Wells Fargo Bank N.A. has agreed to pay $19.5 million to settle allegations related to illegal call recordings made through a third-party telemarketing company without proper consent. The settlement affects California residents and businesses who received recorded phone calls between October 22, 2014 and November 17, 2023.
This article explains who qualifies, the official claim process, payout expectations, and key deadlines — based entirely on verified public court documents and the official settlement portal.
Background of the Wells Fargo Settlement
The lawsuit claimed that a vendor, The Credit Wholesale Company, Inc., contacted potential Wells Fargo customers and recorded calls without disclosing it upfront, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
Wells Fargo denied wrongdoing but agreed to the $19.5 million settlement to avoid prolonged litigation.
The settlement ensures that those affected are compensated for privacy violations while promoting stricter corporate compliance standards for future telemarketing campaigns.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible if:
- You are a California resident or business owner.
- You received one or more telephone calls from The Credit Wholesale Company, Inc. on behalf of Wells Fargo between Oct 22, 2014 – Nov 17, 2023.
- The call was recorded without prior notice or consent.
Even if you did not receive a mailed notice, eligibility may still apply if your phone number appears in the defendants’ call records.
How to File a Claim
The claim process is simple and can be completed online.
- Visit the official settlement website – CallRecordingClassAction.com.
- Click “Submit Claim” and fill in the form with your:
- Full name or business name
- Phone number(s) that received the call(s)
- Contact email and mailing address
- Submit by the official deadline: April 11, 2025.
- If your potential payment exceeds $600, a W-9 form may be required before payout.
Once approved, payments will be distributed via check or electronic transfer once the court gives final approval.
Settlement Timeline & Payout Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement Amount | $19.5 million |
| Eligibility Period | Oct 22 2014 – Nov 17 2023 |
| Claim Deadline | April 11 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 20 2025 |
| Expected Payment | Estimated $86 – $5,000 per eligible call |
| Official Website | CallRecordingClassAction.com |
| Defendant | Wells Fargo Bank N.A. & The Credit Wholesale Company, Inc. |
The payout amount depends on the total number of valid claims. Each eligible call may receive roughly $86, but in certain circumstances, compensation can reach up to $5,000 per call.
Why the Settlement Matters
This case highlights the growing need for transparency in telemarketing and data handling. Unauthorized recordings not only violate privacy rights but also create a legal risk for corporations that rely on third-party agencies.
For consumers, it represents one of the most significant class-action outcomes under the California Privacy Act, ensuring accountability for major financial institutions.
FAQs
Q1. Is the claim deadline April 26, 2026?
No. The verified official deadline is April 11, 2025, according to court filings and the settlement administrator. Some unofficial blogs list later dates incorrectly.
Q2. Who manages the settlement?
A professional Settlement Administrator appointed by the court is responsible for claim verification and fund distribution. All details are on the official website.
Q3. How much will each person receive?
The final amount depends on how many valid claims are filed. Fewer claims mean higher per-call payments, potentially up to $5,000 per call.
Q4. Do I need proof of the call?
Not necessarily. If your phone number appears in the defendants’ records, your claim will likely be validated automatically.
Q5. When will payments be sent?
Payments will be issued after the final approval hearing and administrative processing — expected within a few months after May 2025.