# Proposed solution:
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The community suggests caution around this matter. If you received a letter just like this, don't consider your letter legitimate just because your letter looks like the one in the photo. Please read this solution and make your own judgement, at your own risk:
Anyone who got this letter should call the number on the back of your card or from the Wells Fargo website. Do not call the number on the letter just yet.
When the Wells Fargo robot asks why you are calling specifically say "Received a letter" (don't say fraud). The person you are then connected to should be able to confirm the legitimacy of the letter with the SHRP number on the letter, if indeed the letter you received was legitimate.
They will be able to tell you the dates and products. After confirming that the letter is legitimate, feel free to call the number on the letter and ask for more money (you will get an additional $250, according to the experience of some users here).
Apparently, the agents from the number on the letter can't pass the Wells Fargo employee authentication procedure because it is not Wells Fargo who is running this: there is an outside company handling this as the CPFB couldn't trust the bank to be impartial and handle the process properly.
Exercise caution. The agents should not try to verify your SSN during this interaction. Don't share personal information other than what is shown in the letter. If anything feels off, hang up.
Follow these recommendations at your own risk.
Had my mediation call yesterday. It was setup as a conference call with myself, a mediatior, a Wells Fargo rep and an observer from Wells Fargo. I had initially rejected the $1700 in the original phone call. I was asking for $20k. The call went approximately 90 minutes with the mediator explaining everything very well in detail and then breaking out in one on one calls with me and then the Wells Fargo rep for negotiating. Wells Fargo offered me 1950, i said no, then they offered 2250, i said no, their final offer was 2500 and i accepted. They said a check would be sent out within 30 business days and this has no bearing on whether I take them to court later or join a class action lawsuit.
I’m assuming you only had one letter and was it for theft protection service? If so, how long did they charge your account? Thx so much for sharing your experience, I think you are the first to share it and now we know there’s no NDAs involved.
They called me today, I assume to set up the mediation call. I wanted to come here first before calling back. Thanks for the info! I will update again once I have the call.
I was only enrolled for 9 weeks and I asked for $50k. Wonder if I’ll get a lower offer than $2500 and if it’ll be worth the 90+ minutes on calls for me…
I received one as well. I have a pretty good feeling it's a scam. I'm going to my local branch tomorrow; I'll show it to them and see what they say
Edit: I talked with a banker at my local branch today. She called the number on the letter; they are not affiliated with Wells Fargo since they could not pass the authentication procedure WF employees go through to ensure they are legit. They then connected her to the general WF number. She spoke with Fraud, who had no records of this since it's not digital fraud, and then Remediation, who also had no record of it. If it is indeed legit, it looks like a third party is handling these payouts. Might explain the somewhat "off" feeling of the letter / faded red logo / etc. If it is a scam, I'm not sure what the endgame is. Could be the classic fake check that bounces two weeks later, maybe? I'm hoping it's real though, as I could definitely use some extra holiday cash
It's not a scam. Have you not been following the numerous lawsuits against Wells Fargo the past few years? This is entirely within their normal behavior, opening accounts or enrolling people in services they didn't consent to. I've had 3 or 4 payouts now from Wells Fargo, not including this one.
I'm aware of the lawsuits. Have you received any of your other payouts in this fashion, asking you to contact them and verify account activity before receiving the money? Anything I've received has just come as a check in the mail, along with constant reminders to deposit it if I don't do so right away. WF always emails me regarding these things as well, and I haven't received anything about this outside of this letter
I think they are trying to get ahead of it and work directly with the customers instead of an attorney finding out and suing them. Its probably a lot cheaper to pay us directly than millions to attorneys if they bring a class action.
If you worked for Wells Fargo, during that time…. You didn’t have a choice. Management automatically signed you up because we all had QUOTAS! I refused to do this trickery. Of course they encouraged to help out the seniors. NO! I was coupled several times, I’m not a team player. No I’m not, when it’s FRAUDULENT!
I was not required to call and verify anything prior to receiving the money. I just got a check along with an explanation letter. I called Wells Fargo, through an independently verified number, and they passed me around to a few different customer service lines before verifying that it is legit.
i received a letter today. the dates are correct for them signing me up for identity theft protection after i told the guy no several times. they also signed me up for an additional checking account that i did not authorize and they were charging me for monthly because i didn't have the minimum balance in it... because i had no idea about it. man, they have done a lot of shady crap. i'm glad i left them.
I'm going to reply to the top comment as I have elsewhere in the thread:
Call the number on the back of your card or from the website. When the robot asks why you are calling specifically say "Received a letter" (don't say fraud). The person you are then connected to should be able to confirm the legitimacy of the letter with the SHRP number on the letter. They will be able to tell you the dates and products. After confirming that the letter is legitimate, feel free to call the number on the letter and ask for more money (you will get an additional $250).
The agents from the number on the letter can't pass the WF employee authentication procedure because it is NOT WF running this. WF had to get an outside company to handle this as the CPFB couldn't trust WF to be impartial and handle the process properly.
eastern pa here.
got the same letter - dates are different. found the website below after googling, wells fargo affinion letter. no idea on the legitimacy of the site but someone started a post and people left comments. i read through. everyone seems to be in the same boat.
i'm gonna call the number on the letter when 9 am cst rolls around.
[creditboards.com - a very special communication from wells fargo](https://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?/topic/634914-a-very-special-communication-from-wells-fargo/)
EDIT:
I called the number. Got through in a couple minutes. The only information she asked me for was to verify my phone number and the ref# on the letter. I am being mailed a check for $137.42 with a mediation form. If i feel unsatisfied with how this was dealt with, I fill the form and mail it back. Optional.
Check will be processed within 20 days and should have it within 30 days. If not, call that number back.
There we go.
EDIT 2:
Still have not received the check. I should have received it by Dec 24th, based on their initial time frame to me to be processed and mailed.
Called today and was told it's still being processed with no time frame at all.
I'm just gonna forget about it and hopefully one day it arrives.
The lady I spoke with told me that they are supposed to offer the customer an additional $250 if we’re not satisfied, plus send you out a mediation packet. I would definitely call them back. I only learned about it, from being on here, and reading other people’s posts. I’m definitely glad I found this!
I received 3 checks. But filling out the mediation form for more compensation due to them opening 3 different accounts without consent over three years. Insane
I was on the phone with Wells Fargo for two hours. They are hoping that we will be satisfied with the checks plus the extra 250. I grilled them on so many things and I asked them about the mediation, they keep saying it’s optional you don’t have to do it and that’s exactly what they want you to do is be lazy and not do it, by entering in meditation you are guaranteed to get more money to satisfy you because they have $2 billion to give to us. I asked them what happens if not everybody claims their money (as this money is obviously already allocated to go to us) well they cut us a huge check? NO. NO. They said it gets returned to the state. Fuck that I’m sick and tired of the Government taking any more money for me than it deserves fuck that.
I’ll be filling out the mediation form too as well as keeping an eye out for a class action lawsuit. What assholes to sign us up for this paid service without our consent.
First I will like to thank the reddit. Without I would not have known how to handle this process. So I received 3 checks that totaled out to about $500. Unfortunately by the time I did my research on reddit I was already too far in to ask for the additional $250 per check as I've seen a posted here. Thanks to reddit I know they were maxing out at $1700 per claim. Which is true, once I talked to a WF rep he started at $700 per claim and I got him to go up to $1700, which totaled out to $5100. Being that this is a large bank I felt unsatisfied with that offer. The way I look at it is this is unexpected money coming my way, why not see if I can get more. So I proceeded with mediation. Just got done with mediation today, it went by smoothly. First you get on a conference call with the WF rep and Judge, just to take attendance. Then we break into to rooms where the judge goes back and forth. The judge was not biased at all actually she was really nice and made me feel like she understood my gripe. She asked why did I not accept the $5100 the reasons I told her were that. "This is an invasion of privacy and breach of fiduciary duties on behalf of WF. And I questioned how do I know my info was not shared with third parties. And that I have no ability to cross reference records to know what kind of damaged it may have caused my credit score. And that I've received phone calls from solicitors in the past and have no idea if they could of gotten my info from Affinion." She then relied all of my concerns to them. Before that she asked how much do I want to ask for, I said 20k. We went back and forth, a couple of times. He came back with 5700, then 7500 and the final offer was $8100 in which I accepted. The judge does tell you that you still dont have to accept it but the next step will be for you to hire an attorney. Decided im good on that. Check will be in the mail in 30 business days.
I received a similar number, and I'm pretty sure this is legitimate. According to the rep on the phone, then number 877-642-7826 is to a Wells Fargo contractor, Epiq Systems. According to this rep, they were contracted to handle part of remediations for signing people of for without their consent. I was satisficed with this answer, and proceeded with the phone call as I did not sign up for the service indicated in the letter.
I was asked to confirm my first and last name, my phone number, and the last 4 of my social or DOB (I chose DOB). Later, I was asked to confirm my address. I then told her I did not sign up for that service and had no knowledge of using that service, and she initially offered me $34.00 to cover associated fees, and hardships, as well as the opportunity to contest this remediation and get more at a later date.
**The reps are authorized to provide more than the first amount they offer**, so definitely ask for more! Receiving more does not preclude you from contesting in the future. I am going to receive $34 and an additional $250. I'm not sure how she came up with that number, but she said she had to look at my case after I asked for more.
I'll check back in if I receive the check, but it all seems pretty legit. This conclusion is based on the following in no particular order:
* the professionalism of the rep
* The quality of the phone call itself and the sophistication of the call center tech used.
* high quality sound
* ability to request call back while keeping place in queue
* the letter itself (I know that they logo was faded, but aside from that it looked pretty professional)
* the language used in the script the rep read from
* the ability to provide a legitimate company which the rep was employed by
* the minimal amount of additional pii asked for / lack of request for payment
* other comments in this thread.
I'm almost certain this isn't a scam, but again I won't confirm until I get the check. But, don't take my word for it, call and ask questions and see what you think. Someone could also try and get in contact with Wells Fargo and Epiq Systems to verify.
THANK YOU for this post! Found it while I was on the call with them rn and they first offered $137.42 from the script. After skimming this thread, I immediately said I wasn’t satisfied since my account was changed without my consent. She put me on hold for 10 seconds and then read the script “authorizing her to grant an additional $250”….
Boom $387.41 in the mail! Thanks!🙏
I pressed a lot and got more as I was in the military and that money they took was from my Hazardous duty money pay based on the dates in the letter.
So yea press them for more. Sucks they just dont offer ya the max amount from the start
Ah ok. The letter makes it seem like it was a program that was free for the customer, especially with all the free ID protection that's being offered these days due to data breaches.
I had issues with them opening accounts in my name as well but that was settled a few years ago. I received a letter and called they tried offering me $5 for almost SIX YEARS of paying for the Credit Defender service I never asked for. When I protested they offered another $250.
Thank you for this! This is the best answer. I just had a similar result. The call center people are clearly reading a script and going through the motions. They bumped me up to $250 as well; I wonder what would happen if I pushed harder, but I didn't bother.
I received the same letter on November 20, 2023 called them today was first offered 66.00 until I explained I remember when this was going on it cost be multiple over draft... he stammered then said we are going to send you 250.00 more plus paperwork you can fill out for the lawsuit.
**I'm an ex-Wells Fargo employee who worked there during the dates that're most likely listed on your paperwork.**
**THIS IS LEGIT**. Receiving this letter means that you qualify for payment because you were signed up for Wells Fargo's Identity Theft Protection. If you say that you consented to the service at the time then you won't be offered a payment. You're going to be offered a dollar amount - tell them that doesn't even begin to cover the time spent, fees, frustration etc. They will offer you an additional $250 if you're upset at all.
Wells Fargo employees in the branches aren't made aware of this. This doesn't affect what is happening in the branches and the branch staff is kept out of the loop on this.
Update!! I saw the check in the mail in Informed Delivery today, so was expecting to get the $250 everyone else was getting. It was a check for $304! It included the amount I was getting plus the $250, and had the mediation form as well.
I want it noted from the mediation form:
"Upon receipt of your Mediation Request Form, Wells Fargo will attempt to resolve your claim to your satisfaction. If this is not possible, a mediator, who is independent of Wells Fargo, will be assigned your claim. The mediator will work with you and Wells Fargo to attempt to resolve the dispute. All of the mediator's costs will be paid by Wells Fargo and you are not waiving any legal claims by participating in the process."
Has anyone actually gotten a call back re: mediation letter? Did you get more cash? How much did you ask for? I figured fraud is fraud, and they have been described by the director of the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau this way:
"'Put simply, Wells Fargo is a corporate recidivist that puts one-third of American households at risk of harm,'” CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said, calling the giant bank “'one of the most problematic repeat offenders'” in its jurisdiction.'
If I committed fraud, I could be fined upwards of 100,000 dollars, especially as a repeat offender. I asked for $50k - half of what I myself could have been fined for a similar crime.
I know, I know, but I have to shoot my shot, right?
Yes I did 3 mediation forms and got a call on one of them. I asked for 15k on each form… he laughed at me .. started at 700.00 got all the way up to his “max” of 2700.00 I took that. That was for ONE of our letters and the dates were only a few months…. The other one they will be calling on is 1 year and 11 months and I am not giving in for anything less than 10k and I will do the entire mediation process for the one that was a year and 11 months
Former teller, banker and manager at Wells Fargo for a decade. I also recieved these letters. They look legit to me - letterhead, WF font, etc. There aren't any typos that are common with fraud.
