Thousands of Wells Fargo customers across California may be entitled to cash payments of up to $5,000 after a court-approved $19.5 million class action settlement. The case centers around claims that calls made by a third-party vendor on behalf of Wells Fargo were illegally recorded without notifying or obtaining consent from recipients—a potential violation of California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
The settlement resolves allegations that The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc., which worked with Wells Fargo, recorded calls without permission between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023. If your phone number is among those contacted during this period, you may qualify for financial compensation, with each call worth about $86 and a maximum of $5,000.
Table of Contents
Overview Table – Wells Fargo Privacy Settlement
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement Amount | $19.5 million |
| Eligibility Period | October 22, 2014 – November 17, 2023 |
| Per-Call Compensation | Approx. $86 |
| Maximum Payout per Person | Up to $5,000 |
| Claim Deadline (Extended) | July 31, 2025 |
| Proof Required | Phone number used during the recorded call |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 20, 2025 |
| Settlement Type | Class Action (California residents and businesses only) |
| Third Party Involved | The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. |
| Governing Law | California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) |
| Official Site | www.callrecordingclassaction.com |
Why the Settlement Was Filed
The lawsuit accuses The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc., a telemarketing vendor for Wells Fargo, of recording calls without informing or obtaining consent from the other party on the line. Under CIPA, such action is considered a privacy violation if both parties don’t explicitly agree to the recording.
Though Wells Fargo and the vendor deny wrongdoing, they agreed to the settlement to avoid drawn-out litigation. The court granted preliminary approval, and a final hearing was held on May 20, 2025. The claim submission period was also extended to July 31, 2025, to allow more consumers to file.
Who Is Eligible for the Payout?
You may qualify for compensation if you:
- Are a California resident or business.
- Received at least one outbound recorded call from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. made on behalf of Wells Fargo between Oct 22, 2014 – Nov 17, 2023.
- Your phone number appears in the database of affected parties.
- You did not opt out of the class action before the opt-out window closed.
This includes consumers and small business owners whose calls may have been recorded without consent. You may still qualify even if you didn’t receive a settlement notice, as long as your number is on record.
Payment Amount – What You Can Expect
Each call determined to have been illegally recorded is eligible for around $86 in compensation. The number of calls linked to your phone number determines your total settlement payment.
- Per Call: ~$86
- Maximum: Up to $5,000
- Form 1099: Required for total payouts above $600
No supporting documents are required beyond your phone number or business name—making this one of the simplest class actions to join.
How to Submit a Claim
Filing is quick and paperless. You can complete the process online in under 5 minutes.
Follow these steps:
- Visit: www.callrecordingclassaction.com
- Enter your phone number to verify eligibility.
- If eligible, fill out the claim form.
- Submit your form by the extended deadline: July 31, 2025.
You will not need to upload call recordings or billing records—only your number is used for verification.
No Claim? You Might Still Be Paid Automatically
If you’re listed as a class member and did not opt out of the case, you may not need to take any action. You’ll receive a settlement check or digital payment automatically once disbursements begin—likely in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on appeals or processing delays.
However, if you believe you qualify but didn’t receive notice, it’s essential to file a claim manually by July 31, 2025.
Why This Matters – Consumer Privacy at Stake
This case reinforces the strict privacy protections California offers. The California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) requires two-party consent for call recordings. Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines and settlements, as seen in this case.
By holding companies accountable, the lawsuit sends a message: consumer consent is not optional. Even without direct admission of fault, the payout acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations.
Key Dates to Remember
- Final Approval Hearing: May 20, 2025
- Extended Deadline to Submit Claims: July 31, 2025
- Expected Payout Timeline: Late 2025 to early 2026
- Additional Compensation Claims Deadline: Closed on January 10, 2025
The settlement team estimates that most payments will be processed within 60 days after the final court approval, barring appeals.
Check Your Status or Ask for Help
If you’ve filed or are unsure about eligibility, you can check the status through the official portal.
Contact & Check Methods:
- Visit: www.callrecordingclassaction.com
- Call: Settlement helpline listed on the website
- You’ll need: Your phone number used during the call(s)
- No claim ID is needed unless following up on a submitted form
Settlement’s Impact
This class action serves as a key reminder about the power of consumer privacy law. With businesses using automated systems and third-party vendors more frequently, proper consent must always be prioritized.
The Wells Fargo case shows how even non-intentional violations can result in serious consequences. And for affected users, it represents a real opportunity to be financially compensated with minimal effort.
Official Link to File or Check Claim
For filing claims, checking your status, or reading FAQs, visit the official court-approved website:
https://www.callrecordingclassaction.com
Final Note
The Wells Fargo Class Action Settlement 2025 is one of the most accessible settlements in recent years. With up to $5,000 on the line, Californians should take a few minutes to check their eligibility and file a claim. The process is fast, doesn’t require paperwork, and could result in a significant cash benefit for those affected.
Quick FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the Wells Fargo settlement?
A = California residents or businesses who received a recorded call from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
Q2: How much can I receive in compensation?
A = Each call is worth around $86, with a maximum payout of $5,000.
Q3: What documents do I need to file a claim?
A = No documents are required—just your phone number used during the calls.
Q4: What is the new deadline to submit a claim?
A = You must submit your claim by July 31, 2025 (extended deadline).
