Someone sent me a UPI collect request and I approved it by mistake, lost Rs 15,000. Can I get my money back and where do I complain?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Yes, you can attempt to get your money back after approving a UPI collect request by mistake, and there are specific steps you can follow to lodge a complaint.

In India, UPI transactions are governed by guidelines set forth by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Here are the steps you should take:

• Contact Your Bank: Immediately reach out to your bank or the bank associated with your UPI app. Report the unauthorized transaction and request them to reverse it. Most banks have a customer service number or a dedicated helpline for UPI-related issues.
• File a Complaint with the UPI App: If you used a specific UPI app (like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm), file a complaint through their customer support. Provide them with transaction details, including the date, time, and the amount.
• Raise a Dispute: If your bank and the UPI app do not resolve your complaint satisfactorily, you can raise a formal dispute with the respective bank. Many banks allow you to raise a dispute through their mobile app or website.
• File a Complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell: In cases of fraud, you can approach the Cyber Crime Cell of your local police station in Chennai. Provide them with all the details regarding the transaction and the circumstances under which the mistake occurred. This falls under the purview of the Information Technology Act, 2000, specifically Section 66, which addresses computer-related offenses.
• Consumer Forum: If you do not receive a satisfactory response from your bank or the UPI app, consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. You can file this complaint online or at the local consumer redressal forum.
• Documentation: Keep records of all communications with your bank and the UPI app, including complaint numbers, emails, and chat transcripts, as these will aid in your case.

It is crucial to act quickly, as time may be of the essence in reversing UPI transactions. While banks generally have protocols for handling such issues, the quicker you report the incident, the better your chances of recovering your funds.