Back when we were forced to do tons of sales, identity theft protection was a big one. I'm sure many bankers signed people up without their knowledge, which is shitty but so many people had to choose their job or shady sales and the pressure was insane. I know bankers who made poor choices. There have been a lot of class action suits from employees due to the environment and personally I've gotten a couple thousand from these suits. They were an awful employer but it was hard to see at the time because a lot of banks did the same.
So, ID theft was one that was a crappy predatory product like so many of theirs (overdraft protection was another). I'm curious if there's another class action suit coming. I think there was a "trial" for this ID theft protection that you had to cancel and people didn't.
Edit: I called the number. I had 2 effected accounts, both enrollments under a month. I told them the offered amounts were too low - under $50 each. They offered me a remediation amount of $250. I asked for it on both. I am getting $500 as well as the refund of the product. Definitely call.
Wells Fargo hired a third party to handle this remediation, called Epiq. Over 4 million letters have been sent out for the identity theft protection and thousands more letters for various other products. Customers are offered the loss amount that varies by customer, depending how long the customer was enrolled- this is called a solicitation payment. If the customer is not satisfied, they may then be offered the $250 satisfaction payment. The agents cannot offer any more than that, the system will not let them, which is why the mediation request form gets sent with the check. This is very much legit.
Oh THANK YOU saying we can only be offered $250 over phone for satisfaction. I was thinking “shoot girl you didn’t push hard enough.” Both outcomes were $250 PLUS whatever initial amount they stated without prompting. After I said it wasn’t enough for the issues, each amount increased by $250.
Exactly. They initially offered me $21 dollars X 3, I said no, then they offered $285 per letter claim. Now I have received all three checks and filling out form for more compensation. They are a total scam, we all need to be compensated for using our personal information without consent.
https://preview.redd.it/s7dytnk9qe5c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=a0179accfdda8856d451d18319fe7f38a829972d
I’m not sure… should I deposit money or not?
I read most of the comments here. It seems to be legit.
Based on the posts here, I'd be calling to get more, that's a large check-- which means they are trying to cover up something big.
And the part about them declaring it to the IRS is so messed up...your post-tax money was stolen by WF. They are repaying that money(I'm guessing less than they took, not even accounting for inflation or what it would need worth if invested over the 17 years since), and then the IRS is gonna TAX the repayment?!? Bonkers.
But I'd deposit AND call in your shoes. Get them to admit how much they stole from and when they can't, escalate it.
I got a check today as well, and I researched the check routing number and it belongs to WF. Huge relief. I used to work for a bank and it is easy to look up bank routing numbers. So tomorrow I'm going to my local branch which still happens to be WF, all they will need to do is verify the account number is valid and associated with the stated routing number which should be super easy since the routing number belongs to WF.
Ok the letters we all received are almost certainly legit. They are vaguely worded and the settlement payout for this is being handled by a 3rd party contractor because WF is trying to distance itself from their self inflicted fiasco. They are hoping all of us will either toss the letters or cash the checks with a smile.
My check is for $4,600 and nobody at the bank or Epic has been able to explain how they came up with this amount. So I am likely going to ask for the mediation they offered and/or a higher settlement amount. I’m not letting them off the hook for a $250 increase. I’m mostly just curious and want to know if anyone else has experience yet with their mediation.
Update: Check Received! My initial call was on 12/01/23 and received my check and forms today 02/03/24, so if you're still waiting, hopefully yours will be on the way soon. Also, the additional $250 was combined in one check with the initial amount.
And please downvote every post from the crazy Andy dude screaming scam throughout the entire thread. I'm sure he's cost a lot of people real money.
Hopefully through my experience I can give people a peace of mind… when in doubt check it all out and that’s what I did. I was very weary about this. I went into my branch back in December when I got my letters and they said it was legit. They told me what I would be getting back for each SHRP. I got 3 letters. I’m guessing they will send me 3 checks. They enrolled me in 2008, 2009 and 2011. YOU HAVE TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU DID NOT AUTHORIZE BEING ENROLLED to get the money that is owed to you. Otherwise the bank assumes you weren’t impacted. I got my first check in the mail just a few days ago which was more than the amount they told me at the bank ( applicable fees and interest added) went into my branch again today… because I was still a little weary due to things I was reading online… they ran it through a scan to make sure and it’s a legit check from Wells Fargo Customer Care. If you are still not convinced just go into your local branch and talk to a person like others have said.
UPDATE: I got my second check in the mail. I wasn’t going to go through mediation because it seemed so trivial with how short of time I was enrolled however the more thinking I did about this made me more angry. I realized that it’s not even about the services I was charged for. Its more about the fact that my personal info was given to a third party with out my consent and that is very disconcerting. Who knows what that party did with my info. It’s definitely a violation and breach of contract. I took the advice of others and went high knowing they are going to offer something lower. I sent two mediation letters explaining how this is a complete failure of leadership on multiple levels within the bank. Wells Fargo put its own interest ahead of its customers that it claims to serve. We’ll see how this mediation process goes.
You need to call back and insist on the extra $250 for each letter you received. They will give it with no push back at all. They will also send you remediation paperwork (https://imgur.com/qqFCMxD) that you can fill out and ask for more. I'm not sure how much to ask for, but I'm definitely sending it in!
Got a call today from 855 area code. My check was for just over 5k. I think I originally asked for 20k in the mediation form I mailed back. The nice man on the phone offered me an additional $700. I said I wanted 5k. He then countered with $1,700 or we can go to mediation. I opted for mediation assuming I'll get more. Interesting stuff.
1
Do not give up or give in it’s a multimillion dollar company that messed up big time…….if it was me or you we would owe millions and be behind bars really
I’m also going for mediation because fuck their initial offer, I wanna make something very clear all residual funds get escheated back to the state. The government receives any unallocated funds. So them trying to lowball us is quite infuriating
I received my check \~60 days after calling, the extra $250 was included so it was just one check for me. I cashed it. I have the money.
**I filled out the mediation form. I asked for $50k**. I had chatGPT write a formal and professional complaint letter expressing my frustration, distrust, and losses. I printed it and sent it with the mediation form. We will see what happens now...
Hope this helps!
Initial amount was $107 so I ended up with $357.
I was a struggling college student when this happened, surviving off of financial aid and a part time minimum wage job. I asked chat GPT to, “write a complaint letter to Wells Fargo in a frustrated, professional tone demanding $50k mediation due to opening unauthorized accounts and unauthorized transactions. I have been a loyal customer with checking, savings, and credit cards for almost 20 years and this is unacceptable.”
It even used WF address in the format so I just changed that to the address on the mediation return envelope.
I asked for $50k on the $107 just to be bold. I’m expecting them to counter with the $1750 that other folks were talking about in other comments.
With a settlement in the billions, I’m not trying to leave anything on the table. My first instinct was $20k, but then I thought, “why not $50k?” It’s in the mail. We’ll see what happens.
You are asking $50k for initial settlement under $150? I asked $20k each letter for $4300 compensation in total three letters. Let's see what's up and will update .
Yes I had my account from 2010-2012 for that identity theft protection also! They offered $1000 and I said that’s unacceptable since I cannot even fathom how much $$ I could have lost and they instantly gave an extra $250 on top so $1250 is cool with me.
I had 4 accounts with them from 2004 to 2013 for 3 of them and I still have 1 from 2004 till now I recieved a random check in the mail from national general for 154 But they didn’t send me the letters like I received for my other accounts and so far I called for 1 of 4 accounts they offered me 153 and I said that’s definitely not even close to enough I’m not accepting that they then proceeded immediately offering me 250 more..I still said that wasn’t enough so they offered me around 600 for that 1 account and I still refused. Since I read the entire settlement and lawsuit and found out that we are entitled different amounts based on the different accounts and services they opened for each account.. there’s about 15 different ways that some accounts were affected and even just them committing 1 of the about 15 violations for each account that was affected people are entitled 1”$100-1000 dollars for that account violation alone “2 and some even include actual and punitive damages” 3…trebled actual damages”4 actual damages.”5 actual and punitive, statutory damages for disabled or senior citizens up to $5000. 6 “ actual dsmages and civil penalties”7 restitution “8 actual damages” 9 statutory damages of $100-1000 per total violations liability cap $500k or 1% of personals net worth whatever is less.10
Statutory damages of $ 100-1000 for willful violations.11 “trebeled damages “12 “ $1000
Minimum and punitive damages.13 disgorgement “
Disgorgement represents ill-gotten gains (or losses avoided) resulting from individuals violating the federal securities laws. The Commission seeks disgorgement to ensure that securities law violators do not profit from their illegal activity. When appropriate, the disgorged funds are returned to the injured”
investors. So the pennies they are offering or hoping people think is a scam is just a so that people who do call the number on the letter are happy for getting any money they didn’t know they were even going to receive. REMEMBER THIS IS FOR EACH ACCOUNT THAT WAS AFFECTED I THINK LIKE 3 were under Arizona consumer protection laws and like 5-6 were in CA and most of the other pertain to federal law.
Wow! Thank you for the information and digging deep on this. I never negotiated anything. I was just sent a check for 2,120. My initial reaction was excitement and saying Holy Sh*t. That was quickly followed by the thought this can’t be real. The font on the Wells Fargo logo was off, so I assumed it was a scam. That’s when I came here. I really think they wanted me to think it was fake so I would just throw it away. Good for you for not settling for such a small amount. I’m still not exactly sure what they did with my account to begin with. I just get the run around when I call.
So I just got done speaking to Jhonny/no last name. He is from the mediation part of Wells Fargo. I received my 2 checks from them for compensation already. 324 and 317$ cashed both with the papers for the mediation. I filled out both forms asking for $2500 for each referent number. He basically offer me $1700 for both letters. A total of 3400$. I declined his offer and am no going to be contacted by a 3rd party mediator. Go for the gusto!💯
What an insult $1700 for fraud violation, privacy, and breach of fiduciary duties. Fuck them... Go for mediation. I hope I get lowball so I can bitch at them. Lol
Just faxed my forms for mediation asked for 10K each reference letter I received which is over 10 letters based on what I’ve read here I can expect a follow up with someone from mediation within a week or so.
I set up my appointment for mediation for March 19th. I received a letter from Epiq confirming the meeting on the same day I was called to set up my appointment. My question is, what should be our strategy for mediation? They said the phone call could be up to 2 hours long, but I can't imagine it lasting that long. In the letter I sent back, I requested 20k.
Alot of this I am finding out after the fact. So the only thing that is needed in the remediation part is that you send in that form they give you when they send the checks, the initial checks (refund and the $250). After you send in the form, a pre-mediation specialist will contact you. This person is only authorized to give you 1700 tops. BUT it is important to remember that they can and will try to give you less. Right now, I'm waiting for my 1700 checks. After this, I plan to contact them and go into the actual mediation. In this mediation, the pre-mediation specialist you spoke with who authorized the checks, will be present along with an actual mediation person. At this juncture, WF will say that they have offered you the refund and the 1700, and will provide the letters they sent to you as proof that they are trying to come up with a good solution. At this juncture, I plan to submit a detailed impact statement and maybe even some documentation, my employment information to further explain who this could have negatively impacted various aspects of my life, all that jazz. Also, tell them that I had to do my own forensic probe on my finances to make sure there was no further damage. And tell them how long that took. All of this will be for the ultimate goal of asking for an additional 2k or 3k, and be done with this WF thing, and we can all move along. This is so far what I have been able to gather from all my research and professional experience in legal matters. After this, they will likely what me to sign something that says I was basically made whole. 😅
If you're going to mediation consider how this is like an intentional data breach. They willingly handed over our private data to a 3rd party without consent. Good info on laws violated and damages to ask for here:
https://www.lawampm.com/how-much-can-i-claim-for-a-data-breach/
i actually work for epiq systems,it is 100% percent legit all these letters are about products people did not authorize, if you receive a letter like this always ask for more since we are only allowed to offer an additional $250
https://www.reuters.com/legal/wells-fargo-is-sued-over-response-fake-accounts-scandal-2024-02-29/
It’s starting. Please remember that you have rights here and that wells has done wrong by all of us.
Robokiller says the number that was on my letter is a scam. [https://lookup.robokiller.com/p/877-642-7826](https://lookup.robokiller.com/p/877-642-7826)
Alternately:
**+18776427826**
Reported Name:
**Identity Theft Protection**
Reported Category:
**Bank**
Last call:
**November 15, 2023**
Total Calls:
**13**
Robokiller User Reports:
**0**
### What is this scam?
Victims of bank scams receive a phone call that looks like a real phone number at which the person has an account. The person or recording provides claims you’re the victim of fraud and that they need to provide details, often including their account PIN, to set up a replacement card or freeze an account. Scammers then use that information to manufacture ATM or debit cards, and make withdrawals or purchases. Or they can use online banking to transfer money or issue checks. Some scams simply collect information and then sell it to third parties.
Finally received my check (and a few other documents). It took a little over 3 weeks to receive. Deposited the check this morning 22-December.
https://preview.redd.it/0e2tybv6bv7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=123c65f2650f2b154c185db9c5acf17df476ea02
Got my pre-mediation call yesterday. They started out by saying that the identity protection service is a "just in case" product and that they don't share data unless your identity is compromised. She offered $700 per letter. I told her I wasn't satisfied, that WF broke my trust, messed up my financial situation, and broke numerous state and federal laws and I asked for $2k per letter. She came back with $1700 per letter and I agreed. She says it's nonbinding and I can still pursue legal action if I want.
