The Wells Fargo settlement has become one of the most talked-about consumer privacy cases of recent years. Following allegations that customer phone calls were recorded without consent, Wells Fargo and its affiliated partners agreed to a $19.5 million settlement to resolve claims under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). This settlement offers affected individuals and businesses the chance to receive payments potentially ranging from $86 up to $5,000 per recorded call, depending on the number of valid claims submitted.
Table of Contents
What Led to This Settlement?
Between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023, The Credit Wholesale Company Inc., associated with Wells Fargo, made numerous calls to individuals and small businesses across California. These calls were allegedly recorded without disclosure. Under California law, both parties must be informed and consent before call recording takes place.
As thousands of calls were recorded without notification, consumers filed a class-action lawsuit. To resolve this, a settlement was reached without the case going to trial.
Violation of Consumer Privacy
The lawsuit alleged that call recipients were not informed that recording was in progress. Without proper disclosure, the act becomes a serious privacy violation under CIPA, leading to penalties and compensation claims.
This case highlights the importance of transparency in telecommunication practices, especially when dealing with financial institutions.
Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $19.5 Million Total Fund |
| Compensation Per Call | Approx. $86 (May Increase Up to $5,000) |
| Call Period Covered | October 22, 2014 – November 17, 2023 |
| Eligible Region | California (Residents & Businesses) |
| Claim Deadline | October 11, 2025 |
| Final Court Hearing | November 20, 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible if:
- You received a call from The Credit Wholesale Company or related business partners.
- The call took place between 2014 and 2023.
- You were located in California at the time.
- The call was business, sales, or service-related.
- The call was recorded without informing you.
Proof such as your phone number or business contact information may be required during the claim process.
How Much Compensation Will You Receive?
The compensation amount depends on the number of valid claims submitted. Here’s how payouts are calculated:
| Number of Recorded Calls | Estimated Compensation |
|---|---|
| 1 Call | Approx. $86 – $5,000 |
| 2 Calls | Approx. $172 – $10,000 |
| 3+ Calls | Higher Payouts Per Additional Call |
If fewer people submit claims, individual payments will be higher.
How to File Your Claim (Simple Steps)
Filing a claim can be done online in just a few minutes:
- Visit the official claim filing portal:
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library (Government consumer settlement reference source) - Click on Submit a Claim.
- Enter your name, address, phone number, and call details.
- Confirm that calls were recorded without your consent.
- Submit the claim form before October 11, 2025.
Alternatively, claims may be submitted by mail, using the address listed on the settlement notice.
Legal Case Status and Timeline
The final approval hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2025. Payments typically begin a few months after court approval, meaning beneficiaries may receive payments by late 2025.
Why This Settlement Matters
This case reinforces:
- Consumer privacy rights
- Legal accountability for large corporations
- The importance of transparent communication policies
It sends a strong message that no institution is above the law, even large banking corporations.
Conclusion
If you received calls between 2014 and 2023 and believe you may have been recorded without consent, you may qualify for compensation. Submit your claim before October 11, 2025, to ensure your eligibility.
This settlement is not only about money—it is about protecting your privacy and exercising your rights.
FAQs
A – Individuals or businesses in California who received recorded calls between 2014 and 2023 without being informed.
A – Payments may range from approximately $86 up to $5,000 per qualifying call.
A – Payments will be processed a few months after the final approval hearing on November 20, 2025.
