California Residents May Receive Up to $5,000 from Wells Fargo Call Recording Settlement
California residents and businesses may be eligible for compensation from a $19.5 million Wells Fargo class action settlement that addresses allegations of unauthorized call recordings. The settlement provides payments to individuals and businesses who received calls from a Wells Fargo-contracted company between 2014 and 2023 without proper notification that conversations were being recorded.
Key settlement details:
- Total settlement fund: $19.5 million
- Payment per call: $86
- Maximum payout: Up to $5,000 per claimant
- Eligibility: California residents/businesses contacted between 2014-2023
- Claim requirement: Even one recorded call may qualify
What Is the Wells Fargo Settlement About?
The Allegations
The class action lawsuit alleges that The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc., a contractor working with Wells Fargo and Priority Technology Holdings Inc., recorded telephone conversations with California residents and businesses without providing proper notification or obtaining consent as required by California law.
These calls typically involved:
- Sales conversations
- Appointment scheduling
- Customer service inquiries
- Account-related discussions
California Privacy Law Violations
Under California Penal Code § 632, all parties to a confidential communication must consent before a conversation can be recorded. The lawsuit argues that Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and Priority Technology Holdings Inc. failed to properly inform call recipients that their conversations were being recorded, violating state privacy protections.
Wells Fargo’s Response
While Wells Fargo has not admitted wrongdoing, the bank agreed to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation. As part of the settlement:
- Wells Fargo will pay $19.5 million to resolve claims
- The Credit Wholesale Co. has ceased recording California calls without proper notification
- The settlement allows affected parties to receive compensation without proving individual damages
Wells Fargo Settlement 2025: Quick Reference
DetailInformationSettlement Amount$19.5 millionAffected StateCalifornia onlyCall Recording Period2014 – 2023Contractor InvolvedThe Credit Wholesale Co. Inc.Payment Per Call$86Maximum Individual Payment$5,000Minimum QualificationOne recorded callFiling MethodOnline claim formOfficial Websitewfsettlement.com
Who Is Eligible for the Wells Fargo Settlement?
Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for the Wells Fargo $19.5 million settlement if you meet the following criteria:
✓ California resident or business during the claim period
✓ Received a phone call from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. between 2014 and 2023
✓ Call was recorded without proper notification or consent
✓ At least one qualifying call (multiple calls increase payment amount)
Important Eligibility Notes
You do NOT need to be a Wells Fargo customer to qualify for the settlement. Any California resident or business that received calls from the contractor during the specified timeframe may be eligible.
Business eligibility: Companies and organizations that received calls can file claims using their registered business name.
Call verification: The settlement administrator will verify call records to determine eligibility and calculate payment amounts.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Residents of states other than California
- Individuals who received calls outside the 2014-2023 timeframe
- Those who cannot provide a valid phone number or business name from the claim period
How Much Money Can You Receive from the Wells Fargo Settlement?
Payment Calculation
Settlement payments are based on the number of recorded calls you or your business received:
Payment structure:
- $86 per recorded call
- Maximum payment: $5,000 per claimant
- No minimum: Even one call qualifies for $86
Payment Examples
Number of CallsPayment Amount1 call$865 calls$43010 calls$86025 calls$2,15050 calls$4,30058+ calls$5,000 (maximum)
Note: Actual payment amounts may be adjusted proportionally if total claims exceed the settlement fund. Final payments will depend on the total number of valid claims filed.
How to File a Claim for the Wells Fargo Settlement
Step-by-Step Claim Process
Step 1: Gather Required Information
Before filing, collect:
- Phone number(s) that received calls during 2014-2023
- Business name (if filing on behalf of a company)
- Contact information for settlement communications
Step 2: Visit the Official Settlement Website
Go to the official claims portal at wfsettlement.com once it becomes available.
Beware of scam websites. Only use the official settlement administrator’s website.
Step 3: Complete the Online Claim Form
Provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Contact information (address, email, phone)
- Phone number(s) that received the recorded calls
- Business name (if applicable)
- Any additional information requested
Step 4: Review and Submit
- Double-check all information for accuracy
- Review the claim form carefully before submission
- Submit your claim electronically
- Save confirmation number or email for your records
Step 5: Wait for Verification
The settlement administrator will:
- Verify your eligibility using call records
- Calculate your payment based on recorded calls
- Send payment information once approved
Important Filing Deadlines
Claim deadline: To be announced once the settlement receives final court approval
Timeline expectations:
- Claims portal opening: Expected soon (pending court approval)
- Filing deadline: Typically 60-90 days after portal opens
- Payment distribution: Several months after claims deadline
Act quickly when the portal opens. Claims windows are typically short, and late submissions may not be accepted.
Wells Fargo Settlement Timeline
What Has Happened So Far
2014-2023: The Credit Wholesale Co. allegedly recorded calls with California residents without proper notification
2023-2024: Class action lawsuit filed against Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and Priority Technology Holdings Inc.
2025: Settlement agreement reached for $19.5 million
What Happens Next
Pending court approval: The settlement must receive final approval from the court before claims can be processed
Notice period: Eligible class members will be notified through mail, email, or publication
Claims portal launch: Online filing system will open for a limited time
Payment distribution: Approved claims will receive payments via check or electronic payment
Frequently Asked Questions About Wells Fargo Settlement
Do I need to prove I received recorded calls?
No, the settlement administrator has access to call records and will verify eligibility. You only need to provide your phone number or business name.
Can I claim for multiple phone numbers?
Yes, if you had multiple phone numbers during the 2014-2023 period that received calls, you can include all of them in your claim.
What if I moved out of California after receiving the calls?
You may still be eligible if you were a California resident when you received the calls, even if you have since relocated.
Is there a fee to file a claim?
No, filing a claim is completely free. Beware of any third parties charging fees to help you file.