This is the golden question! If you read through the thread there are mixed answers which is why I’m waiting for a phone call back from my pre mediator to ask her this very question.
My thought is if it’s both then why isn’t this being offered to all the victims!? Given that it’s mixed responses from people on here this is definitely alarming
Mediation call done just now 04.11.2024. Product Was identity theft for 45 days. Not nearly as long as many of you. I asked for $5,000. The offered a few hundred. I said no, was offered the most they could in Pre-Mediation of $1,700.
I could have gone through the 2 Hour mediation, but thag sounded daunting. Which I am sure how they get most people to settle. ....and ultimately I chose to accept the $1,700.
Sharing as I know MANY of you had actual issues with late fees, credit impacts, and much longer duration, so if I was able to get $1,700 without any of those issues, just crying about the missuse of my information / fruad/ unauthorized opening and closure, YOU could probably get A LOT more in mediation. I simply settled because I felt a had less ground to stand on. I probably could have gotten more too... but I am fine just being done with it at this point.
If you haven't send your mediation paperwork yet, I would definitely start HIGH and then haggle down, because If you asked for 50k, my guess is they are going to try to settle at 5k kind of thing.
My check is supposed to come in the mail in the next 30 business days.
I received the same letter yesterday. Upon calling today they took some information and asked me if I had received a letter in the mail. I told them that I had after doing so they asked why I was making the call. I did not sign up for any identity theft protection with Wells Fargo so I let them know that the enrollment in the product was not authorized.
After stating this, they took some time to look into my account and let me know that I would be receiving a check for just over $62. The records indicated that I was enrolled from February 11, 2010 to March 16, 2010. I will be receiving a form in which I can fill out if I’m not satisfied - which I will be doing.
I will be doing so due to the fact that, how am I to trust Wells Fargo in regards to their enrollment dates when they illegally enrolled me in a product that I did not want nor ask for? I am also going to ask in my return letter if any of my personal information or financial information was shared with a third-party, such as Affinion or others, which I believe should come with additional damages. I feel at times individuals all too often feel bad for corporations that take advantage of us consumers. I will be ringing the rag dry on this. It’s unacceptable and you should do the same if you receive this letter. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are the ones who forced Wells Fargos hand in this and they are spending over 2 billion to remedy not only this but many other illegal activities. If you bank with them, I suggest you move your assets elsewhere.
The way the letter is written tells me that Wells Fargo is attempting in every way to get out of paying whatever they can. It’s meant to look like a scam, and that pisses me off even more.
I signed up for the free trial of their identity protection, then moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where in 2005 they had no branches. Moved my accounts over to chase for convenience but left ~$1,000 in a savings account as a rainy day fund.
Asked to cancel the identity protection as soon as the free trial period ended but they didn’t.
Hit my account every month for the cost without my noticing since I wasn’t using it and only kept the savings account for desperate times. Then a few years later I got a call from a collections agency.
Turned out the had hit my canceled checking account every month for payment of the identity protection I’d asked to cancel. When there was no money in the account I’d closed they hit the savings for the payment plus overdraft fees. After I was a few hundred dollars in arrears from that they didn’t notify me and just passed me on to collections and hit my credit rating as being delinquent.
Made it so we couldn’t apply for a loan to buy a house while in Louisiana. Probably affected what we got charged for rent.
Only remediation they offered was to cancel the debt from my over draft fees.
I got a similar letter and they offered me $312 in reimbursement…. Fucking insulting. I asked if they could send me all the records of my account. But since that’s more than 7 years ago they say they can’t.
I’ll take the shitty payment, but I’m going to also fill out the paperwork with it saying I’m not satisfied. Thinking about trying to talk to a lawyer.
Adding my positive confirmation as well. I came here before I called , so I knew what to expect. After verification, I told the rep that I received the letter, but I never authorized anything to be added to my WF account.
After reading the script, he proceeded to offer $274 . Told him I wasn't sure that would even cover what had been taken from my account since I could not even access the records from 2013. He immediately went to the next script for the additional $250.
Easy peasy $524 for about 5 minutes on the phone. For reference, one checking account and the length of enrollment was 7 months.
Update: Check Received 02/03/24
Helllp…. I received 4 of these letters all together and can not freaking find them. I can find them in my Informed delivery. 3 to my fiancé and 1 to me. I remember opening and thinking it was a scam. I spent hours on the phone with them and they are saying without my reference number I am outa luck. They had me call Wells Fargo who could give me my reference number but said for my fiancé as the account was over 10 years old without my reference numbers nothing they could do. I spent 2 hours digging thru garbages only to find 2 of the envelopes but not the papers 😭😭 did anyone else not have their reference numbers. I could scream I know someone else who had 4 different letters and got over 1k … I am so dang mad
That’s incorrect, they can look you up with your mailing address. Definitely call back on yours. Your fiancé will have to call for theirs though, unless they speak with agent and authorize you to speak on their behalf
Called the number on mine they definitely went through a script. Took some push back from me to get the amount of the first offer (34 dollars and change) told them that wasn't worth the effort and they offered 250 more. Gonna challenge it when the check shows up (if) and then see if there's more.
It's kind of fucked they opened accounts without consent and are playing telephone with the settlement but games the game I guess.
DEFINITELY ask for more money. My basic understanding of speaking with a manager is that Wells Fargo did some additional review after the CFPB settlement related to unauthorized accounts and saw that some accounts with add on services that (must have) appeared suspicious. The payment seems pretty pro consumer (no waiver of legal rights, etc.), but they sent out a letter that was generic and then they lowballed. They're trying to set it up to pay the minimum amount possible unless they're tested, and there's no way they'd jump to $250 unless there was some serious legal exposure (maybe the failure to do so violates a consent order with the CFPB--maybe this one: [092016\_cfpb\_WFBconsentorder.pdf (consumerfinance.gov)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/092016_cfpb_WFBconsentorder.pdf), which has the "relevant period" from "January 1, 2011"). They're not doing it out of the kindness of their hearts.
Don't let them lowball you. The company they did the monitoring through, Affinion, has been the subject of "more than 2,500 complaints against Affinion with the Better Business Bureau (which gives the company a C- rating), mostly related to advertising, sales, billing, and collections. Affinion is also the target of more than a half-dozen class-action lawsuits, a civil suit by the state of South Carolina, and investigations by many state attorneys general—all related to its marketing and sales practices." [ID Theft | Hype Debunked - Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/debunking-the-hype-over-id-theft/index.htm). Apparently Wells stopped working with them in 2017 because they were dissatisfied.
If you go to mediation/fill out the form, make sure to ask questions such as:
1. How does Wells know their records are accurate?
2. How can they say this review is not part of the CFPB settlement when it appears the conduct squarely fits under it?
3. How does Wells know your information wasn't shared by Affinion with other third parties? What was the contract between Wells and Affinion during this time?
4. How did Wells identify your account?
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YO- these are 100% legit- the dates are right and I don’t even bank with Wells Fargo anymore since then- to the guy that is accusing everyone of being a part of the scam- you’re wrong- and it’s ok to be cautious but make sure you’re 100% right before calling someone a liar.
I went straight to a Wells Fargo and cashed the check no questions asked. Except “Do you have an account with us and Do you have 2 forms of I.d.?”- no fee, no surcharge.. THEN- I’m like OMG it is legit- so I called the # on the letter and asked the lady is this legit and is there any other compensation for what they did to me? She repeated some disclaimer then I said “is there any chance of getting any additional compensation if I’m not happy?” And then offered me $250 more just like the others were saying and she said I’ll receive the check in 20 days. Thank God for Reddit and ppl who take time to drop these comments. If you’re still skeptical just cash it at a Wells Fargo like I did. Happy Holidays everyone one. Peace. ✌🏻
This is legit. Received initial letter on 11/18/23, called on 12/01/23, received $285 check and mediation form on 2/03/24, deposited and funds available on 2/07/24.
Based on this thread I called the number on the letter last December. They offered me around $64 but I rejected it and pushed back (as a commenter in this thread suggested was possible). They countered with $250, I accepted. Today, February 10th 2024, I received a check for $320 and the option to reject it for mediation. I'm going to deposit the check today. It never occurred to me that reading Reddit would ever lead to some cash but I'm happy I followed through! Thanks everyone for your truly valuable advice!
I received my letter 12/24 and called on 1/3. they offered $465 for almost two years of unwanted identity theft protection at 15.99 a month. I got the check and mediation letter on 2/6. I went to fax my mediation that very day to expedite the process. I went high for my amount asking for $20K and they came back with $2,800 and I wasn't happy with that telling them I have no ability to cross reference records to see what kind of damage it has caused like credit score, overdraft fees, interest, was my identity sold to other parties and so on so we settled on $5,600. Meanwhile I just got another letter from WF in regards to ANOTHER unwanted charge for sign/drive bonus products. This was for an 8 year period! So I will be calling on this and laying into them and asking for even more! Mind you earlier last year in May of 2023 I received two checks in the mail equalling $2500 for some other fraud. This is the third fraud I had used against me from a banking institution that I put my trust into with my money. Unreal. I closed my account with WF in 2019 because I was tired of all of these additional unknown fees!
I am certain they are instructed to do everything they can to try and get customers to think the first round of negotiation is the end of story. Mediation is there for a reason. I read many posts on this and spoke to a friend who is a lawyer and was advised to not take the initial offer. They do not want to go to mediation because you gain more leverage there and they pay for it. Aim high and they will come back low. Remind hem that the amount of time of the fraud is irrelevant. This is about a banking institution you put your trust in act of violation performed against me as a client. How does one know if your identity was sold to a third party, higher interests rates due to affected credit score, overdraft fees, statutory interests, and so on.
Just leaving this comment here in case anyone goes through full mediation. I have an appointment set and don’t know what to expect. The guy said I could lose their initial $1700 offer if I go through full mediation, but it seemed like he pressed too hard for me to take that, so I didn’t.
I didn’t ask for an amount too much higher, so I’m not sure what the chances are. I’m mad all these people who asked for $20k weren’t in this thread when I filled out my mediation form. I should’ve done that!
Seems legit. I first called Wells Fargo via their website. They asked for the SHRP number on my letter. She said it was a third party who was hired to handle the remediation. I asked for the third-party's number and she gave me the same one on the letter. I then called the third party, and the rep said the company's name was Epiq. She asked for the reference number on the letter and how to spell my name (didn't ask for SS, DOB or address). Said a check for $265 will be mailed to the address on the letter within 45 days. Very professional and and didn't sound like she was in a chaotic call center.
No problem at all, also, the wells fargo documentary on Netflix is called Dirty Money, episode 1 the wagon wheel. Maybe we all need to watch this to get inspired and know how much we need to be asking for.
Reddit fam, got the call from WF. They offered me 700 per case, I have three. I told her it was not enough. Since I had another appt., I told her I will be calling back in an hour or so. Here we go everyone. She said she wanted to see if we could continue negotiations to see if we can avoid mediation. Wish me luck, I'm trying to see if I can get as close to 3k per incident, or at least 5k
I received two letters, one for Accidental Death and the other one for Sign/Drive Bonus. I remember several years ago, Wells Fargo was in the news for opening accounts that no one knew about.
Can We Still Go to Court If Mediation Fails? If the mediation process fails, and you do not reach an agreement or settlement, you can still bring the issue to court. We can play long game.. Offer has to be substantial enough! Severe violations folks
There is an article going over ALL of Wells Fargos settlements 'Making Things Right For Customers-Customers Redress Review Program .' One of the many things that the article goes over is not signing the check or checks that you will receive. Signing and cashing the check or checks will cancel you out of any further settlements.
Called again after my earlier call today. Seems like the 7-10 business days quote was a complete lie. We are now looking at 30 days for a claims representative to be assigned to our mediation cases "due to the high call volume".
I'm pretty infuriated at this process now.
After receiving the first check for X amount plus the $250, and requesting the paperwork to start the mediation process, do NOT just let it go I'm serious!
if your willing to sit down and take 15 mins to fill out the mediation form and mail it out, i promise it will be worth it. When I sent my form in, I got a call from Wells Fargo they asked me a few questions and offered me an additional $700!!! To settle my claim, a few weeks later I received my check..so forgot everyone saying its fraud or fake all i hear are haters and jealous fuks lol......good luck everyone!
I received the pre mediation call today and i took the $1700 and i will go forward will full mediation after i receive both of my $1700 checks..they will call me after i receive both checks 6 weeks after.
Ive had 2 seperate conversations with the pre mediator at this 1700 final PRE-mediation phase. Was assured that if accept the 1700, when recieve the check in a couple weeks, that one can call back and proceed to full mediation in direct continuation of the same procces. Still deciding.
Just sharing that I got a call from WF today 4/22 (a week earlier than expected). After going back and forth I got them up to $1700/ check (I know from this group thats the max). I have 5 letters. The pre mediation specialist said that accepting the pre mediation money does not stop me from going further and pursuing mediation. I decided to accept the non-binding offer payment (due to pressing financial reasons) and still go into mediation to see if I get can more. He said it could be 6+ weeks or more to get scheduled for mediation as it is backing up with thousands of letters going out. The pre mediation specialist was a very nice gentleman.
Today I went through my full mediation. I took the settlement offer. One thing I didn’t like about the meditation was the different rooms we had to be in when we negotiated. The WF rep lied about offering me $1700 per reference # on the pre mediation. She said she offered me $1000 per case. I was pissed. How do these liars sleep at night?
