Wells Fargo is back in the spotlight due to a $19.5 million settlement involving unauthorized phone call recordings. This settlement aims to compensate individuals and businesses in California whose calls were recorded without their consent. Depending on the number of claims, affected parties may receive up to $5,000 per call.
Table of Contents
Background of the Case
The lawsuit centers on The Credit Wholesale Company Inc., a company that provided credit card processing equipment and services to Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and Priority Technology Holdings Inc. Between 2014 and 2023, it allegedly recorded calls to California residents and businesses without disclosure.
Under California law, any company that records a conversation must inform the other party beforehand. Since the Credit Wholesale Company failed to do so, a class action lawsuit was filed, implicating Wells Fargo and affiliated organizations.
What Are the Allegations?
Plaintiffs claim that the company recorded thousands of calls without consent over nearly a decade. These calls were mostly related to:
- Scheduling appointments
- Providing service information
- Selling card processing machines
Such actions violate the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), which protects individuals from being recorded without permission. Violations can result in fines or monetary damages.
Settlement Announcement
Wells Fargo and other companies have not admitted any wrongdoing, but they agreed to a $19.5 million class action settlement to avoid extended court proceedings. This settlement provides financial compensation to eligible claimants while resolving the legal dispute.
Settlement Payments
Payment amounts are determined per eligible call:
- Estimated payout per call: ~$86
- Low number of claims could raise payments up to $5,000 per call
Those who received multiple calls may receive multiple payments. The final payment depends on court approval and the total number of claims filed.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is limited to California residents or businesses and requires the following:
- Timeframe: Received a call from The Credit Wholesale Company Inc. between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
- Location: Calls must have been made to individuals or businesses located in California.
- Type of Call: Calls related to sales, appointments, or service inquiries.
- Proof: Your phone number or business name is sufficient to verify eligibility.
How to File a Claim
Eligible individuals must submit a claim form via the official settlement website: CallRecordingClassAction.com.
Steps to file:
- Go to CallRecordingClassAction.com and click Submit a Claim.
- Enter your name, phone number, business name (if applicable), and mailing address.
- Confirm that you received a recorded call without prior notice.
- Submit the form online or by mail.
Mailing Address:
- Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 301132, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132
- Email: admin@CallRecordingClassAction.com
- Phone: 888-733-1544
Key Deadlines
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Claim Form Submission | April 11, 2025 |
| Objection or Exclusion | April 4, 2025 |
| Final Court Hearing | May 20, 2025 |
Payments are expected to start a few months after court approval.
Court Status
The case, Aguilar Auto Repair, et al. v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., et al. (Case No. 3:23-cv-06265-LJC), is being heard in the Northern District of California. The final hearing on May 20, 2025, will determine whether the settlement is fair and reasonable.
Plaintiffs’ Legal Representation
The plaintiffs are represented by Myron M. Cherry & Associates LLC, including:
- Myron M. Cherry
- Jacie C. Zolna
- Benjamin R. Swetland
They aim to ensure fair compensation and prevent future privacy violations.
Steps to Prevent Future Violations
As part of the settlement, The Credit Wholesale Company Inc. has agreed to inform all California businesses before recording calls, enhancing consumer privacy protections.
Importance of the Case
This settlement is a reminder that consumer privacy matters. Unauthorized recordings can lead to legal action, fines, and reputational damage. It reinforces that companies must comply with privacy laws, no matter their size.
FAQs
Q1: Who qualifies for the Wells Fargo $5,000 settlement?
Individuals or businesses in California who received calls from The Credit Wholesale Co. between 2014–2023.
Q2: How much money can I receive?
Payments range from ~$86 per call, up to $5,000 per call, depending on claims.
Q3: Where can I submit my claim?
Visit the official website: CallRecordingClassAction.com.
