The Wells Fargo class action settlement is making headlines, and for good reason. If you live in California and received phone calls from companies working on behalf of Wells Fargo without being told the calls were being recorded you may be eligible for a cash payout. That’s not just a possibility, it’s a reality backed by a legal settlement worth millions.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Wells Fargo class action settlement, including who qualifies, how much you might receive, and how to file your claim before time runs out. From eligibility to payment timelines, this is your complete guide to securing your piece of the $19.5 million fund. Let’s get into the details.

Wells Fargo Class Action Settlement : Key facts and Timeline

If you’ve ever received a call from The Credit Wholesale Company representing Wells Fargo between 2014 and 2023, and you weren’t told the call was being recorded, this settlement could apply to you. The Wells Fargo class action settlement was created to resolve claims that the company’s representatives violated California’s privacy laws by recording calls without proper consent. Individuals and businesses in California who meet the criteria can file a claim and potentially receive up to $5,000 per recorded call, although most payouts are estimated around $86. To qualify, you must submit your claim by April 11, 2025. In this section, we’ll look at the most important details including deadlines, eligibility, and how the payout process works.

Overview Table

Item	Detail
Settlement Amount	$19.5 million total fund
Time Period Covered	Calls between Oct 22, 2014 and Nov 17, 2023
Who Qualifies	Individuals or businesses in California who received calls from The Credit Wholesale Co. on behalf of Wells Fargo
Estimated Payment per Call	Around $86 per qualifying call
Maximum Per Call	Up to $5,000 in certain cases
Claim Deadline	April 11, 2025
Opt‑Out / Objection Deadline	April 4, 2025
Final Approval Hearing	May 20, 2025
Settlement Website / Administrator	CallRecordingClassAction.com

Background and Allegations

The lawsuit centers around allegations that The Credit Wholesale Company, working for Wells Fargo and its affiliates, made outbound calls to California consumers without properly informing them that the calls were being recorded. This is a direct violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act, which requires both parties to consent to recording. While Wells Fargo did not admit any wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle the matter by setting aside $19.5 million to resolve the claims.

Who Qualifies for This Settlement?

To receive compensation under this settlement, you must meet a few basic criteria:

• You lived or operated a business in California.
  
• You received a call between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
  
• The call came from The Credit Wholesale Co. acting on behalf of Wells Fargo.
  
• You were not told the call would be recorded.
  
• You did not exclude yourself from the settlement by the opt-out deadline.
  

If these conditions apply to you, you’re likely eligible. You’ll need to submit your phone number or business name as part of your claim, along with a completed form.

Estimated Payouts & How They’re Calculated

The average payout per qualifying call is estimated at $86, but that number can vary. The exact amount depends on how many claims are submitted and how many qualifying calls are confirmed. In some cases, payouts could go as high as $5,000 per call. If you had multiple recorded calls, your payment could be higher. However, if a large number of claims are filed, individual payouts may decrease. If your claim total exceeds $600, you’ll need to provide a W-9 tax form for reporting purposes.

How to File Your Claim

Step 1: Visit the Settlement Website

Go to CallRecordingClassAction.com, where you’ll find the official claim portal.

Step 2: Fill Out the Claim Form

Submit your name, contact information, and the phone number or business name that received the call. You can file online or print a form to mail.

Step 3: Submit by April 11, 2025

Claims must be submitted online or postmarked by this date. Late claims will not be accepted.

Step 4: Wait for Approval & Payment

If the settlement is approved during the final hearing on May 20, 2025, checks will be mailed to eligible claimants after that date.

Excluding Yourself or Objecting to the Settlement

If you don’t want to participate in the settlement, you must send a written opt-out request by April 4, 2025. This keeps your right to sue Wells Fargo individually. If you support the lawsuit but disagree with any part of the settlement, you can file a written objection by the same deadline. Make sure to include all requested information, or your request may not be accepted. If you don’t opt out or object by the deadline, you’ll automatically be part of the class and waive your right to sue separately.

Key Dates to Remember

• April 4, 2025 : Last day to opt out or file an objection
  
• April 11, 2025 : Final deadline to submit a claim
  
• May 20, 2025 : Court holds final approval hearing
  

Potential Risks & Things to Watch Out For

• Claims submitted late or without proper details will be rejected.
  
• Make sure you’re using the official settlement website to avoid scams.
  
• If you receive more than $600, that payment will be reported for tax purposes.
  
• Filing a false claim may lead to legal penalties.
  
• Appeals could delay payment distribution after the final hearing.
  

After You Get Paid: What to Know

If you’re approved and receive payment, make sure you keep the check stub and settlement documents for tax time, especially if you’re issued a 1099-MISC. Most class action settlement payments are considered taxable income unless related to physical injury or illness. Once you accept your payment, you waive the right to sue Wells Fargo or the other involved parties on the same claims. That’s why it’s essential to fully understand what the settlement covers before cashing the check.

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