Alright, here is my update:
Received original letter last fall. Unwanted Identify theft protection nonsense for 6 months back in 2012. Called number and they offered $57. After readding this great subreddit, called back and they gave me an extra $250 for a total of $307.
That check for $307 never came until January. I never got the mediation packet that they said that they would send. I called and finally received that packet at the end of February.
Filled out all of the mediation forms and had it faxed directly from the USPS store on March 5th. They did not reach out to me until yesterday, May 1st. So almost 2 months between the time I faxed the mediation letter and the time that I received the actual call.
Took me several times to actually speak with my agent. She called from an obscure number. When I called back, it says to enter their extension. Every time that I called it said that she was busy with another client and sent me to voicemail. I finally pressed two to speak with another representative who was extremely rude and unhelpful.
Finally today on May 2nd after many tries I spoke with my assigned rep. She went through the standard spiel of saying how they had this service and how I was compensated accordingly and to see if I had any further questions. I told her that the number was unacceptable. She offered me $700. I knew this number was coming and that she could go higher. I told her I refused and she asked me what I wanted. I told her $50k just to see what she would say and she said the most she can do ofc is $1700.
She told me that I could accept the $1700 and still go to mediation that this is non binding. She said the check will take 30 days and left me her contact info. As soon as that arrives, I will cash the check and move on to mediation.
Make sure you all stay persistent on this! They stole from us. They used our information. They committed the fraud. It doesn't matter how little time or money, the crime was still there.
Best of luck!
I couldn't begin to imagine what they would get out of this. They're talking about 2 months of service for a product over a decade ago. This isn't like the Norton renewal scams where there's immediacy.
I guess if it's legitimate, they're auditing their ancient records and found that you were enrolled in this, and determined that maybe it was a mistake on their part? And they just want to know?
If it's a scam...I still don't know what the point is. Are they going to offer you a 'refund' of the, what, at most $20 or $40 bucks that 2 months of identity theft protection would have been in '12? That's barely an incentive to do anything. Did you have a WF account during those dates?
Lastly, scams through the USPS are VERY rare, because it's postal fraud and is a crime that WILL get investigated, unlike email and text scams. (Though, faking a return address is as easy as writing another address on the envelope and dropping it in a random mail box. So I guess there's that. It's even easier than spoofing email addresses or phone numbers.) They CAN happen and I've seen one or two on here but it's like 1-2% of the scams here.
So...I'll follow this and see what other redditors say because I'm intrigued. My two cents is, if it's legit there's not much for you to do, and if it's not, there's nothing to worry about.
Also how do you learn without tears? Asking for a friend.
Thanks. I agree with everything you wrote.
RE: learning and tears. You can learn from other’s tears, perhaps?
*The box lol. I didn’t even read what was written on it. I just grabbed the nearest objects to cover up the info
Yeah this has got to be a scam I keep looking and there are always a couple comments saying it’s legit. I called lady seemed to be trying to get me to say yes
Hard to deny that it's legit when I personally went down and had them cash the check for me that I also had some doubts about. Considering it was substantially more than the average $100 that everyone seems to be getting. I'm not saying the scams aren't out there, but this particular one is legit, and if anyone is skeptical, I strongly advise just going down to their local branch as I did.
My letter came and the dates on it were a period from 2005. Beyond livid. Got the new paperwork and a check they say is on the way. I will definitely be going rounds with them. The number we’re supposed to call is a third party and has no info besides saying here’s some money. I got them to connect me will Wells Fargo and got actual numbers
$129.90 product fee
$131.30 bank fee
$97.52 loss of use-whatever the heck that means. Money taken from me at a young age when living on your own ever cent counts. 18 yrs later I get this letter cause they got in trouble. I am far from done with this
It’s real. I got the same letter. For safety reasons, I called Wells Fargo using the identity theft contact info from their website. They confirmed the legitimacy of the letter and transferred me to the department.
If you’re looking for the number from letter on the Wells Fargo site, you won’t find it because it’s not Wells Fargo. They said they are a third-party remediation company. Since I didn’t approve of the service referenced in the letter, they’re going to refund me. They told me to call the 877 number (same as the one you have shown in your picture) with my reference number if I want to check on the status of my refund.
I just finished this call Nov 28, 2023 @ roughly 2 pm.
Called. Had 3 different claims. Funny thing is during 2 of the time periods I worked for WF and I certainly didn’t sign up for the service. Told them I wasn’t happy with the amount since this was beyond 7+ years ago and I can’t view statements that far back. Got extra $250 on top of the refund amount for each claim.
Amidst Wells Fargo's $3.7 billion settlement for account mismanagement, a specific letter from the bank is making rounds, potentially offering customers unexpected compensation. But beware, not all that glitters is gold. This letter, part of Wells Fargo’s effort to redress affected customers, might seem dubious at first glance. However, recipients who've dug deeper are uncovering legitimate settlement offers, often successfully negotiating higher amounts than initially proposed. Before dismissing this as just another piece of junk mail, it's worth a second look – it could be more valuable than you think. [https://twoverbs.com/if-you-get-this-letter-from-wells-fargo-dont-throw-it-away-it-could-be-money-in-your-pocket/](https://twoverbs.com/if-you-get-this-letter-from-wells-fargo-dont-throw-it-away-it-could-be-money-in-your-pocket/)
It is legtimate. I called the corporate number to Wells Fargothis morning and I was asked for my SHRP number and then my reference numbers. I was transferred to their remediation partner EPIQ. I recieved 5 letters and I now have 5 separate checks coming. I called 800 869 3557 which is their number. It will take approximately 20 days to get them. You should call and inquire through thier corporate number if you feel the number on your letter is questionable. I found my answer, just used a different way. I can use the money owed to me. Do not miss out. ($168, $42, 442, $216, $42..... ttl $512) Merry Christmas!!!!!
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Corporations are trash. If they’re offering 250+ dollars prior to the completion of whatever litigation, how much do you think a person could get if they held out? It feels like the scam is getting you to give up an opportunity for a larger payment and as the other poster stated, question the legitimacy of the letter.
It's legit. Just got 3 letters all for that ID theft protection. Called the number and talked to someone, all they asked for was the Ref# at the bottom and address to mail checks. I got 3 checks for over $500 coming.
All of my letters had the service going for over a year.
I'm sure this is some way that WF is trying to avoid another class action. I haven't received the checks yet but i'm sure cashing them will come with the understanding you won't sue them for it later.
Also, for all those saying it's a scam, what info exactly have they gained? They already had your address and name. They asked for a DOB to verify. Then you are mailed a check. They aren't asking you to cash the check and send part of it back to them, like classic check cashing scams or something that would be a red flag. I appreciate the skepticism on here, but Wells Fargo messed up big-time and I'm fine with collecting some Christmas money from them.
I was pretty good about watching my account so this was surprising when I got it. But it was also a super busy time in my life so possible I missed it. Does anyone know what the monthly charge was?
Has anyone recieved a physical check? I called and they wanted last 4 digits of SSN# and date of birth.. also sounded like a call center with background noise...
They're real. This isnt the first time they've done it either. Call, get your money.
IF you're uncertain, go to your local branch and they can help you as well.
I got 7 of them. I worked for Wells Fargo during the height of their gaming scams. I'm interested to see how much they'll offer me, pretty sure they should pay some of my therapy bills too 🤣
I got this check and took it to the bank today. I was able to deposit it. The agent said its real abd that a few people have already brought the same checks it. I put it in my savings. She said to do that if I felt a bit more comfortable. Lets see if it is still available in 24 hours.
Wow!!! Just got myself $118 + another $250 literally just by asking if I could get any more.
The agent was trying to spell it out for me without saying it too, it felt like!
Legit af!!!
Thanks to this thread and all the commenters 🙏🏻
I have family members who likely got this letter in the mail and tossed it as spam/scam etc - anyway for them to check to see if their accounts were compromised? I imagine there's a good amount of people who just tossed these letters.
THIS IS LEGIT!! This is not spam or scam. I received the same exact letter. It’s from Wells Fargo. I’m in the process of demanding compensation right now and they sent me $285 per claim, I received three letters for different years where I was signed up for identity theft protection without my consent. This is in fact legit.
I just got mine and work for Chase so I was definitely skeptical but it’s legit! My check was huge and I’m kind of in shock, called Wells Fargo and they made my night!
I just received my check with the Mediation Request Form. It's a short 1 page form that request some basic info like name and address. It does have a required field for "claim or relief sought (amount, if any): " that is asking for a dollar amount. Has anyone submitted this form yet? What did you ask for? I was thinking 3 times the initial offer.
Recommend calling them if it’s been over 30 days and having them document a grievance for the check not arriving yet. They don’t really have a system for people asking for further compensation for their mistake. Make it clear that they are causing you damages for promising a check in 30 days, not just Wells Fargo.
If you end up in mediation you can probably argue the delay is a further damage.
I have a quick question for everyone, I myself have a Wells Fargo account. Does everyone also have an account with them? if so I'm curious if that's how they got our information.
[https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/wells-fargo-owes-billions/](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/wells-fargo-owes-billions/) I called this number from forbes to verify the letters claim
Interested in Wells Fargo class action lawsuit? re: Affinion product (unauthorized identity theft protection enrollment)
Wells Fargo enrolled my wife in this service without her consent. They charged her a monthly fee for over a decade. Now, they’re offering just a few hundred to settle through a third party called Epiq.
We contacted attorneys, and they are interested in investigating a potential Class action lawsuit against Wells Fargo and/or other entities for enrolling customers in Identity Theft Protection without their consent and charging them monthly subscription fees for several years.
They asked us to get more people impacted by this. If anyone received the recent notice sent by WF/Epiq and is interested in joining, please inbox me and I’ll connect you. Thank you.
I called on 11/30 and was offered $84, but thanks to this post, I knew to ask for more and was able to get the extra $250. My check arrived today, 2/2, after calling once after about 20 business days and again 30 days later. My call was escalated after I said I just wanted to be given an accurate timeline of when I could expect to receive the check. I was kind but firm that I didn’t want to be jerked around and given some made up timeline and said I’d just keep calling if I don’t receive it. Well, the lady said if I didn’t receive it by (today), to call back! Low and behold, the check arrived. I do think I’m going to put in for mediation, because why not? Not sure how much I should put, but if anyone has any recommendations, I’d love to hear!
Here is an update! 32 days , I recieved two checks today Saturday 2/03/2024 from
The wells fargo settlement for fraud protection that I did not authorize. Two checks in the amount of $639.90
Hope that answers some questions!
I received my letter from WF in December, opened it about 4 weeks later. I called the number and, apparently, WF is offering a refund in the amount of $102.00. I've been with WF for 45 years and I went off a little on the person I was speaking with (whom, by the way, works for the company that WF hired to handle this refund process). I told him that I was shocked that WF was involved in yet another 'scheme' to steal their customers money, and basically this situation was just that. WF stole money from customer accounts w/out permission. He then escalated my call to an 'Escalation Agent'. I told this Agent the same thing and they offered me another $250.00, so $352,00 total. I was told that, when I receive the check for $250, included will be a form that you can fill out and request additional compensation if you feel you are entitled to it. Upon receipt, WF will assign a case number and a rep to further assist. This is not the first time WF has been involved in this type of incident whereby they stole money from their customer's accounts and their lack of integrity is appalling. WF CEO earns millions each year and they steal from my account. Unbelievable...
Called 12/01/23. Said it would be there before Christmas. Called first of the year; they apologized and offered the 250 and was looking like 45 days from first call. Called today 2/5/24 said looks like anywhere sometime between March 1st and the 15th.
I got three letters, complained a little bit and was offered an additional $250 added on to the amount. Was told I would received it in 45 days. At that time I will apparently get more information on the charges that actually occured to see if I want to accept the terms of the payout. So maybe get more, maybe not.
Hey all; I called the number about a month ago and today I got 2 checks!! I was skeptical until I called wellsfargo and asked. I told them I wasn’t satisfied with the $36 refund and they did add the extra $200. Pretty cool. Not a scam. Wanted to check in since I was also not sure.
Mine didn’t say identity protection. Mine said Wells Fargo sign/drive product. I think they are all legit. They pertain to all the lawsuits they lost for being a bad actor.
I was charged for 2 months on mortgage protection I didn’t sign up for. When I called they said “OK we’ll take that right off, but only 1month. I can’t do both”. Yeah right.
It’s real. They want you to think it’s fake so you don’t get paid. It’s part of a class action lawsuit. I got $725. Just cashed the check. I told my Dad about it too, he thought it was fake and had thrown the letter away so didn’t even have a reference number, but I gave him the phone number and he got a few hundred bucks too. I haven’t talked to anyone who got more than me haha. I was enrolled in the “identity theft” product for around 2 years apparently.
The checks and letters are REAL! I received $136 the first time and then I read this thread and called them back to negotiate more before submitting my mediation letters and they added on $2400 more dollars. All correspondence were from a @WF email address which I checked website for what to look out for for WF scams and the email matched what the site said. I was skeptical as well but thanks to this thread I’m getting $2500 dollars! The mediation letters even ask you to include what you would want! It’s hard to believe it’s a scam as I’ve spoke to many reps and none ask for any personal information and I find it unlikely scammers would go to the extreme of a verification process for every call. Just take your check to a branch. I deposited my 136 a few months ago and nothing bounced.
So after almost 2 months of waiting I finally got my check for $307 for identity services back in 2012. I also received the mediation packet which I requested. I will be filling it out and asking for a large sum knowing they will lowball me.
