2 Answers
Dear Sir,
A mere wrong UPI transfer caused by the sender's mistake does not automatically make you criminally liable. The important question will be whether you knowingly induced the sender to transfer the money to the wrong account, or, after learning that the money was wrongly credited, dishonestly decided to keep or use it. If you had actually sent the QR code of the intended person and the sender independently chose the other UPI number, that evidence is important in your favour.
However, do not spend or withdraw the wrongly credited amount. Immediately preserve the WhatsApp/SMS/chat in which you sent the correct person's QR, your communications about the technical problem, the sender's payment confirmation, and the bank/UPI transaction details. Inform your bank in writing that the amount was wrongly credited by the remitter to your account, and request that the bank initiate the appropriate reversal/chargeback process. NPCI's framework recognises procedures for disputes involving wrong accounts/unintended beneficiaries, and banks have processes for recovery of such mistaken credits.
Dear Client,
If you accidentally shared the wrong UPI number because of a technical/contact-list issue, and the sender transferred money to another person with the same name, your liability will depend upon the facts and whether there was any dishonest intention or involvement on your part.
If you also sent the correct person's QR code, preserve the QR code, chats, call records and all other evidence showing what actually happened.
Do not threaten, argue with, or make any false statement to the sender; instead, explain the mistake in writing and cooperate in identifying the actual recipient of the money.
If you have not received or used the wrongly transferred money, that fact should be clearly documented.
The sender may approach the bank, UPI service provider or police, but a genuine accidental mistake does not by itself establish criminal liability.
If the sender is threatening or harassing you, preserve the messages and call details and inform your advocate/police if necessary.
You should not make any payment merely because of threats without first obtaining legal advice and verifying the transaction details.
You may opt for a one-on-one consultation with our office for review of the UPI transaction, messages and other evidence.
Hope this clarifies your position.
OLQ LAW FIRM