Wells Fargo and partners agreed to a $19.5 million settlement over allegations of secretly recording sales and appointment-setting calls to Californians without proper consent, with eligible claimants typically seeing around $86 per qualifying call and a potential maximum of up to $5,000 per call depending on total claims filed. The claims deadline is April 11, 2025, the final approval hearing is set for May 20, 2025, and payments are expected only after court approval and any appeals, by check or direct deposit via the settlement administrator.
What the case is about
The lawsuit alleges that The Credit Wholesale Company, acting as a sales ally for Wells Fargo and affiliates, recorded telemarketing and appointment-setting calls to California residents and businesses without clear upfront disclosure, allegedly violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). Defendants deny wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid extended litigation, and Wholesale agreed to stop recording such California calls without upfront disclosure going forward.
Who is eligible
- Individuals or businesses who received at least one call from The Credit Wholesale Company, Inc. in California between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023, are within the settlement class if they submit a valid claim by the deadline.
- Claimants typically need to provide the phone number and/or business name that received the calls; mailed notices may include a unique claim number and PIN to file online or by mail.
How much you might receive
- Estimated payouts are around $86 per eligible call, but the amount depends on how many valid claims are filed from the $19.5 million common fund, with a maximum potential of up to $5,000 per call in scenarios with fewer total claims.
- Payments are per qualifying call, so multiple recorded calls can increase a claimant’s total award, subject to the available fund and claims volume.
Key dates and payout timing
- Claim submission deadline: April 11, 2025; objection/exclusion deadline: April 4, 2025.
- Final approval hearing: May 20, 2025; distributions occur only if the court grants final approval and after any appeals conclude, so timing can vary.
Payment method and how to file
- Payments will be issued by the settlement administrator via check or direct deposit after approval; claimants should retain confirmation details and ensure contact information is current with the administrator.
- Filing is completed through the official settlement portal referenced by reputable legal news resources; claimants should use their notice credentials (Claim ID/PIN) or provide the phone number/business name linked to the calls.
Fast facts to highlight
- Total fund: $19.5 million for California call recording claims tied to Credit Wholesale calls on behalf of Wells Fargo and affiliates.
- Violation alleged: Unauthorized/undisclosed call recordings implicating California’s privacy law (CIPA).
- Eligible call period: October 22, 2014 – November 17, 2023.
- Claim deadline: April 11, 2025.
- Payment method: Check or direct deposit via the administrator after final approval and resolution of any appeals.
- Expected payout per claim: About $86 per qualifying call on average; up to $5,000 per call depending on claims volume.