Wells Fargo and its partner have agreed to a $19.5 million class action settlement over secretly recorded sales calls with California consumers. Eligible claimants could receive up to $5,000 per call — but you must file your claim before April 11, 2025.
$5,000 Wells Fargo Settlement: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Name | Wells Fargo / The Credit Wholesale Co. Call Recording Class Action |
| Total Settlement Amount | $19.5 million |
| Estimated Payment per Call | $86 (average) |
| Maximum Payment | Up to $5,000 per call |
| Eligible Call Period | October 22, 2014 – November 17, 2023 |
| Eligible Location | California residents and small businesses |
| Claim Deadline | April 11, 2025 |
| Objection / Exclusion Deadline | April 4, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 20, 2025 |
| Official Website | www.CallRecordingClassAction.com |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Northern District of California |
Why Wells Fargo Is Paying Millions?
Wells Fargo, one of America’s largest banks, has agreed to a $19.5 million class action settlement after being accused of participating in illegally recorded phone calls made by its partner, The Credit Wholesale Company Inc.
Between 2014 and 2023, The Credit Wholesale Co. — working alongside Wells Fargo and Priority Technology Holdings Inc. — allegedly recorded thousands of conversations with California consumers and businesses without proper consent, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
Though Wells Fargo denies wrongdoing, it chose to settle the case to avoid drawn-out litigation and further reputational damage.
“Recording a conversation without permission isn’t just bad ethics — it’s illegal in California,”
said attorney Jacie C. Zolna of Myron M. Cherry & Associates, who represents the plaintiffs.Also Read
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The Legal Core: California’s Strict Privacy Law
California’s CIPA Section 632 requires businesses to inform all parties before recording any phone call. Violations can lead to civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident.
The plaintiffs allege that Credit Wholesale employees routinely:
- Recorded sales and service calls without notifying the participants.
- Captured conversations with individuals and small businesses discussing merchant accounts and card processing services.
- Failed to include required “this call may be recorded” disclosures.
Each call could represent one separate violation, which explains how per-call compensation can reach thousands of dollars.
Settlement Terms and Expected Payments
The $19.5 million fund will cover all eligible claims, legal fees, and administrative costs. After those deductions, payments will be distributed to verified class members.
| Settlement Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement Fund | $19.5 million |
| Average Payment per Call | $86 |
| Maximum Possible Payout | $5,000 per call |
| Eligible Period | Oct. 22, 2014 – Nov. 17, 2023 |
| Eligible Area | California residents / businesses |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 20, 2025 |
| Estimated Payment Window | Summer–Fall 2025 |
If only a small number of claims are filed, individual payments could rise substantially, potentially up to $5,000 for each qualifying call.
For example, a small business that received three illegally recorded calls could receive as much as $15,000 total.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
You may qualify if all the following apply:
- You lived or operated a business in California between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
- You received one or more calls from The Credit Wholesale Company Inc. promoting merchant or payment processing services.
- You were not informed that the call was being recorded.
- You can verify your phone number or business name associated with the call.
Both individuals and small businesses are eligible under CIPA.
How to File a Claim?
You can file your claim entirely online or by mail before April 11, 2025.
Online Filing (Fastest)
1️⃣ Visit www.CallRecordingClassAction.com
2️⃣ Click “Submit a Claim”
3️⃣ Enter your name, phone number, and address
4️⃣ Certify that you received one or more recorded calls without consent
5️⃣ Submit the form before April 11, 2025
Mail Option
If you prefer paper filing:
Mail your completed claim to:
Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301132
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132
Need Help?
- Hotline: 1-888-733-1544
- Email: [email protected]
Case Details and Court Oversight
The case is officially titled: Aguilar Auto Repair, et al. v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., et al. (Case No. 3:23-cv-06265-LJC)
It is being overseen by Judge Lisa J. Cisneros in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The final approval hearing will take place on May 20, 2025.
If no appeals are filed, payments could start rolling out by late summer or early fall 2025.
Who’s Representing the Plaintiffs
The lawsuit is led by Myron M. Cherry & Associates LLC, a Chicago-based firm specializing in privacy and consumer class actions.
Lead Attorneys:
- Myron M. Cherry
- Jacie C. Zolna
- Benjamin R. Swetland
The team emphasized that the case is not only about compensation but also long-term corporate accountability.
Compliance Reforms Under the Settlement
Beyond payments, the settlement requires The Credit Wholesale Company Inc. to make sweeping changes to its business practices:
| Reform Area | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Consent Notices | Every sales or support call must begin with a recorded consent disclosure. |
| Employee Training | Mandatory privacy law training for all call center staff. |
| Audit Logs | Maintain compliance logs confirming that recording notices are played. |
| Future Monitoring | Regular audits to prevent new CIPA violations. |
These steps aim to restore consumer confidence and ensure transparency in future interactions.
Why This Settlement Matters?
This case underscores how California’s privacy laws set the national standard for protecting consumer rights. Even major institutions like Wells Fargo can face multi-million-dollar liability when their partners violate the law.
“This is about accountability in a world where nearly every business call is recorded,” said lead attorney Jacie Zolna.
“Consumers deserve to know when they’re being monitored.”
As digital surveillance and call monitoring grow, similar privacy lawsuits are likely to spread beyond California.
Key Deadlines at a Glance
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Submit Claim | April 11, 2025 |
| Object / Opt Out | April 4, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | May 20, 2025 |
| Estimated Payment Distribution | Fall 2025 |
FAQs: Wells Fargo Call Recording Settlement
How much can I get?
Most claimants will receive about $86 per call, but if fewer people file, payouts could reach up to $5,000 per call.
Who qualifies?
Anyone in California who received a recorded call from The Credit Wholesale Co. between 2014 and 2023 without prior consent.
How do I file a claim?
Submit your claim online at www.CallRecordingClassAction.com or mail it before April 11, 2025.
When will payments go out?
After final court approval (May 20, 2025) and resolution of any appeals — likely by late summer 2025.
Is filing free?
Yes. You don’t need a lawyer to submit your claim, and there are no fees to participate.
