A major $19.5 million class action settlement has been reached in a lawsuit accusing Wells Fargo and its affiliates of secretly recording phone calls to California businesses without consent. If you or your business received even one call from The Credit Wholesale Company, Inc. in California between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023, you could be entitled to a cash payment of at least $86—and possibly up to $5,000 per call.
The lawsuit alleged that telemarketing calls placed on behalf of Wells Fargo, Priority Technology Holdings, and Priority Payment Systems were recorded without proper disclosure, violating California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA). The defendants deny wrongdoing but have agreed to settle the matter to avoid further litigation.
The settlement received preliminary approval on January 24, 2025, and a final hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025. Refunds will only be issued if the court gives final approval and any appeals are resolved.
What’s the Wells Fargo Class Action Lawsuit About?
The case, filed under Aguilar Auto Repair, Inc. et al. v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. et al., alleges that The Credit Wholesale Company secretly recorded business phone calls on behalf of the bank and its affiliates without informing the recipients at the beginning of the call.
Under California law, both parties must consent to a recorded call, making it illegal to record a conversation without notification or permission.
The telemarketing calls in question were allegedly made to promote financial equipment and services, and many recipients claim they were unaware that they were being recorded.
To settle the dispute, the companies involved have agreed to:
- Pay $19.5 million into a settlement fund
- Stop secretly recording calls to California businesses without upfront disclosure
Who Is Eligible for a Payment?
To qualify for compensation under this settlement, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You are an individual or business based in California
- You received at least one phone call from The Credit Wholesale Company, Inc.
- The call was made between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023
- You submit a valid claim by April 11, 2025
If you received multiple calls, you may be entitled to multiple payments.
How Much Money Will You Get?
Payments will vary depending on how many valid claims are submitted. According to the settlement website:
- Minimum payout per call is estimated at $86
- Maximum possible payout could be up to $5,000 per call
The final amount will be calculated after subtracting administrative costs, legal fees, and other deductions from the total settlement pool.
How to File a Claim
Filing your claim is quick and can be done either online or by mail. Here’s how:
- Visit the Settlement Website: CallRecordingClassAction.com
- Use Your Unique Claim Number and PIN: Found on the settlement notice sent to your address.
- File Online: Complete the form through the website.
- Or Mail It In: Print the claim form and send it with your completed details before April 11, 2025.
Make sure to include all necessary information to avoid delays or rejection.
Important Deadlines and Court Dates
- Claim Deadline: April 11, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: May 20, 2025
- Payment Timeline: Refunds will be processed only after final court approval and resolution of any appeals
You will not receive any payment unless the court gives its final green light and all legal challenges are settled.
Why This Settlement Matters
California has some of the strictest privacy laws in the United States. Recording a phone call without notification is a serious violation under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
This class action serves as a strong reminder for companies engaging in telemarketing: transparency and consent are essential. It also represents an opportunity for small businesses and individuals who were unknowingly recorded to receive compensation for the privacy breach.
FAQs
What is this lawsuit about?
It concerns unlawful recording of telemarketing calls to California residents and businesses by The Credit Wholesale Company on behalf of Wells Fargo and others.
How much money can I receive?
Payments range from $86 to $5,000 per call, depending on how many people file claims.
Who is eligible?
Anyone in California who received a call from The Credit Wholesale Company between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
How do I file a claim?
Go to CallRecordingClassAction.com, enter your claim number and PIN, and complete the online or mail-in form before April 11, 2025.
Is this a scam?
No. The settlement has been approved by a federal judge, and payments will be made only through the official process.
Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?
No. You can file on your own using the online or mailed form. Class members are already represented by the settlement legal team.
Will this affect my taxes?
Any settlement payments may be taxable, depending on your financial situation. Consult a tax professional for advice.
When will I get paid?
Payments will be made after the final court approval on May 20, 2025, and once any appeals are resolved.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
