Wrong FPS transfer or scammed?
How to try to recover your money
Typed the wrong number on FPS, added an extra zero, or realised you’ve paid a scammer? This page explains what to do right away, how banks handle it, and how to avoid it next time.
Last updated: 2026-10-03
Quick answer
FPS transfers are instant – you can’t cancel one yourself.
- • Wrong transfer: contact your bank now so it can ask the receiving bank for a return.
- • Scammed: call your bank’s hotline straight away, and call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 and report to the police.
- Free to use
- Independent, not linked to any bank
- Information from police, government and official sources
First: wrong transfer or scam?
| Wrong transfer | Scam | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical case | Wrong phone or account number, an extra zero in the amount | Fake officials or organisations, online shopping scams, fake investments, job scams, etc. |
| Recipient | Usually a member of the public | Scammers or “stooge accounts” – money may be moved quickly |
| First step | Contact your bank | Bank hotline + 18222 + police report |
Case 1: wrong transfer – 5 steps
- 1
Check the transaction record
Log in to online banking or the app and note the reference number, date, time and amount. Don’t repeat the transfer just because you haven’t seen a notification.
- 2
Contact your bank or e-wallet now
Give the transaction details and formally ask your bank to contact the receiving bank. The receiving bank contacts the recipient, and the money can only be returned with the recipient’s authorisation.
- 3
If you know the recipient
If it’s a friend or business contact, send them the transaction screenshot and politely ask for the money back.
- 4
Keep all records
Keep online banking screenshots, records of your conversations with the bank, and the case number.
- 5
Recipient refuses? Consider legal action
For money claims of HK$75,000 or less, you can consider the Small Claims Tribunal.
Case 2: scammed – do these 4 things now
- 1
Call your bank’s hotline
Say it involves a scam and ask the bank to act immediately and try to stop the payment.
- 2
Call the Anti-Scam Helpline 18222
The Police Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) runs the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.
- 3
Report to the police and get a report number
You may need the report number when following up with your bank, the HKMA or others.
- 4
Don’t pay again
Scammers may ask for a “deposit” or “unfreezing fee” before a refund – don’t send another cent.
Received money from a stranger “by mistake”? Beware of money laundering
If a stranger’s money suddenly lands in your account and someone then says it was a mistake and asks you to send it to another account, or repay in cash or gift cards, be careful – your account may be being used to move criminal proceeds.
- Don’t transfer the money to any account they name.
- Tell your bank right away that you received unknown funds, and let the bank handle the return through its procedures.
- Keep records of your calls and messages with the bank.
- Banks have warned that keeping or spending money you know isn’t yours could be a criminal offence.
Unhappy with how your bank handled it?
- 1
Complain to the bank in writing first
Email or write to the bank’s complaints team with the transaction reference and police report number, and ask for a written reply.
- 2
Complain to the HKMA
For issues about a bank’s service or conduct, you can complain to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).
- 3
Financial Dispute Resolution Centre (FDRC)
For money disputes, claims are generally up to HK$1,000,000 and must be made within 24 months of first knowing about the loss (cases beyond this can be handled if both sides agree). About FDRC
Bank complaint contacts: Bank fee complaint guide
How to avoid wrong transfers and scams
- Check the payee name: make sure the name shown matches who you expect before confirming.
- Send a small amount first: for a new payee, test with a small transfer.
- Use Scameter: before paying, go to CyberDefender.hk and enter a bank account number, SVF ID or phone number to see a risk rating.
- Be wary of unusual requests: if someone claiming to be an official or bank staff asks you to pay a personal account, stop and call 18222.
Wrong transfer and scam FAQs
Can I cancel a wrong FPS transfer?
You can’t cancel it yourself. FPS transfers are instant, so once sent you need your bank to contact the receiving bank. The receiving bank contacts the recipient, and the money can only be returned with the recipient’s authorisation.
How long does recovery take?
There is no fixed time – it depends on how the recipient responds. Keep the case number your bank gives you and follow up regularly.
Will my bank compensate me if I was scammed?
It depends on the case. Start with a formal complaint to your bank; for an unresolved money dispute you can consider the Financial Dispute Resolution Centre (FDRC). Credit card fraud is handled differently – see our credit card fraud guide.
What if I receive a wrong transfer and don’t return it?
Banks have warned that keeping or spending money you know isn’t yours could be a criminal offence. The safest step is to tell your bank and let it handle the return through its procedures.
How can I check a payee before transferring?
Use the Police’s Scameter on CyberDefender.hk: enter a bank account number, stored value facility (SVF) ID or phone number to see a risk rating.
Credit card fraud? See our credit card fraud guide.
References
Related guides
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This page is general information only and is not legal advice. RightlyHK is not affiliated with any bank, financial institution or government department mentioned on this page.