If you received a phone call from Wells Fargo or its third-party vendor, The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc., between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023, and live in California, you may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 as part of a $19.5 million class-action lawsuit settlement.
This lawsuit stems from allegations that the bank illegally recorded calls without obtaining proper consumer consent, violating California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
Although the companies deny wrongdoing, they agreed to a settlement to resolve the claims without further litigation.
Why Was Wells Fargo Sued?
California law requires both parties in a call to consent to recording. The lawsuit alleged that Wells Fargo and its partner recorded outbound and inbound calls with consumers without informing them.
This alleged breach of privacy triggered a lawsuit under CIPA, and now eligible consumers may receive monetary compensation for these violations.
Who Is Eligible to Claim the Settlement?
You may qualify if:
- You are a California resident.
- You received one or more calls from Wells Fargo or The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc..
- These calls were made between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
- The calls were recorded without your consent.
No need for proof or call recordings.
Eligibility is based on your phone number being matched in company records.
How Much Money Can You Get?
Your compensation depends on the number of recorded calls and the total number of people who file claims.
| Number of Calls Recorded | Estimated Compensation |
|---|---|
| 1 Call | Up to $86 |
| Multiple Calls | Up to $5,000 |
Note: The final payout may vary based on the total eligible claims submitted.
How to Claim Your Share
Filing your claim is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official settlement website.
- Provide your name, email, and phone number that received the call(s).
- If your number is in the class-action list, you may receive your payment automatically.
- No attorney or detailed documentation is required.
Tip: If you had hardship (e.g., loan forbearance or credit damage), the deadline to submit that portion passed on January 10, 2025.
Important Deadlines
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| General Claim Submission | April 11, 2025 |
| Hardship Claim (closed) | January 10, 2025 |
| Estimated Payment Distribution | Begins July 2025 |
Why This Settlement Is Significant
This isn’t just about the money. It’s about holding corporations accountable for violating consumer rights.
This lawsuit sends a message that privacy laws matter, and consumers must be protected against unauthorized recordings and misuse of personal information.
In today’s digital age, privacy violations are increasingly common. Laws like CIPA play a crucial role in maintaining trust and transparency in corporate communications.
If you’re a California resident who received calls from Wells Fargo or its vendor between 2014 and 2023, and your conversations were recorded without your consent, you’re likely eligible for a cash payment—possibly up to $5,000.
Don’t delay. Head to the official settlement website, submit your details, and secure your rightful compensation.
FAQs
Do I need proof that my call was recorded to file a claim?
No. Your eligibility is determined by matching your phone number with company call logs. No recordings are needed.
When will I receive my payment?
Eligible claimants can expect payments to begin in July 2025, depending on how many people file claims.
What if I missed the hardship claim deadline?
The hardship claim deadline was January 10, 2025, and is now closed. You can still file under the general claim until April 11, 2025.