$5,000 Wells Fargo Class Action Settlement 2025 — How to File Your Claim Before the Deadline

Wells Fargo, one of the largest banks in the United States, is once again in the spotlight—this time for a major privacy violation case that led to a multimillion-dollar settlement. The bank and its affiliates have agreed to pay $19.5 million to settle claims under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The lawsuit alleges that the company’s phone conversations with customers and business clients in California were illegally recorded without their consent between 2014 and 2023.

This settlement is open to thousands of potential claimants and serves as a stark reminder of how vital personal privacy remains in a technology-driven financial world. Eligible claimants could receive up to $5,000, depending on how many individuals file before the April 11, 2025 deadline.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit originated after multiple businesses and individuals accused Wells Fargo and its affiliate, The Credit Wholesale Company Inc., of violating privacy laws by recording phone calls without consent. These calls—mainly involving sales inquiries, appointments, and customer service—were made to California residents and businesses.

Under California law, companies must explicitly inform participants before recording any call. The plaintiffs argue that these recordings violated CIPA, which protects residents from secret monitoring or illegal data collection in communication.

The case, titled Aguilar Auto Repair, et al. v. Wells Fargo Bank N.A., is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:23-cv-06265-LJC). The court will decide whether to grant final approval of the settlement during a hearing scheduled for May 20, 2025.

Allegations and Legal Basis

The complaint centers on allegations that The Credit Wholesale Company, which provided payment processing services on behalf of Wells Fargo and other firms, recorded thousands of calls secretly between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.

Plaintiffs allege that these actions violated the California Invasion of Privacy Act, which prohibits recording a telephone conversation without all parties’ explicit consent. The calls often concerned sales, equipment, or service questions—but the people involved were never told they were being recorded.

Wells Fargo and its partners have not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the matter quickly and avoid further litigation.

Settlement Overview and Payment Breakdown

The total $19.5 million settlement includes financial compensation for both individual consumers and affected businesses. Payouts will vary based on factors such as the number of valid claims submitted and the total number of calls recorded.

Settlement Component	Details
Total Fund	$19.5 million
Paying Entities	Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Credit Wholesale Company Inc., and affiliates
Eligibility Period	October 22, 2014 – November 17, 2023
Estimated Individual Payment	$86 per call; up to $5,000 maximum depending on call volume and claims filed
Settlement Administrator	CallRecordingClassAction.com
Claim Deadline	April 11, 2025
Court Hearing Date	May 20, 2025

If fewer people file claims, payments could rise significantly—potentially reaching $5,000 per claimant. Inversely, if participation is high, payouts may be smaller but still substantial.

Who Is Eligible to Claim

This settlement applies specifically to California residents and businesses contacted by The Credit Wholesale Company or Wells Fargo affiliates during the eligible timeframe. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Location: You must have received a call in the state of California.
• Time Frame: Calls placed between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
• Call Type: The call must have involved sales, service inquiries, or appointment discussions.
• Verification: Proof of contact such as a phone number or business name tied to the call.

Both individual customers and commercial clients who meet these criteria can submit a claim form before the deadline.

How to File a Claim

Claiming your settlement is straightforward and does not require legal representation. Claimants can complete the process either online or by mail.

Steps to File Online

1. Visit the official settlement portal: www.CallRecordingClassAction.com.
2. Click on “Submit a Claim.”
3. Provide your full name, address, phone number, and email.
4. Confirm that you received an unauthorized recorded call during the eligible period.
5. Submit the form online before the April 11, 2025 deadline.

Steps to File by Mail

If you prefer mailing your claim, fill out the form and send it to:

Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301132
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132

For any questions, contact the administrator by email at [email protected] or call 888-733-1544 for assistance.

Important Legal Deadlines

• Opt-Out or Objection Deadline: April 4, 2025
• Final Claim Submission Deadline: April 11, 2025
• Court Approval Hearing: May 20, 2025

Following court approval, payment processing typically takes several weeks. Disbursements are expected to begin by mid-2025 via mailed checks or direct deposits to verified claimants.

Plaintiffs’ Legal Counsel

The case is being represented by Myron M. Cherry & Associates LLC, a law firm known for consumer protection and privacy cases. Lead attorneys Myron M. Cherry, Jasie C. Zolna, and Benjamin R. Swetland expressed that their primary objective is to secure fair and adequate compensation for all class members and prevent future privacy violations.

Future Preventive Steps and Corporate Reforms

As part of the settlement agreement, The Credit Wholesale Company has pledged to implement stricter consent protocols before recording any call within California. New compliance training and transparency measures will ensure that future customer communications align with state and federal privacy laws.

This commitment marks an important shift toward restoring public trust in corporate data handling practices—especially for financial institutions that rely heavily on client information.

The Broader Impact of the Case

The Wells Fargo class action underscores how digital-era privacy violations carry significant financial and reputational consequences. Consumers have become increasingly aware of their rights, and regulators are showing less tolerance for corporations that disregard consent or privacy protections.

The settlement sends a powerful message: no company is above the law, regardless of its size or influence. It not only compensates those affected but also reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability within the banking industry.

Final Reminder

If you believe you were contacted by The Credit Wholesale Company or any Wells Fargo affiliate between 2014 and 2023, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $5,000. The claim submission deadline is April 11, 2025, and late filings will not be accepted.

Visit the official settlement website at CallRecordingClassAction.com to file your claim safely and ensure you receive your share of the settlement.

This case serves as a landmark in consumer privacy enforcement, highlighting that protecting customer information is not optional—it’s a right that must be respected and upheld by every corporation operating in today’s digital economy.