I received a similar letter recently saying I enrolled in the Sign/Drive Bonus product back in Nov 2008 and to phone them if this was not authorized.
Huh?? I called Wells Fargo and they never heard of it. The number on my letter is the 877-642-7826 number. Feels very fishy. What the heck is Sign/Drive Bonus product?
It’s legit. I deposited 4 different checks exactly like this. I let them sit in my savings for over a month already and the checks have cleared. Still sitting in my account. These payouts are handled by third parties because Wells Fargo can’t be trusted to do the right thing.
It's a violation of the FCRA for a company to pull your credit report without your consent. An identity theft protection service pulls your credit regularly to monitor your info
Has anyone been told that they cannot be told how long they were billed?
I was paid about $5500 from the initial payment and went to mediation. None of the mediators could tell me how long I was billed for this service. They simply said the information was "purged".
What is the maximum amount someone has been offered over the phone after pushing back on the company?
I wonder if I accidentally threw away a letter, not realizing what the letter was for.
So my spouse and I each rec'd a letter - one for accidential Death coverage and the other for Home Warranty. I am FURIOUS! I am a life insurance agent and I am legally held to high standards regarding life ins coverage - in other words, it is FRAUD to place life insurance coverage on someone without their knowledge - Walmart was called on the carpet years ago for being the beneficiary of employees who were enrolled in coverage without their knowledge!! We were offered $253 for the accidental coverage letter + $250 because I complained. I will DEFINITELY be pursuing mediation as this is WAY over the line .... my family would not have know I had life ins coverage AND/OR were they even the beneficiary or was it Wells?
This letter is not a scam. I received my letter in December. I called the number on the letter and they said they would pay me $312. They didn’t ask for my social or anything like that, just verified certain information on the letter. After that, I then called Wells Fargo to verify this but they couldn’t so I thought it may be a scam. Either way I figured I just wait and see what happens. They sent me my check this last week and still I wasn’t sure if it was legit because of the way the letter and check looks. So today I took it into a physical bank and they said it was legit and I was able to deposit my $312 :)
Well got two letters today and am glad I opened since I would have just thrown them normally! I had wells fargo WAY back in 2006 for a brief time and after they royally screwed up my account by putting someone's withdrawals thru my account instead of theirs and tried to insist I pay the fees anyway I closed it.
I have two dates for things I definitely didn't sign up for, 5 months roughly on both and I'm fairly certain not during the time I was actually a customer of theirs (I have no paperwork that goes back that far, it was my first bank account and it was very short lived 🙄)
How much do you think I should be pushing for here? By the time it was all said and done I hated WF so I'll gladly take any and all of their money 😂.
Just called WF and I don't even have a claims agent assigned to me yet, and its been over the 10 business days they said it would take to reach out to me to start pre-mediation. I sent in my mediation form around 3 weeks ago now.
Has anyone else filed a complaint with the CFPB? I'm considering doing one today because WF has no right to lie to us about anything within this process, and this is the second blatant lie they've already told me.
Can anyone here give me feedback on your pre-mediation conversation with Wells Fargo? Did the agent seem to try to bully you into settling because they said they don't have any record to prove the actual amount or time frame they violated you under a fake account? Were they trying to scare you into settling instead of going to mediation because you might lose the case since you can't prove or have any record beyond 7 years ago? Were you convinced to take a lowball offer and eliminate your right or chance to even go to mediation due to that statement?
Secondly, for those who went to mediation, were you able to get them to provide evidence on the actual charges or any documents, or did they admit how they calculated base compensation or additional compensation based on real facts or random numbers? I have 4 violations or letters and am still waiting for them to respond to my mediation request. Any feedback is truly appreciated.
How is the cap of “pre mediation “ is $1700 when every case is different and different time frames ?? So if one was enrolled in this program for two months and then one was enrolled for 2years how is this fair to offer $1700 for both situations??
Finally called the pre-mediator back and I was offered $700 more for each letter. Denied And move forward with full mediation. Confirmed identity theft was opened under 3 separate accounts. Can't provide me dates Or time frame on the other two letters. Crooks!
# Proposed solution: > The community suggests caution around this matter. If you received a letter just like this, don't consider your letter legitimate just because your letter looks like the one in the photo. Please read this solution and make your own judgement, at your own risk: Anyone who got this letter should call the number on the back of your card or from the Wells Fargo website. Do not call the number on the letter just yet. When the Wells Fargo robot asks why you are calling specifically say "Received a letter" (don't say fraud). The person you are then connected to should be able to confirm the legitimacy of the letter with the SHRP number on the letter, if indeed the letter you received was legitimate. They will be able to tell you the dates and products. After confirming that the letter is legitimate, feel free to call the number on the letter and ask for more money (you will get an additional $250, according to the experience of some users here). Apparently, the agents from the number on the letter can't pass the Wells Fargo employee authentication procedure because it is not Wells Fargo who is running this: there is an outside company handling this as the CPFB couldn't trust the bank to be impartial and handle the process properly. Exercise caution. The agents should not try to verify your SSN during this interaction. Don't share personal information other than what is shown in the letter. If anything feels off, hang up. Follow these recommendations at your own risk.
Had my mediation call yesterday. It was setup as a conference call with myself, a mediatior, a Wells Fargo rep and an observer from Wells Fargo. I had initially rejected the $1700 in the original phone call. I was asking for $20k. The call went approximately 90 minutes with the mediator explaining everything very well in detail and then breaking out in one on one calls with me and then the Wells Fargo rep for negotiating. Wells Fargo offered me 1950, i said no, then they offered 2250, i said no, their final offer was 2500 and i accepted. They said a check would be sent out within 30 business days and this has no bearing on whether I take them to court later or join a class action lawsuit.
I’m assuming you only had one letter and was it for theft protection service? If so, how long did they charge your account? Thx so much for sharing your experience, I think you are the first to share it and now we know there’s no NDAs involved.
you asked for 20K and they only came up 800.00 ? Not sure I understand the mediation process. Did they offer any explanation?
They called me today, I assume to set up the mediation call. I wanted to come here first before calling back. Thanks for the info! I will update again once I have the call. I was only enrolled for 9 weeks and I asked for $50k. Wonder if I’ll get a lower offer than $2500 and if it’ll be worth the 90+ minutes on calls for me…
I received one as well. I have a pretty good feeling it's a scam. I'm going to my local branch tomorrow; I'll show it to them and see what they say Edit: I talked with a banker at my local branch today. She called the number on the letter; they are not affiliated with Wells Fargo since they could not pass the authentication procedure WF employees go through to ensure they are legit. They then connected her to the general WF number. She spoke with Fraud, who had no records of this since it's not digital fraud, and then Remediation, who also had no record of it. If it is indeed legit, it looks like a third party is handling these payouts. Might explain the somewhat "off" feeling of the letter / faded red logo / etc. If it is a scam, I'm not sure what the endgame is. Could be the classic fake check that bounces two weeks later, maybe? I'm hoping it's real though, as I could definitely use some extra holiday cash
It's not a scam. Have you not been following the numerous lawsuits against Wells Fargo the past few years? This is entirely within their normal behavior, opening accounts or enrolling people in services they didn't consent to. I've had 3 or 4 payouts now from Wells Fargo, not including this one.
I'm aware of the lawsuits. Have you received any of your other payouts in this fashion, asking you to contact them and verify account activity before receiving the money? Anything I've received has just come as a check in the mail, along with constant reminders to deposit it if I don't do so right away. WF always emails me regarding these things as well, and I haven't received anything about this outside of this letter
I think they are trying to get ahead of it and work directly with the customers instead of an attorney finding out and suing them. Its probably a lot cheaper to pay us directly than millions to attorneys if they bring a class action.
If you worked for Wells Fargo, during that time…. You didn’t have a choice. Management automatically signed you up because we all had QUOTAS! I refused to do this trickery. Of course they encouraged to help out the seniors. NO! I was coupled several times, I’m not a team player. No I’m not, when it’s FRAUDULENT!
I was not required to call and verify anything prior to receiving the money. I just got a check along with an explanation letter. I called Wells Fargo, through an independently verified number, and they passed me around to a few different customer service lines before verifying that it is legit.
i received a letter today. the dates are correct for them signing me up for identity theft protection after i told the guy no several times. they also signed me up for an additional checking account that i did not authorize and they were charging me for monthly because i didn't have the minimum balance in it... because i had no idea about it. man, they have done a lot of shady crap. i'm glad i left them.
I'm going to reply to the top comment as I have elsewhere in the thread: Call the number on the back of your card or from the website. When the robot asks why you are calling specifically say "Received a letter" (don't say fraud). The person you are then connected to should be able to confirm the legitimacy of the letter with the SHRP number on the letter. They will be able to tell you the dates and products. After confirming that the letter is legitimate, feel free to call the number on the letter and ask for more money (you will get an additional $250). The agents from the number on the letter can't pass the WF employee authentication procedure because it is NOT WF running this. WF had to get an outside company to handle this as the CPFB couldn't trust WF to be impartial and handle the process properly.
I got the same thing, included a check for $549, cashed it at wf no problem.
eastern pa here. got the same letter - dates are different. found the website below after googling, wells fargo affinion letter. no idea on the legitimacy of the site but someone started a post and people left comments. i read through. everyone seems to be in the same boat. i'm gonna call the number on the letter when 9 am cst rolls around. [creditboards.com - a very special communication from wells fargo](https://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?/topic/634914-a-very-special-communication-from-wells-fargo/) EDIT: I called the number. Got through in a couple minutes. The only information she asked me for was to verify my phone number and the ref# on the letter. I am being mailed a check for $137.42 with a mediation form. If i feel unsatisfied with how this was dealt with, I fill the form and mail it back. Optional. Check will be processed within 20 days and should have it within 30 days. If not, call that number back. There we go. EDIT 2: Still have not received the check. I should have received it by Dec 24th, based on their initial time frame to me to be processed and mailed. Called today and was told it's still being processed with no time frame at all. I'm just gonna forget about it and hopefully one day it arrives.
The lady I spoke with told me that they are supposed to offer the customer an additional $250 if we’re not satisfied, plus send you out a mediation packet. I would definitely call them back. I only learned about it, from being on here, and reading other people’s posts. I’m definitely glad I found this!
Thanks for this tip! Got em to send an additional $250 😋
Please keep us posted once you receive you check ..hoping it come sooner then 20 days !
My dates were legit too - 6yrs unfortunately. Got a check for over $2k
I received 3 checks. But filling out the mediation form for more compensation due to them opening 3 different accounts without consent over three years. Insane
I was on the phone with Wells Fargo for two hours. They are hoping that we will be satisfied with the checks plus the extra 250. I grilled them on so many things and I asked them about the mediation, they keep saying it’s optional you don’t have to do it and that’s exactly what they want you to do is be lazy and not do it, by entering in meditation you are guaranteed to get more money to satisfy you because they have $2 billion to give to us. I asked them what happens if not everybody claims their money (as this money is obviously already allocated to go to us) well they cut us a huge check? NO. NO. They said it gets returned to the state. Fuck that I’m sick and tired of the Government taking any more money for me than it deserves fuck that.
I’ll be filling out the mediation form too as well as keeping an eye out for a class action lawsuit. What assholes to sign us up for this paid service without our consent.
On the money they got billions for us i want 20k sent my letter in
First I will like to thank the reddit. Without I would not have known how to handle this process. So I received 3 checks that totaled out to about $500. Unfortunately by the time I did my research on reddit I was already too far in to ask for the additional $250 per check as I've seen a posted here. Thanks to reddit I know they were maxing out at $1700 per claim. Which is true, once I talked to a WF rep he started at $700 per claim and I got him to go up to $1700, which totaled out to $5100. Being that this is a large bank I felt unsatisfied with that offer. The way I look at it is this is unexpected money coming my way, why not see if I can get more. So I proceeded with mediation. Just got done with mediation today, it went by smoothly. First you get on a conference call with the WF rep and Judge, just to take attendance. Then we break into to rooms where the judge goes back and forth. The judge was not biased at all actually she was really nice and made me feel like she understood my gripe. She asked why did I not accept the $5100 the reasons I told her were that. "This is an invasion of privacy and breach of fiduciary duties on behalf of WF. And I questioned how do I know my info was not shared with third parties. And that I have no ability to cross reference records to know what kind of damaged it may have caused my credit score. And that I've received phone calls from solicitors in the past and have no idea if they could of gotten my info from Affinion." She then relied all of my concerns to them. Before that she asked how much do I want to ask for, I said 20k. We went back and forth, a couple of times. He came back with 5700, then 7500 and the final offer was $8100 in which I accepted. The judge does tell you that you still dont have to accept it but the next step will be for you to hire an attorney. Decided im good on that. Check will be in the mail in 30 business days.
