What to do if you send an app payment to the wrong person

The digitisation of banking has been a swift revolution in the US. It really took off during the covid-19 pandemic. Forbes reported back in March that 78% of Americans prefer to bank on an app or website rather than in person. Predictably, as this number has increased the amount of erroneous transation has too.

The easiest way to prevent errors in sending payments is by double-checking all payment details before confirming transactions.

If a wrong payment has already been sent, then take these measures to keep the money safe and ensure you only have to read this article once!

What to do if you have mis-sent a payment

Reach out to the customer support or help center of the app or platform through which you made the payment. Explain the situation and provide them with relevant details, including the transaction ID, the recipient’s information, and the amount sent. They may be able to assist you in resolving the issue or provide guidance on the next steps.

Another method of contact is through social media.

If you have any means of contacting the person who received the payment in error, it’s worth reaching out to them politely and explaining the situation. Ask if they would be willing to refund the payment voluntarily. However, be cautious when sharing personal information or engaging in any transactions with unknown individuals.

If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with the recipient or through the app’s customer support, you may need to dispute the transaction with your financial institution. Contact your bank or credit card company, explain the situation, and provide them with any supporting documentation. They can guide you through the dispute process and investigate the matter further. This will be easier if the money was sent from a credit card as banks tend to be more willing to chase up their own lost money rather than yours.