Synopsis: When you put the wrong bank account number in while doing an online transfer the money can go into someone else’s bank account. The Karnataka High Court made a decision that explains what the banks have to do and what the customers can do in these situations.
What happened to a woman from Kerala?
Nujaiba Jaleel from Kerala was trying to send money to her father, but unfortunately she made a mistake by entering the wrong account number, sending ₹3.25 lakh to the wrong account on 17 December 2025. Nujaiba Jaleel told Federal Bank about the mistake the next day, she asked them to reverse the transaction. The bank said that they could not reverse the transaction without the person’s permission, the bank froze the money so that the person cannot take it out.
The RBIs Integrated Ombudsman did not help Nujaiba Jaleel, so she went to the Karnataka High Court. Nujaiba Jaleel said the person who got the money could not be found and wanted the court to help her get her money back.
What Did the Karnataka High Court Rule?
During the hearing the Karnataka High Court said the bank was right to not give the money back because the bank needs permission from the person who got the money or a court order to take it back. The Court also told the bank to give the address and other details of the person who got the money, so the person who sent the money can give them a notice and be part of the court process.
The Court also said that even if it takes time to get the money the person who sent it should be able to try and get it back through the proper legal process, the sender should get a chance to take the legal steps.
Can Banks Reverse a Wrong Bank Transfer Automatically?
When an RTGS or NEFT or IMPS transaction is put into the beneficiary’s account the banks can not take the money back on their own, they need the beneficiary to say it is okay. They need a court order to give the money back, the banks can help by talking to the beneficiary’s bank putting a hold on the money when it is needed and helping the people involved talk to each other. RTGS transactions, NEFT and IMPS transactions are all done this way.
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What Should You Do If You Transfer Money to the Wrong Account?
If you send money to the account by mistake:
- Tell your bank right away and report the wrong transaction.
- Write a complaint to your bank with the transaction reference number, date and amount.
- Ask your bank to work with the beneficiary’s bank and try to reach the person who got the money.
- If the person won’t give the money back or can’t be found you can file a complaint, with the RBI Integrated Ombudsman, start legal action to get your money back.
- Acting fast gives you a chance of fixing the problem before the money is taken out.
RBI Guidelines on Wrong Electronic Fund Transfers
- The Reserve Bank of India tells customers to let them know right away if they see something wrong with the money they sent electronically.
- The bank can help customers talk to the bank that got the money and try to get it back.
- The bank cannot just take the money back without the other person saying it is okay or without a court telling them to do it.
- Customers should keep all the papers that show the transaction like the receipts and the UTR numbers and all the letters or emails they send to the bank so they can use these to prove what happened if they have to go to court about the Reserve Bank of India issue, with the electronic fund transfers.
Tips to Avoid Sending Money to the Wrong Account
- You need to check the beneficiary’s account number before you do the transaction.
- The beneficiary’s name has to be checked on the banking system.
- When you are sending a lot of money you should first send a small amount to test it.
- It is a good idea to save the beneficiaries you have already checked so you do not have to enter their account details every time.
- You have to be very careful when you look at the UPI IDs or account numbers before you say it is okay to pay.
- Do not do transactions when you are in a rush, the beneficiary’s account number and details are important.
Conclusion
If you put money in the wrong bank account you can usually get it back if you act on it then and there. You need to do what the bank and the law say you should do as banks cannot just take the money back once it is sent.