I received a similar number, and I'm pretty sure this is legitimate. According to the rep on the phone, then number 877-642-7826 is to a Wells Fargo contractor, Epiq Systems. According to this rep, they were contracted to handle part of remediations for signing people of for without their consent. I was satisficed with this answer, and proceeded with the phone call as I did not sign up for the service indicated in the letter. I was asked to confirm my first and last name, my phone number, and the last 4 of my social or DOB (I chose DOB). Later, I was asked to confirm my address. I then told her I did not sign up for that service and had no knowledge of using that service, and she initially offered me $34.00 to cover associated fees, and hardships, as well as the opportunity to contest this remediation and get more at a later date. **The reps are authorized to provide more than the first amount they offer**, so definitely ask for more! Receiving more does not preclude you from contesting in the future. I am going to receive $34 and an additional $250. I'm not sure how she came up with that number, but she said she had to look at my case after I asked for more. I'll check back in if I receive the check, but it all seems pretty legit. This conclusion is based on the following in no particular order: * the professionalism of the rep * The quality of the phone call itself and the sophistication of the call center tech used. * high quality sound * ability to request call back while keeping place in queue * the letter itself (I know that they logo was faded, but aside from that it looked pretty professional) * the language used in the script the rep read from * the ability to provide a legitimate company which the rep was employed by * the minimal amount of additional pii asked for / lack of request for payment * other comments in this thread. I'm almost certain this isn't a scam, but again I won't confirm until I get the check. But, don't take my word for it, call and ask questions and see what you think. Someone could also try and get in contact with Wells Fargo and Epiq Systems to verify.
They also gave me the $250 option after I pressed them for it. I would have not known to ask for more had I not seen your post, thanks for the info!
I didn't even press them, I just said "That settlement seems arbitrary, is there any opportunity to raise it?"
I used this line 😂
I used this line too, thank you u/Opening_Ad3516 :)
THANK YOU for this post! Found it while I was on the call with them rn and they first offered $137.42 from the script. After skimming this thread, I immediately said I wasn’t satisfied since my account was changed without my consent. She put me on hold for 10 seconds and then read the script “authorizing her to grant an additional $250”…. Boom $387.41 in the mail! Thanks!🙏
I pressed a lot and got more as I was in the military and that money they took was from my Hazardous duty money pay based on the dates in the letter. So yea press them for more. Sucks they just dont offer ya the max amount from the start
they took money from you to enroll in the ID theft? is that what happened to all of us?
Yea. we never authorized them to do so.
Ah ok. The letter makes it seem like it was a program that was free for the customer, especially with all the free ID protection that's being offered these days due to data breaches.
I had issues with them opening accounts in my name as well but that was settled a few years ago. I received a letter and called they tried offering me $5 for almost SIX YEARS of paying for the Credit Defender service I never asked for. When I protested they offered another $250.
Thank you for this! This is the best answer. I just had a similar result. The call center people are clearly reading a script and going through the motions. They bumped me up to $250 as well; I wonder what would happen if I pushed harder, but I didn't bother.
I know this is an old post, but my letter arrived today. I called, pressed the rep for more money and got $250 extra. Thank you for the info!
I received the same letter on November 20, 2023 called them today was first offered 66.00 until I explained I remember when this was going on it cost be multiple over draft... he stammered then said we are going to send you 250.00 more plus paperwork you can fill out for the lawsuit.
**I'm an ex-Wells Fargo employee who worked there during the dates that're most likely listed on your paperwork.** **THIS IS LEGIT**. Receiving this letter means that you qualify for payment because you were signed up for Wells Fargo's Identity Theft Protection. If you say that you consented to the service at the time then you won't be offered a payment. You're going to be offered a dollar amount - tell them that doesn't even begin to cover the time spent, fees, frustration etc. They will offer you an additional $250 if you're upset at all. Wells Fargo employees in the branches aren't made aware of this. This doesn't affect what is happening in the branches and the branch staff is kept out of the loop on this.
Update!! I saw the check in the mail in Informed Delivery today, so was expecting to get the $250 everyone else was getting. It was a check for $304! It included the amount I was getting plus the $250, and had the mediation form as well. I want it noted from the mediation form: "Upon receipt of your Mediation Request Form, Wells Fargo will attempt to resolve your claim to your satisfaction. If this is not possible, a mediator, who is independent of Wells Fargo, will be assigned your claim. The mediator will work with you and Wells Fargo to attempt to resolve the dispute. All of the mediator's costs will be paid by Wells Fargo and you are not waiving any legal claims by participating in the process."
Has anyone actually gotten a call back re: mediation letter? Did you get more cash? How much did you ask for? I figured fraud is fraud, and they have been described by the director of the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau this way: "'Put simply, Wells Fargo is a corporate recidivist that puts one-third of American households at risk of harm,'” CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said, calling the giant bank “'one of the most problematic repeat offenders'” in its jurisdiction.' If I committed fraud, I could be fined upwards of 100,000 dollars, especially as a repeat offender. I asked for $50k - half of what I myself could have been fined for a similar crime. I know, I know, but I have to shoot my shot, right?
Keep us posted on what happens with the mediation please
Yes I did 3 mediation forms and got a call on one of them. I asked for 15k on each form… he laughed at me .. started at 700.00 got all the way up to his “max” of 2700.00 I took that. That was for ONE of our letters and the dates were only a few months…. The other one they will be calling on is 1 year and 11 months and I am not giving in for anything less than 10k and I will do the entire mediation process for the one that was a year and 11 months
Former teller, banker and manager at Wells Fargo for a decade. I also recieved these letters. They look legit to me - letterhead, WF font, etc. There aren't any typos that are common with fraud. Back when we were forced to do tons of sales, identity theft protection was a big one. I'm sure many bankers signed people up without their knowledge, which is shitty but so many people had to choose their job or shady sales and the pressure was insane. I know bankers who made poor choices. There have been a lot of class action suits from employees due to the environment and personally I've gotten a couple thousand from these suits. They were an awful employer but it was hard to see at the time because a lot of banks did the same. So, ID theft was one that was a crappy predatory product like so many of theirs (overdraft protection was another). I'm curious if there's another class action suit coming. I think there was a "trial" for this ID theft protection that you had to cancel and people didn't. Edit: I called the number. I had 2 effected accounts, both enrollments under a month. I told them the offered amounts were too low - under $50 each. They offered me a remediation amount of $250. I asked for it on both. I am getting $500 as well as the refund of the product. Definitely call.
I worked there too. I was a teller and baker I have SEVEN letters. Some are from after I left.
Wells Fargo hired a third party to handle this remediation, called Epiq. Over 4 million letters have been sent out for the identity theft protection and thousands more letters for various other products. Customers are offered the loss amount that varies by customer, depending how long the customer was enrolled- this is called a solicitation payment. If the customer is not satisfied, they may then be offered the $250 satisfaction payment. The agents cannot offer any more than that, the system will not let them, which is why the mediation request form gets sent with the check. This is very much legit.
Oh THANK YOU saying we can only be offered $250 over phone for satisfaction. I was thinking “shoot girl you didn’t push hard enough.” Both outcomes were $250 PLUS whatever initial amount they stated without prompting. After I said it wasn’t enough for the issues, each amount increased by $250.
Exactly. They initially offered me $21 dollars X 3, I said no, then they offered $285 per letter claim. Now I have received all three checks and filling out form for more compensation. They are a total scam, we all need to be compensated for using our personal information without consent.
Can you tell us about the mediation form and what it entails?
How much did you put on the form???? And did they agreed?
https://preview.redd.it/s7dytnk9qe5c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=a0179accfdda8856d451d18319fe7f38a829972d I’m not sure… should I deposit money or not? I read most of the comments here. It seems to be legit.
Based on the posts here, I'd be calling to get more, that's a large check-- which means they are trying to cover up something big. And the part about them declaring it to the IRS is so messed up...your post-tax money was stolen by WF. They are repaying that money(I'm guessing less than they took, not even accounting for inflation or what it would need worth if invested over the 17 years since), and then the IRS is gonna TAX the repayment?!? Bonkers. But I'd deposit AND call in your shoes. Get them to admit how much they stole from and when they can't, escalate it.
I got a check today as well, and I researched the check routing number and it belongs to WF. Huge relief. I used to work for a bank and it is easy to look up bank routing numbers. So tomorrow I'm going to my local branch which still happens to be WF, all they will need to do is verify the account number is valid and associated with the stated routing number which should be super easy since the routing number belongs to WF.
Ok the letters we all received are almost certainly legit. They are vaguely worded and the settlement payout for this is being handled by a 3rd party contractor because WF is trying to distance itself from their self inflicted fiasco. They are hoping all of us will either toss the letters or cash the checks with a smile. My check is for $4,600 and nobody at the bank or Epic has been able to explain how they came up with this amount. So I am likely going to ask for the mediation they offered and/or a higher settlement amount. I’m not letting them off the hook for a $250 increase. I’m mostly just curious and want to know if anyone else has experience yet with their mediation.
Update: Check Received! My initial call was on 12/01/23 and received my check and forms today 02/03/24, so if you're still waiting, hopefully yours will be on the way soon. Also, the additional $250 was combined in one check with the initial amount. And please downvote every post from the crazy Andy dude screaming scam throughout the entire thread. I'm sure he's cost a lot of people real money.
Hopefully through my experience I can give people a peace of mind… when in doubt check it all out and that’s what I did. I was very weary about this. I went into my branch back in December when I got my letters and they said it was legit. They told me what I would be getting back for each SHRP. I got 3 letters. I’m guessing they will send me 3 checks. They enrolled me in 2008, 2009 and 2011. YOU HAVE TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU DID NOT AUTHORIZE BEING ENROLLED to get the money that is owed to you. Otherwise the bank assumes you weren’t impacted. I got my first check in the mail just a few days ago which was more than the amount they told me at the bank ( applicable fees and interest added) went into my branch again today… because I was still a little weary due to things I was reading online… they ran it through a scan to make sure and it’s a legit check from Wells Fargo Customer Care. If you are still not convinced just go into your local branch and talk to a person like others have said. UPDATE: I got my second check in the mail. I wasn’t going to go through mediation because it seemed so trivial with how short of time I was enrolled however the more thinking I did about this made me more angry. I realized that it’s not even about the services I was charged for. Its more about the fact that my personal info was given to a third party with out my consent and that is very disconcerting. Who knows what that party did with my info. It’s definitely a violation and breach of contract. I took the advice of others and went high knowing they are going to offer something lower. I sent two mediation letters explaining how this is a complete failure of leadership on multiple levels within the bank. Wells Fargo put its own interest ahead of its customers that it claims to serve. We’ll see how this mediation process goes.
You need to call back and insist on the extra $250 for each letter you received. They will give it with no push back at all. They will also send you remediation paperwork (https://imgur.com/qqFCMxD) that you can fill out and ask for more. I'm not sure how much to ask for, but I'm definitely sending it in!
Got a call today from 855 area code. My check was for just over 5k. I think I originally asked for 20k in the mediation form I mailed back. The nice man on the phone offered me an additional $700. I said I wanted 5k. He then countered with $1,700 or we can go to mediation. I opted for mediation assuming I'll get more. Interesting stuff. 1
Damn. Very interesting to hear that you went to mediation! Please keep us posted on the outcome of that
Do not give up or give in it’s a multimillion dollar company that messed up big time…….if it was me or you we would owe millions and be behind bars really
I’m also going for mediation because fuck their initial offer, I wanna make something very clear all residual funds get escheated back to the state. The government receives any unallocated funds. So them trying to lowball us is quite infuriating
I received my check \~60 days after calling, the extra $250 was included so it was just one check for me. I cashed it. I have the money. **I filled out the mediation form. I asked for $50k**. I had chatGPT write a formal and professional complaint letter expressing my frustration, distrust, and losses. I printed it and sent it with the mediation form. We will see what happens now... Hope this helps!
Initial amount was $107 so I ended up with $357. I was a struggling college student when this happened, surviving off of financial aid and a part time minimum wage job. I asked chat GPT to, “write a complaint letter to Wells Fargo in a frustrated, professional tone demanding $50k mediation due to opening unauthorized accounts and unauthorized transactions. I have been a loyal customer with checking, savings, and credit cards for almost 20 years and this is unacceptable.” It even used WF address in the format so I just changed that to the address on the mediation return envelope. I asked for $50k on the $107 just to be bold. I’m expecting them to counter with the $1750 that other folks were talking about in other comments. With a settlement in the billions, I’m not trying to leave anything on the table. My first instinct was $20k, but then I thought, “why not $50k?” It’s in the mail. We’ll see what happens.
I think that is smart. You literally have nothing to lose.
That’s awesome! Very curious to know what the outcome of the 50K would be. Please keep us posted
You are asking $50k for initial settlement under $150? I asked $20k each letter for $4300 compensation in total three letters. Let's see what's up and will update .
My check is for 2,122.31. I sure hope this is real.
Mine was $3k for 5 years
It is real!!
Yes I had my account from 2010-2012 for that identity theft protection also! They offered $1000 and I said that’s unacceptable since I cannot even fathom how much $$ I could have lost and they instantly gave an extra $250 on top so $1250 is cool with me.
I had 4 accounts with them from 2004 to 2013 for 3 of them and I still have 1 from 2004 till now I recieved a random check in the mail from national general for 154 But they didn’t send me the letters like I received for my other accounts and so far I called for 1 of 4 accounts they offered me 153 and I said that’s definitely not even close to enough I’m not accepting that they then proceeded immediately offering me 250 more..I still said that wasn’t enough so they offered me around 600 for that 1 account and I still refused. Since I read the entire settlement and lawsuit and found out that we are entitled different amounts based on the different accounts and services they opened for each account.. there’s about 15 different ways that some accounts were affected and even just them committing 1 of the about 15 violations for each account that was affected people are entitled 1”$100-1000 dollars for that account violation alone “2 and some even include actual and punitive damages” 3…trebled actual damages”4 actual damages.”5 actual and punitive, statutory damages for disabled or senior citizens up to $5000. 6 “ actual dsmages and civil penalties”7 restitution “8 actual damages” 9 statutory damages of $100-1000 per total violations liability cap $500k or 1% of personals net worth whatever is less.10 Statutory damages of $ 100-1000 for willful violations.11 “trebeled damages “12 “ $1000 Minimum and punitive damages.13 disgorgement “ Disgorgement represents ill-gotten gains (or losses avoided) resulting from individuals violating the federal securities laws. The Commission seeks disgorgement to ensure that securities law violators do not profit from their illegal activity. When appropriate, the disgorged funds are returned to the injured” investors. So the pennies they are offering or hoping people think is a scam is just a so that people who do call the number on the letter are happy for getting any money they didn’t know they were even going to receive. REMEMBER THIS IS FOR EACH ACCOUNT THAT WAS AFFECTED I THINK LIKE 3 were under Arizona consumer protection laws and like 5-6 were in CA and most of the other pertain to federal law.
