If you received a phone call in California from a company trying to sell you something between 2014 and 2023, you could be owed money through the Wells Fargo settlement. A $19.5 million class action has been approved to compensate individuals and businesses whose calls were recorded without their consent. This payout is tied to The Credit Wholesale Company Inc., which allegedly recorded calls on behalf of Wells Fargo without telling people.
The Wells Fargo settlement is a big deal, especially for those who unknowingly had their conversations recorded. Under California privacy laws, both parties must consent to being recorded. Now, individuals may be eligible to receive between $86 and $5,000 per call. If you believe your privacy was violated, there is still time to file a claim.
Wells Fargo Settlement: Key Facts, Eligibility and Why This Matters
The Wells Fargo settlement is more than a legal payout; it is a reminder of how seriously privacy laws are taken in California. The calls in question were made to promote Wells Fargo’s credit card processing services, often to set up appointments or explain the products. However, plaintiffs argue that they were never informed the calls were being recorded, which is a violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
Although Wells Fargo and the other companies involved have denied wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the case to avoid a lengthy trial. Eligible claimants now have the chance to receive direct payments, and the deadline to act is approaching quickly.
Overview Table: Wells Fargo Settlement at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Total Settlement Amount | $19.5 million |
| Individual Payment Range | Estimated $86 to $5,000 per recorded call |
| Recording Timeframe | October 22, 2014 to November 17, 2023 |
| Calls Made By | The Credit Wholesale Company Inc. |
| Associated Company | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. |
| Call Types | Sales, appointment-setting, service-related inquiries |
| Location Requirement | Must be a resident or business in California |
| Claim Deadline | April 11, 2025 |
| Final Court Hearing Date | May 20, 2025 |
| Website to File Claim | CallRecordingClassAction.com |
Case Background
The case began when businesses and individuals in California started questioning how their conversations with sales representatives were being handled. The Credit Wholesale Company Inc., acting as a third-party vendor for Wells Fargo and other financial institutions, allegedly recorded calls without providing proper notice.
These calls were not isolated incidents. According to the lawsuit, thousands of conversations were recorded over nearly a decade, most of which were linked to sales or service discussions. That lack of disclosure violates state privacy law, which requires consent from all parties on a call before recording.
What are the allegations?
The main accusation is that The Credit Wholesale Company recorded sales and service calls without informing the recipients. These calls, made to both individuals and businesses in California, were often part of efforts to sell credit card processing services or to set appointments.
Plaintiffs claim that no verbal or written notice of the recording was given, making each recorded call a violation of CIPA. The lawsuit, while not resulting in a formal admission of guilt, led to the current Wells Fargo settlement as a way to resolve the case and compensate those affected.
Settlement Announcement
As part of the agreement, the defendants agreed to a $19.5 million fund to settle all claims without admitting fault. The Wells Fargo settlement allows eligible claimants to receive payments based on how many calls they received and how many people submit claims.
The more calls you can verify, the more money you could receive. If fewer claims are filed overall, payouts could increase up to $5,000 per call. The actual amount will be finalized after the court hearing in May 2025.
Settlement Amount and Payment Details
While the advertised figure of $5,000 is the maximum possible per call, most people can expect closer to $86 per call, depending on how many valid claims are submitted. The fewer claims there are, the more money each claimant may receive.
After the final court hearing on May 20, 2025, payments will begin to roll out. Claimants may choose to receive their settlement by check or direct deposit. Make sure the information you provide on your claim form is accurate, especially your contact and payment details.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for the Wells Fargo settlement, you must meet these conditions:
- You received a phone call from The Credit Wholesale Company Inc.
- The call took place between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
- The call was made to a California resident or business.
- The purpose of the call was sales or appointment related.
- You were not informed the call was being recorded.
- You can provide your phone number or business name to confirm eligibility.
Meeting all of these requirements is essential for your claim to be accepted.
How to File a Claim?
The process is simple and can be completed online or by mail. To submit a claim for the Wells Fargo settlement, follow these steps:
- Visit CallRecordingClassAction.com.
- Click on “Submit a Claim.”
- Fill out your name, address, phone number, and business name if applicable.
- Certify that you received a recorded call without being informed.
- Choose whether to submit online or mail the form.
Mailing Address:
Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301132
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132
Email: admin@CallRecordingClassAction.com
Phone: 888-733-1544
The deadline to file your claim is April 11, 2025.
Important Deadlines
To make sure you do not miss your opportunity, remember these key dates:
- April 4, 2025: Deadline to object to or opt out of the settlement.
- April 11, 2025: Last day to file your claim for payment.
- May 20, 2025: Court date for final approval. Payments will be issued after this hearing.
Once the court signs off on the agreement, the settlement fund will be distributed to approved claimants.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Wells Fargo settlement?
Anyone in California who received a recorded call from The Credit Wholesale Company Inc. without prior notice between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
How much could I receive?
Payments are estimated at $86 per call, but may rise up to $5,000 per call depending on how many people file claims.
What proof do I need?
You must provide the phone number or business name that received the recorded call.
Where do I file the claim?
Visit CallRecordingClassAction.com and complete the online form, or send it by mail to the settlement administrator.
When will I get my payment?
Payments are expected to begin after the final court hearing on May 20, 2025, likely in mid to late 2025.