How will I receive my payment?
Payment methods will be announced by the settlement administrator. Typically, payments are distributed via check or electronic transfer.
Can I opt out of the settlement?
Yes, class members typically have the right to opt out if they wish to pursue individual legal action. Details will be provided in the official settlement notice.
What if I don’t remember if I received calls?
You can still file a claim with your phone number or business name. The settlement administrator will check records to determine if you received qualifying calls.
Why Did Wells Fargo Agree to Settle?
Reasons for Settlement
1. Avoid lengthy litigation
Class action lawsuits can take years to resolve through trial. Settlement provides faster resolution.
2. Limit legal costs
Extended litigation involves substantial legal fees and resource allocation.
3. No admission of liability
Settlement allows Wells Fargo to resolve claims without admitting wrongdoing or establishing legal precedent.
4. Business continuity
Settlement allows the company to move forward without ongoing litigation distraction.
5. Compliance improvement
The settlement includes provisions ensuring future compliance with California privacy laws.
California Call Recording Laws Explained
Two-Party Consent Requirement
California is a “two-party consent” state, meaning all parties to a confidential communication must consent to recording. This is stricter than “one-party consent” states where only one party needs to agree.
California Penal Code § 632:
- Requires consent from all parties before recording
- Applies to telephone conversations
- Violations can result in criminal penalties and civil liability
- Damages can include $5,000 per violation
Business Compliance Requirements
Businesses operating in California must:
- Provide clear notification before recording calls
- Obtain explicit consent from all parties
- Use automated warnings (e.g., “This call may be recorded”)
- Maintain records of consent
Why This Settlement Matters
This case demonstrates California’s strict enforcement of privacy protections and serves as a reminder for businesses to:
- Implement proper consent procedures
- Train contractors on compliance requirements
- Maintain documentation of notification practices
- Take California privacy laws seriously
Other Wells Fargo Settlements and Legal Issues
History of Wells Fargo Settlements
Wells Fargo has faced multiple settlements in recent years:
Fake accounts scandal (2016-2020): Multiple settlements totaling billions for unauthorized account openings
Mortgage practices (2018): $480 million securities fraud settlement
Auto insurance (2019): $385 million settlement for improper auto insurance charges
Home lending (2022): $3.7 billion CFPB settlement for various consumer violations
What This Means for Consumers
These settlements highlight the importance of:
- Corporate accountability
- Consumer protection laws
- Class action lawsuits as remedy for widespread harm
- Regulatory oversight of financial institutions
How to Protect Yourself from Call Recording Without Consent
Know Your Rights
In California:
- You must be notified before calls are recorded
- You have the right to refuse recording
- You can request call recording policies
- Violations may entitle you to damages
Warning signs of unauthorized recording:
- No automated notification at call start
- Unclear or missing disclosure statements
- Immediate call recording without consent opportunity
What to Do If You Suspect Unauthorized Recording
- Ask directly: “Is this call being recorded?”
- Request notification: Ask for clear disclosure of recording practices
- Document the call: Note date, time, company name, and representative
- File a complaint: Report to California Attorney General’s office
- Seek legal advice: Consult an attorney about potential violations
Important Reminders for Claimants
Before Filing Your Claim
✓ Verify the official website – Only use wfsettlement.com
✓ Gather documentation – Collect phone numbers and business information
✓ Act promptly – File as soon as the claims portal opens
✓ Avoid scams – Never pay fees to file a claim
✓ Keep records – Save confirmation numbers and emails
Red Flags: Avoiding Settlement Scams
Warning signs of scams:
- Unsolicited calls or emails requesting payment
- Requests for banking information or Social Security numbers upfront
- Pressure to act immediately
- Claims that you’ve already won money
- Unofficial websites with similar names
Remember: Legitimate class action settlements never require upfront payment to claim your share.
Contact Information and Resources
Official Settlement Administrator
Website: wfsettlement.com
Phone: To be announced
Mailing Address: To be provided in official settlement notice
Legal Resources
California Attorney General’s Office
Consumer Protection Division
Website: oag.ca.gov
California Department of Consumer Affairs
For consumer complaints and guidance
Website: dca.ca.gov
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
For fraud and scam reporting
Website: ftc.gov/complaint
Legal Representation
If you have questions about the settlement or your rights:
- Contact class counsel (information in settlement notice)
- Consult a consumer protection attorney
- Reach out to legal aid organizations for free assistance
What California Businesses Should Learn
Compliance Lessons
1. Train contractors and vendors
Ensure all third parties understand and follow California privacy laws
2. Implement clear notification systems
Use automated disclosures at the start of recorded calls
3. Document consent procedures
Maintain records proving compliance with notification requirements
4. Regular compliance audits
Review call recording practices periodically
5. Update policies proactively
Stay current with changing privacy regulations
Risk Mitigation
- Invest in compliance training
- Use technology to automate disclosures
- Maintain detailed compliance records
- Work with legal counsel to review practices
- Purchase appropriate insurance coverage
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Claim
The Wells Fargo $19.5 million settlement represents an opportunity for California residents and businesses to receive compensation for privacy violations. With payments of $86 per recorded call and a maximum of $5,000, eligible claimants could receive significant compensation.
Key takeaways:
- Settlement covers calls between 2014-2023 in California
- You don’t need to be a Wells Fargo customer to qualify
- Even one recorded call may entitle you to compensation
- Filing is free and can be done online
- Act quickly once the claims portal opens
Next steps:
- Monitor wfsettlement.com for portal opening
- Gather your phone numbers and business information
- File your claim as soon as possible
- Keep confirmation records
- Watch for payment information from the settlement administrator
Don’t leave money on the table – if you received calls from The Credit Wholesale Co. between 2014 and 2023, you may be entitled to compensation