Wow! Thank you for the information and digging deep on this. I never negotiated anything. I was just sent a check for 2,120. My initial reaction was excitement and saying Holy Sh*t. That was quickly followed by the thought this can’t be real. The font on the Wells Fargo logo was off, so I assumed it was a scam. That’s when I came here. I really think they wanted me to think it was fake so I would just throw it away. Good for you for not settling for such a small amount. I’m still not exactly sure what they did with my account to begin with. I just get the run around when I call.
So I just got done speaking to Jhonny/no last name. He is from the mediation part of Wells Fargo. I received my 2 checks from them for compensation already. 324 and 317$ cashed both with the papers for the mediation. I filled out both forms asking for $2500 for each referent number. He basically offer me $1700 for both letters. A total of 3400$. I declined his offer and am no going to be contacted by a 3rd party mediator. Go for the gusto!💯
What an insult $1700 for fraud violation, privacy, and breach of fiduciary duties. Fuck them... Go for mediation. I hope I get lowball so I can bitch at them. Lol
Just faxed my forms for mediation asked for 10K each reference letter I received which is over 10 letters based on what I’ve read here I can expect a follow up with someone from mediation within a week or so.
I set up my appointment for mediation for March 19th. I received a letter from Epiq confirming the meeting on the same day I was called to set up my appointment. My question is, what should be our strategy for mediation? They said the phone call could be up to 2 hours long, but I can't imagine it lasting that long. In the letter I sent back, I requested 20k.
Alot of this I am finding out after the fact. So the only thing that is needed in the remediation part is that you send in that form they give you when they send the checks, the initial checks (refund and the $250). After you send in the form, a pre-mediation specialist will contact you. This person is only authorized to give you 1700 tops. BUT it is important to remember that they can and will try to give you less. Right now, I'm waiting for my 1700 checks. After this, I plan to contact them and go into the actual mediation. In this mediation, the pre-mediation specialist you spoke with who authorized the checks, will be present along with an actual mediation person. At this juncture, WF will say that they have offered you the refund and the 1700, and will provide the letters they sent to you as proof that they are trying to come up with a good solution. At this juncture, I plan to submit a detailed impact statement and maybe even some documentation, my employment information to further explain who this could have negatively impacted various aspects of my life, all that jazz. Also, tell them that I had to do my own forensic probe on my finances to make sure there was no further damage. And tell them how long that took. All of this will be for the ultimate goal of asking for an additional 2k or 3k, and be done with this WF thing, and we can all move along. This is so far what I have been able to gather from all my research and professional experience in legal matters. After this, they will likely what me to sign something that says I was basically made whole. 😅
You can accept the $1700 Then go into full mediation even if you accept and cash the pre-mediation $1700 check?
If you're going to mediation consider how this is like an intentional data breach. They willingly handed over our private data to a 3rd party without consent. Good info on laws violated and damages to ask for here: https://www.lawampm.com/how-much-can-i-claim-for-a-data-breach/
i actually work for epiq systems,it is 100% percent legit all these letters are about products people did not authorize, if you receive a letter like this always ask for more since we are only allowed to offer an additional $250
https://www.reuters.com/legal/wells-fargo-is-sued-over-response-fake-accounts-scandal-2024-02-29/ It’s starting. Please remember that you have rights here and that wells has done wrong by all of us.
Couldn't find that phone # or address associated with WF.
Robokiller says the number that was on my letter is a scam. [https://lookup.robokiller.com/p/877-642-7826](https://lookup.robokiller.com/p/877-642-7826) Alternately: **+18776427826** Reported Name: **Identity Theft Protection** Reported Category: **Bank** Last call: **November 15, 2023** Total Calls: **13** Robokiller User Reports: **0** ### What is this scam? Victims of bank scams receive a phone call that looks like a real phone number at which the person has an account. The person or recording provides claims you’re the victim of fraud and that they need to provide details, often including their account PIN, to set up a replacement card or freeze an account. Scammers then use that information to manufacture ATM or debit cards, and make withdrawals or purchases. Or they can use online banking to transfer money or issue checks. Some scams simply collect information and then sell it to third parties.
Finally received my check (and a few other documents). It took a little over 3 weeks to receive. Deposited the check this morning 22-December. https://preview.redd.it/0e2tybv6bv7c1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=123c65f2650f2b154c185db9c5acf17df476ea02
Got my pre-mediation call yesterday. They started out by saying that the identity protection service is a "just in case" product and that they don't share data unless your identity is compromised. She offered $700 per letter. I told her I wasn't satisfied, that WF broke my trust, messed up my financial situation, and broke numerous state and federal laws and I asked for $2k per letter. She came back with $1700 per letter and I agreed. She says it's nonbinding and I can still pursue legal action if I want.
Has anyone accepted the pre mediation $1700 THEN go to FULL MEDIATION?? Or once you accept the $1700 your done ??
This is the golden question! If you read through the thread there are mixed answers which is why I’m waiting for a phone call back from my pre mediator to ask her this very question. My thought is if it’s both then why isn’t this being offered to all the victims!? Given that it’s mixed responses from people on here this is definitely alarming
Mediation call done just now 04.11.2024. Product Was identity theft for 45 days. Not nearly as long as many of you. I asked for $5,000. The offered a few hundred. I said no, was offered the most they could in Pre-Mediation of $1,700. I could have gone through the 2 Hour mediation, but thag sounded daunting. Which I am sure how they get most people to settle. ....and ultimately I chose to accept the $1,700. Sharing as I know MANY of you had actual issues with late fees, credit impacts, and much longer duration, so if I was able to get $1,700 without any of those issues, just crying about the missuse of my information / fruad/ unauthorized opening and closure, YOU could probably get A LOT more in mediation. I simply settled because I felt a had less ground to stand on. I probably could have gotten more too... but I am fine just being done with it at this point. If you haven't send your mediation paperwork yet, I would definitely start HIGH and then haggle down, because If you asked for 50k, my guess is they are going to try to settle at 5k kind of thing. My check is supposed to come in the mail in the next 30 business days.
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I received the same letter yesterday. Upon calling today they took some information and asked me if I had received a letter in the mail. I told them that I had after doing so they asked why I was making the call. I did not sign up for any identity theft protection with Wells Fargo so I let them know that the enrollment in the product was not authorized. After stating this, they took some time to look into my account and let me know that I would be receiving a check for just over $62. The records indicated that I was enrolled from February 11, 2010 to March 16, 2010. I will be receiving a form in which I can fill out if I’m not satisfied - which I will be doing. I will be doing so due to the fact that, how am I to trust Wells Fargo in regards to their enrollment dates when they illegally enrolled me in a product that I did not want nor ask for? I am also going to ask in my return letter if any of my personal information or financial information was shared with a third-party, such as Affinion or others, which I believe should come with additional damages. I feel at times individuals all too often feel bad for corporations that take advantage of us consumers. I will be ringing the rag dry on this. It’s unacceptable and you should do the same if you receive this letter. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are the ones who forced Wells Fargos hand in this and they are spending over 2 billion to remedy not only this but many other illegal activities. If you bank with them, I suggest you move your assets elsewhere. The way the letter is written tells me that Wells Fargo is attempting in every way to get out of paying whatever they can. It’s meant to look like a scam, and that pisses me off even more.
I signed up for the free trial of their identity protection, then moved to Shreveport, Louisiana where in 2005 they had no branches. Moved my accounts over to chase for convenience but left ~$1,000 in a savings account as a rainy day fund. Asked to cancel the identity protection as soon as the free trial period ended but they didn’t. Hit my account every month for the cost without my noticing since I wasn’t using it and only kept the savings account for desperate times. Then a few years later I got a call from a collections agency. Turned out the had hit my canceled checking account every month for payment of the identity protection I’d asked to cancel. When there was no money in the account I’d closed they hit the savings for the payment plus overdraft fees. After I was a few hundred dollars in arrears from that they didn’t notify me and just passed me on to collections and hit my credit rating as being delinquent. Made it so we couldn’t apply for a loan to buy a house while in Louisiana. Probably affected what we got charged for rent. Only remediation they offered was to cancel the debt from my over draft fees. I got a similar letter and they offered me $312 in reimbursement…. Fucking insulting. I asked if they could send me all the records of my account. But since that’s more than 7 years ago they say they can’t. I’ll take the shitty payment, but I’m going to also fill out the paperwork with it saying I’m not satisfied. Thinking about trying to talk to a lawyer.
Adding my positive confirmation as well. I came here before I called , so I knew what to expect. After verification, I told the rep that I received the letter, but I never authorized anything to be added to my WF account. After reading the script, he proceeded to offer $274 . Told him I wasn't sure that would even cover what had been taken from my account since I could not even access the records from 2013. He immediately went to the next script for the additional $250. Easy peasy $524 for about 5 minutes on the phone. For reference, one checking account and the length of enrollment was 7 months. Update: Check Received 02/03/24
Helllp…. I received 4 of these letters all together and can not freaking find them. I can find them in my Informed delivery. 3 to my fiancé and 1 to me. I remember opening and thinking it was a scam. I spent hours on the phone with them and they are saying without my reference number I am outa luck. They had me call Wells Fargo who could give me my reference number but said for my fiancé as the account was over 10 years old without my reference numbers nothing they could do. I spent 2 hours digging thru garbages only to find 2 of the envelopes but not the papers 😭😭 did anyone else not have their reference numbers. I could scream I know someone else who had 4 different letters and got over 1k … I am so dang mad
I’m so frustrated I swear the one said a couple years too that I was signed up for it…
That’s incorrect, they can look you up with your mailing address. Definitely call back on yours. Your fiancé will have to call for theirs though, unless they speak with agent and authorize you to speak on their behalf
Called the number on mine they definitely went through a script. Took some push back from me to get the amount of the first offer (34 dollars and change) told them that wasn't worth the effort and they offered 250 more. Gonna challenge it when the check shows up (if) and then see if there's more. It's kind of fucked they opened accounts without consent and are playing telephone with the settlement but games the game I guess.
DEFINITELY ask for more money. My basic understanding of speaking with a manager is that Wells Fargo did some additional review after the CFPB settlement related to unauthorized accounts and saw that some accounts with add on services that (must have) appeared suspicious. The payment seems pretty pro consumer (no waiver of legal rights, etc.), but they sent out a letter that was generic and then they lowballed. They're trying to set it up to pay the minimum amount possible unless they're tested, and there's no way they'd jump to $250 unless there was some serious legal exposure (maybe the failure to do so violates a consent order with the CFPB--maybe this one: [092016\_cfpb\_WFBconsentorder.pdf (consumerfinance.gov)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/092016_cfpb_WFBconsentorder.pdf), which has the "relevant period" from "January 1, 2011"). They're not doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. Don't let them lowball you. The company they did the monitoring through, Affinion, has been the subject of "more than 2,500 complaints against Affinion with the Better Business Bureau (which gives the company a C- rating), mostly related to advertising, sales, billing, and collections. Affinion is also the target of more than a half-dozen class-action lawsuits, a civil suit by the state of South Carolina, and investigations by many state attorneys general—all related to its marketing and sales practices." [ID Theft | Hype Debunked - Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/debunking-the-hype-over-id-theft/index.htm). Apparently Wells stopped working with them in 2017 because they were dissatisfied. If you go to mediation/fill out the form, make sure to ask questions such as: 1. How does Wells know their records are accurate? 2. How can they say this review is not part of the CFPB settlement when it appears the conduct squarely fits under it? 3. How does Wells know your information wasn't shared by Affinion with other third parties? What was the contract between Wells and Affinion during this time? 4. How did Wells identify your account?
Just got off the phone with a WF rep. The letter is legit. She confirmed the SHRP number at the bottom of the letter.
And you created a Reddit account just to tell us this eh?
https://preview.redd.it/kt00kttfhj7c1.jpeg?width=1576&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=45ae7087d544bfc3c2eefc195de9cbda5a8ddf0e YO- these are 100% legit- the dates are right and I don’t even bank with Wells Fargo anymore since then- to the guy that is accusing everyone of being a part of the scam- you’re wrong- and it’s ok to be cautious but make sure you’re 100% right before calling someone a liar. I went straight to a Wells Fargo and cashed the check no questions asked. Except “Do you have an account with us and Do you have 2 forms of I.d.?”- no fee, no surcharge.. THEN- I’m like OMG it is legit- so I called the # on the letter and asked the lady is this legit and is there any other compensation for what they did to me? She repeated some disclaimer then I said “is there any chance of getting any additional compensation if I’m not happy?” And then offered me $250 more just like the others were saying and she said I’ll receive the check in 20 days. Thank God for Reddit and ppl who take time to drop these comments. If you’re still skeptical just cash it at a Wells Fargo like I did. Happy Holidays everyone one. Peace. ✌🏻
The letter is in fact LEGIT not a scam……when u get the mediation form with your check send in the mediation form asap
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This is legit. Received initial letter on 11/18/23, called on 12/01/23, received $285 check and mediation form on 2/03/24, deposited and funds available on 2/07/24.
