Sent an e-Transfer to the wrong person.

It happens — autocomplete fills the wrong contact, you mistype an email, or you confuse two people with similar names. The good news: your odds of recovery are high if you act fast and the recipient doesn't have Autodeposit.

Step 1: Check if the transfer is still pending

Open your bank's app immediately and find the transfer in your Interac e-Transfer history. If it shows as pending, you can usually cancel it directly (CIBC only lets you stop a transfer on the day you sent it) — see how to cancel an Interac e-Transfer.

Step 2: If it's already deposited, contact the unintended recipient

If you know the person, just ask them to send it back. Most people return accidentally received money without issue. Be polite, explain the mistake, and provide your correct e-Transfer details.

If you don't know who got it (e.g. typo'd email goes to a stranger), you can still try emailing the address you sent to. Many people will return the money, especially if they recognize that an unexpected e-Transfer notification arrived.

Step 3: Call your bank

If the recipient is unresponsive or refuses to return the funds, call your bank's customer service line. They can:

• Confirm the transfer status and delivery details.
• Attempt a reclaim through the recipient's bank — though this requires the recipient's consent.
• Open a fraud or dispute case if you suspect the recipient is acting in bad faith.

Bank customer service lines: RBC 1-800-769-2511, TD 1-866-222-3456, Scotiabank 1-800-472-6842, CIBC 1-800-465-2422, BMO 1-877-225-5266.

Step 4: Document everything

Save a screenshot of:

• The transfer in your bank's app, showing the amount, recipient, and time.
• Any messages you've exchanged with the recipient.
• Your bank's case or reference number, once they open one.

Step 5: If the recipient keeps the funds

Knowingly keeping money sent in error is generally considered conversion or unjust enrichment under Canadian law. If informal recovery fails:

1. Send a written demand letter requesting the funds be returned within a stated timeframe (e.g. 14 days).
2. If the amount is small enough, file in small claims court. Each province has different limits — Ontario's is $50,000 (raised October 2025), Alberta's is $100,000.
3. If the recipient is using a fake identity or appears to be a scammer, see our scam guide and report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

How to prevent this in the future

• Save trusted recipients in your bank's contacts so you select rather than type.
• Always double-check the email address before confirming, especially for large transfers.
• For payments over $1,000, consider sending a $1 test transfer first.
• Use a memorable, unique security question for non-Autodeposit recipients so a wrong recipient can't easily answer it.

Related guides

• How to cancel an Interac e-Transfer
• Can an e-Transfer be reversed?
• Got scammed by an e-Transfer?
• How to file an Interac complaint in Canada