggol have taken during the recent flood. Kanan is not arrested by the Manipur Police but by the CBI in connection with one of the cases." The CBI is investigating the Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court, the central agency said in a statement. The trial of the Manipur violence cases has been shifted to Assam 's Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in the state. "The CBI has arrested a member of Arambai Tenggol at Imphal Airport on June 8. He was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. He has been brought from Imphal to Guwahati, and he will be produced before the competent court for police remand," the statement said. The BJP MLA also claimed, "When we asked about the case in which Kanan was arrested, the authorities concerned said it was not known to them. The four others were arrested by the state police for allegedly being associated with Kanan. They did not have any CBI-related cases. They will be screened if they were involved in any other illegal activities." Congress legislator Th Lokeshwar told reporters, "Kanan was arrested in connection with a case being investigated by CBI and was not picked up for being a member of Arambai Tenggol. We urged the authorities concerned to release the five without any conditions. On the contrary, we requested them to arrest the then home minister, then DGP and other authorities of the then government." More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation. Following the arrest of Kanan, his wife Asem Guni told reporters that her husband had joined the "public defence effort at the onset of the ongoing ethnic conflict to protect the state and its territorial integrity".
Time of India
2 hours ago
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Airtel MD writes to banks, NPCI, RBI to join forces against digital frauds; moots collaborative measures
Telecom operator Airtel has approached over 40 banks, as well as RBI and NPCI, proposing a close collaboration and a unified front to curb digital frauds, including sharing intelligence over repository of known fraudulent financial domains. Airtel has dialled NPCI, proposing a "closer collaboration" to create a repository of known malicious financial domains, to enable proactive blocking of malicious and rogue sites and to build a multi-layered defence to combat digital frauds. The Sunil Mittal-led telco has also done a similar outreach with major banks, including SBI , HDFC and others, sources said. The company has also reached out to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for "collaboration" to create a repository of known fraudulent financial domains. Airtel has also favoured regulatory consultations, offering its support to the RBI in building frameworks that hold OTT platforms accountable for consumer safety -- especially in the context of financial communication, according to the letter seen by PTI. Live Events It has also mooted joint public education campaigns to raise awareness about evolving digital fraud tactics and safe practices. In a separate letter to NPCI, Airtel said it believes there is a strong potential for a partnership between Airtel and NPCI to further strengthen the security of India's digital payment systems. An email sent to Airtel did not elicit a response. "The NPCI has been at the forefront of securing digital transactions in India, deploying cutting-edge AI/ML-based models that offer an advanced real-time Fraud Risk Monitoring and Management solution (FRM) that generates alerts and allows banks to detect and prevent fraud across all online NPCI products. "Airtel commends this proactive approach and NPCI's efforts in reducing the growing risks of fraud in an increasingly digital financial landscape, where threats are constantly evolving," Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Airtel, said in a communication to Dilip Asbe, MD and CEO, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Informing about the launch of Airtel's fraud detection solution to combat consumer fraud via malicious links, the telco said the solution can significantly complement NPCI's existing fraud monitoring initiatives. By blocking access to malicious websites and phishing links at the point of access, Airtel can help prevent users from unknowingly engaging with fraudulent sites that could compromise their financial data, the telco said. "Additionally, during these programs as well as our overall telco acquisition and experience, we believe that we have strong signals that could lead to identification of potentially fraudulent transactions or users," the Airtel top honcho wrote, adding that the company believes there is strong potential for a partnership between Airtel and NPCI to further strengthen the security of India's digital payment systems. "We propose the following actions to enhance this partnership... Closer collaboration between Airtel and NPCI to create a repository of known fraudulent financial domains, enabling proactive blocking of these malicious sites and creating a multi-layered defence against digital fraud," said the letter dated May 16. Airtel has also pitched for joint awareness campaigns and workshops. The telecom operator proposed that joint awareness campaigns can leverage the combined reach of Airtel and NPCI to educate users on safe online practices, recognising phishing attempts, and staying protected against emerging digital fraud tactics; while the workshops would identify and productise a counter fraud solution -- in the process helping reduce financial frauds in the country. "Through this collaboration, NPCI, Airtel, and the banking sector can collectively create a more robust and resilient framework for reducing fraud and building greater confidence in India's digital financial services. Airtel remains committed to doing its part and would be happy to provide further technical details and explore how we can work together with the NPCI to enhance the security and integrity of India's digital payments ecosystem," Airtel said. In the letter to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra , Vittal lauded the efforts of the Reserve Bank of India in fighting digital fraud, especially the recent initiative to collaborate with regulated entities and the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) on the development of "This powerful AI-based system has already demonstrated its ability to identify mule accounts used to route illicit funds. By analysing user behaviour and transaction patterns, banks can now flag and disable suspicious accounts more efficiently, thereby disrupting fraud at the transactional layer," Vittal wrote. However, Airtel said these systems remain largely reactive, detecting threats after fraudsters are already embedded in the financial ecosystem. "Airtel believes that our fraud detection solution can complement these efforts by stopping fraud at the very first step: the moment a user attempts to access a malicious site," Airtel said. Stating that India's financial system is the cornerstone of national growth, trust, and international standing, Airtel said protecting this system demands collaboration between all stakeholders -- regulators, service providers, and financial institutions alike. "Airtel remains committed to doing its part and would be happy to provide further technical details and explore how we can work together with the RBI in this critical fight against digital fraud," Vittal wrote. Citing the "mounting security risks on OTT platforms", Airtel said achieving SMS-like level of protection on OTT platforms is "impossible" since fraudulent links sent over these platforms are harder to detect and block before they reach users, making OTT channels the weakest link in the fight against online scams. Additionally, the lack of traceability and compliance requirements on OTT apps, such as data sovereignty, data confidentiality, encryption standards, and system access for regulators create serious security concerns. This issue has been further exacerbated by the increasing reliance of financial institutions on OTT (communications) channels for sending transactional and service messages, to sidestep the regulatory requirements governing telecom networks, Airtel said, cautioning that this heightens security vulnerabilities. "In this context, and in light of the ongoing RBI consultation on additional factor authentication (AFA) for digital payments, we wish to emphasise that financial transactions must continue to be conducted over secure telecom networks. Telecom networks offer a level of protection and oversight that OTT platforms currently lack, thereby helping to mitigate fraud risks and enhance overall consumer safety," Vittal said. Sources said the telco has received a favourable response to the collaboration pitch from private and state-owned banks. Earlier, Airtel had also reached out to Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea with a proposal for a joint telecom fraud initiative to unite the industry against rising fraud and scams on telecom networks. In separate letters to the telcos, it had cited data that India recorded over 1.7 million cybercrime complaints in the first nine months of 2024, resulting in financial losses exceeding Rs 11,000 crore. Airtel had urged all telcos to collaborate and collectively address the growing threat of deceptive and malicious scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
