One of the most common banking mistakes is transferring money to the wrong account. This can happen for several reasons, such as:

• Entering an incorrect account number or missing a digit
• Mistaking a bank account number for a PromptPay number
• Selecting the wrong bank despite entering the correct account number
• Rushing through a transaction without verifying the recipient's details

Mistakes can also occur when a transfer is made for an amount greater than intended.

If the funds were mistakenly sent to a family member, friend, or someone you know personally, you can simply contact them and request a refund. However, if you do not know the recipient or are unable to contact them, you will need to follow the formal refund process.

Can the Bank Reverse a Wrong Transfer?

In accordance with banking regulations, a bank cannot automatically withdraw funds from the recipient's account and return them to the sender without the recipient's consent. The bank's role is to act as an intermediary and help coordinate the recovery of the funds.

According to guidance from the Financial Consumer Protection Center of the Bank of Thailand (BOT), customers who have transferred money to the wrong account should take the following steps.

What to Do If You Transfer Money to the Wrong Account

1. Prepare Supporting Documents
    Bring the following documents to your local police station:

• Evidence of the transaction, such as transfer slip, transaction receipt, or a screenshot of the transfer confirmation
• A copy of your identification document (certified true copy with signature)
   Please strike through or mask any information relating to the document holder's blood type and/or religion on the copy of the document.

2. File a Police Report
    Request that the investigating officer issue a police report. The document should include the following information:

• Name of the sending bank and receiving bank
• Date and time of the transaction
• Amount transferred
• Transfer channel used (ATM, CDM, VTM, Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, etc.)
• Name and account number of the sender (source account)
• Name and account number or PromptPay number of the unintended recipient (incorrect destination account) (How to check the destination account number)
• Name and account number or PromptPay number of the intended recipient (correct destination account)

3. Submit the Documents to Your Bank
    Provide the documents obtained in Steps 1 and 2 to the bank from which the transfer was made.
    For Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) customers:

• Email the documents to: [email protected]
• Use the email subject line: "Full Name - Contact Number"

     Once the bank receives the documents, you will receive an SMS confirmation. If the submitted documents are incomplete, the Bank will contact you within one business day to request additional supporting documents.

4. Bank Coordination Process
    After receiving complete documentation, the bank will coordinate with:

• The unintended recipient of the funds, or
• The recipient's bank, if the transfer was made to another financial institution

5. Receive the Outcome
    The bank will notify you of the result of its efforts.

• If the Recipient Agrees to Refund the Funds 
  The refunded amount will be transferred back to your account.
• If the Recipient Refuses or Cannot Be Contacted
  You may request that the investigating officer proceed with legal action. The police can issue an official Garuda-emblem subpoena or documentary evidence request (Click here to view a sample) requiring the recipient's bank to:
• Freeze the relevant account, where applicable; or
• Disclose account information for further legal proceedings

Prevention Is Better Than Correction

The best way to avoid a wrong transfer is to carefully review all transaction details before pressing the confirmation button. Always verify:

• Account number or PromptPay number
• Recipient name
• Bank name
• Transfer amount

Although mistaken transfers can often be resolved, the process may take time and require legal documentation. Taking a few extra moments to verify the transaction details before confirming the transfer remains the best protection against costly mistakes.