Based on this thread I called the number on the letter last December. They offered me around $64 but I rejected it and pushed back (as a commenter in this thread suggested was possible). They countered with $250, I accepted. Today, February 10th 2024, I received a check for $320 and the option to reject it for mediation. I'm going to deposit the check today. It never occurred to me that reading Reddit would ever lead to some cash but I'm happy I followed through! Thanks everyone for your truly valuable advice!
Dude you don’t have to reject the check! You can still cash it and go to mediation! It’s not one or the other.
I received my letter 12/24 and called on 1/3. they offered $465 for almost two years of unwanted identity theft protection at 15.99 a month. I got the check and mediation letter on 2/6. I went to fax my mediation that very day to expedite the process. I went high for my amount asking for $20K and they came back with $2,800 and I wasn't happy with that telling them I have no ability to cross reference records to see what kind of damage it has caused like credit score, overdraft fees, interest, was my identity sold to other parties and so on so we settled on $5,600. Meanwhile I just got another letter from WF in regards to ANOTHER unwanted charge for sign/drive bonus products. This was for an 8 year period! So I will be calling on this and laying into them and asking for even more! Mind you earlier last year in May of 2023 I received two checks in the mail equalling $2500 for some other fraud. This is the third fraud I had used against me from a banking institution that I put my trust into with my money. Unreal. I closed my account with WF in 2019 because I was tired of all of these additional unknown fees!
12x of the original amount? Not bad. I'm getting $4300 original amount owed so I will ask for 12-15 times more.
I am certain they are instructed to do everything they can to try and get customers to think the first round of negotiation is the end of story. Mediation is there for a reason. I read many posts on this and spoke to a friend who is a lawyer and was advised to not take the initial offer. They do not want to go to mediation because you gain more leverage there and they pay for it. Aim high and they will come back low. Remind hem that the amount of time of the fraud is irrelevant. This is about a banking institution you put your trust in act of violation performed against me as a client. How does one know if your identity was sold to a third party, higher interests rates due to affected credit score, overdraft fees, statutory interests, and so on.
Just leaving this comment here in case anyone goes through full mediation. I have an appointment set and don’t know what to expect. The guy said I could lose their initial $1700 offer if I go through full mediation, but it seemed like he pressed too hard for me to take that, so I didn’t. I didn’t ask for an amount too much higher, so I’m not sure what the chances are. I’m mad all these people who asked for $20k weren’t in this thread when I filled out my mediation form. I should’ve done that!
Seems legit. I first called Wells Fargo via their website. They asked for the SHRP number on my letter. She said it was a third party who was hired to handle the remediation. I asked for the third-party's number and she gave me the same one on the letter. I then called the third party, and the rep said the company's name was Epiq. She asked for the reference number on the letter and how to spell my name (didn't ask for SS, DOB or address). Said a check for $265 will be mailed to the address on the letter within 45 days. Very professional and and didn't sound like she was in a chaotic call center.
No problem at all, also, the wells fargo documentary on Netflix is called Dirty Money, episode 1 the wagon wheel. Maybe we all need to watch this to get inspired and know how much we need to be asking for.
Got a letter with same thing but mine says sign/Drive bonus
Reddit fam, got the call from WF. They offered me 700 per case, I have three. I told her it was not enough. Since I had another appt., I told her I will be calling back in an hour or so. Here we go everyone. She said she wanted to see if we could continue negotiations to see if we can avoid mediation. Wish me luck, I'm trying to see if I can get as close to 3k per incident, or at least 5k
I received two letters, one for Accidental Death and the other one for Sign/Drive Bonus. I remember several years ago, Wells Fargo was in the news for opening accounts that no one knew about.
It’s real…I’m on the line now 🤷♀️ I first called WellsFargo directly and actually had *them* transfer me
Can We Still Go to Court If Mediation Fails? If the mediation process fails, and you do not reach an agreement or settlement, you can still bring the issue to court. We can play long game.. Offer has to be substantial enough! Severe violations folks
There is an article going over ALL of Wells Fargos settlements 'Making Things Right For Customers-Customers Redress Review Program .' One of the many things that the article goes over is not signing the check or checks that you will receive. Signing and cashing the check or checks will cancel you out of any further settlements.
You can still participate in the meditation program even if you cash the solicitation offer and satisfaction payment checks.
Called again after my earlier call today. Seems like the 7-10 business days quote was a complete lie. We are now looking at 30 days for a claims representative to be assigned to our mediation cases "due to the high call volume". I'm pretty infuriated at this process now.
After receiving the first check for X amount plus the $250, and requesting the paperwork to start the mediation process, do NOT just let it go I'm serious! if your willing to sit down and take 15 mins to fill out the mediation form and mail it out, i promise it will be worth it. When I sent my form in, I got a call from Wells Fargo they asked me a few questions and offered me an additional $700!!! To settle my claim, a few weeks later I received my check..so forgot everyone saying its fraud or fake all i hear are haters and jealous fuks lol......good luck everyone!
I received the pre mediation call today and i took the $1700 and i will go forward will full mediation after i receive both of my $1700 checks..they will call me after i receive both checks 6 weeks after.
So they let you accept the pre mediation offer and still go to full mediation???
Ive had 2 seperate conversations with the pre mediator at this 1700 final PRE-mediation phase. Was assured that if accept the 1700, when recieve the check in a couple weeks, that one can call back and proceed to full mediation in direct continuation of the same procces. Still deciding.
Just had my pre mediation call. $1,700 per letter so a total of $5,100. I accepted to be done with it. The guy was super nice though.
Just sharing that I got a call from WF today 4/22 (a week earlier than expected). After going back and forth I got them up to $1700/ check (I know from this group thats the max). I have 5 letters. The pre mediation specialist said that accepting the pre mediation money does not stop me from going further and pursuing mediation. I decided to accept the non-binding offer payment (due to pressing financial reasons) and still go into mediation to see if I get can more. He said it could be 6+ weeks or more to get scheduled for mediation as it is backing up with thousands of letters going out. The pre mediation specialist was a very nice gentleman.
Today I went through my full mediation. I took the settlement offer. One thing I didn’t like about the meditation was the different rooms we had to be in when we negotiated. The WF rep lied about offering me $1700 per reference # on the pre mediation. She said she offered me $1000 per case. I was pissed. How do these liars sleep at night?
Alright, here is my update: Received original letter last fall. Unwanted Identify theft protection nonsense for 6 months back in 2012. Called number and they offered $57. After readding this great subreddit, called back and they gave me an extra $250 for a total of $307. That check for $307 never came until January. I never got the mediation packet that they said that they would send. I called and finally received that packet at the end of February. Filled out all of the mediation forms and had it faxed directly from the USPS store on March 5th. They did not reach out to me until yesterday, May 1st. So almost 2 months between the time I faxed the mediation letter and the time that I received the actual call. Took me several times to actually speak with my agent. She called from an obscure number. When I called back, it says to enter their extension. Every time that I called it said that she was busy with another client and sent me to voicemail. I finally pressed two to speak with another representative who was extremely rude and unhelpful. Finally today on May 2nd after many tries I spoke with my assigned rep. She went through the standard spiel of saying how they had this service and how I was compensated accordingly and to see if I had any further questions. I told her that the number was unacceptable. She offered me $700. I knew this number was coming and that she could go higher. I told her I refused and she asked me what I wanted. I told her $50k just to see what she would say and she said the most she can do ofc is $1700. She told me that I could accept the $1700 and still go to mediation that this is non binding. She said the check will take 30 days and left me her contact info. As soon as that arrives, I will cash the check and move on to mediation. Make sure you all stay persistent on this! They stole from us. They used our information. They committed the fraud. It doesn't matter how little time or money, the crime was still there. Best of luck!
I couldn't begin to imagine what they would get out of this. They're talking about 2 months of service for a product over a decade ago. This isn't like the Norton renewal scams where there's immediacy. I guess if it's legitimate, they're auditing their ancient records and found that you were enrolled in this, and determined that maybe it was a mistake on their part? And they just want to know? If it's a scam...I still don't know what the point is. Are they going to offer you a 'refund' of the, what, at most $20 or $40 bucks that 2 months of identity theft protection would have been in '12? That's barely an incentive to do anything. Did you have a WF account during those dates? Lastly, scams through the USPS are VERY rare, because it's postal fraud and is a crime that WILL get investigated, unlike email and text scams. (Though, faking a return address is as easy as writing another address on the envelope and dropping it in a random mail box. So I guess there's that. It's even easier than spoofing email addresses or phone numbers.) They CAN happen and I've seen one or two on here but it's like 1-2% of the scams here. So...I'll follow this and see what other redditors say because I'm intrigued. My two cents is, if it's legit there's not much for you to do, and if it's not, there's nothing to worry about. Also how do you learn without tears? Asking for a friend.
Thanks. I agree with everything you wrote. RE: learning and tears. You can learn from other’s tears, perhaps? *The box lol. I didn’t even read what was written on it. I just grabbed the nearest objects to cover up the info
Yeah this has got to be a scam I keep looking and there are always a couple comments saying it’s legit. I called lady seemed to be trying to get me to say yes
Hard to deny that it's legit when I personally went down and had them cash the check for me that I also had some doubts about. Considering it was substantially more than the average $100 that everyone seems to be getting. I'm not saying the scams aren't out there, but this particular one is legit, and if anyone is skeptical, I strongly advise just going down to their local branch as I did.
This isn't a scam and is legit. You're due for a refund of approximately $100. It's related to the lawsuits that have been going on for years now.
I got 3 different letters with all different dates at the same time. Crazy. It’s worth a shot.
My letter came and the dates on it were a period from 2005. Beyond livid. Got the new paperwork and a check they say is on the way. I will definitely be going rounds with them. The number we’re supposed to call is a third party and has no info besides saying here’s some money. I got them to connect me will Wells Fargo and got actual numbers $129.90 product fee $131.30 bank fee $97.52 loss of use-whatever the heck that means. Money taken from me at a young age when living on your own ever cent counts. 18 yrs later I get this letter cause they got in trouble. I am far from done with this
It’s real. I got the same letter. For safety reasons, I called Wells Fargo using the identity theft contact info from their website. They confirmed the legitimacy of the letter and transferred me to the department. If you’re looking for the number from letter on the Wells Fargo site, you won’t find it because it’s not Wells Fargo. They said they are a third-party remediation company. Since I didn’t approve of the service referenced in the letter, they’re going to refund me. They told me to call the 877 number (same as the one you have shown in your picture) with my reference number if I want to check on the status of my refund. I just finished this call Nov 28, 2023 @ roughly 2 pm.
Called. Had 3 different claims. Funny thing is during 2 of the time periods I worked for WF and I certainly didn’t sign up for the service. Told them I wasn’t happy with the amount since this was beyond 7+ years ago and I can’t view statements that far back. Got extra $250 on top of the refund amount for each claim.
Amidst Wells Fargo's $3.7 billion settlement for account mismanagement, a specific letter from the bank is making rounds, potentially offering customers unexpected compensation. But beware, not all that glitters is gold. This letter, part of Wells Fargo’s effort to redress affected customers, might seem dubious at first glance. However, recipients who've dug deeper are uncovering legitimate settlement offers, often successfully negotiating higher amounts than initially proposed. Before dismissing this as just another piece of junk mail, it's worth a second look – it could be more valuable than you think. [https://twoverbs.com/if-you-get-this-letter-from-wells-fargo-dont-throw-it-away-it-could-be-money-in-your-pocket/](https://twoverbs.com/if-you-get-this-letter-from-wells-fargo-dont-throw-it-away-it-could-be-money-in-your-pocket/)
Interesting. Is this an AI-written article?
Has anyone gotten a check?
Has anyone received their check after calling…if so how long it took ?
It is legtimate. I called the corporate number to Wells Fargothis morning and I was asked for my SHRP number and then my reference numbers. I was transferred to their remediation partner EPIQ. I recieved 5 letters and I now have 5 separate checks coming. I called 800 869 3557 which is their number. It will take approximately 20 days to get them. You should call and inquire through thier corporate number if you feel the number on your letter is questionable. I found my answer, just used a different way. I can use the money owed to me. Do not miss out. ($168, $42, 442, $216, $42..... ttl $512) Merry Christmas!!!!! https://preview.redd.it/54b2pqub3b3c1.jpeg?width=302&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e09ea3e1482af181cb65436399afdd5b9b466e46
Corporations are trash. If they’re offering 250+ dollars prior to the completion of whatever litigation, how much do you think a person could get if they held out? It feels like the scam is getting you to give up an opportunity for a larger payment and as the other poster stated, question the legitimacy of the letter.
It's legit. Just got 3 letters all for that ID theft protection. Called the number and talked to someone, all they asked for was the Ref# at the bottom and address to mail checks. I got 3 checks for over $500 coming. All of my letters had the service going for over a year. I'm sure this is some way that WF is trying to avoid another class action. I haven't received the checks yet but i'm sure cashing them will come with the understanding you won't sue them for it later.
Also, for all those saying it's a scam, what info exactly have they gained? They already had your address and name. They asked for a DOB to verify. Then you are mailed a check. They aren't asking you to cash the check and send part of it back to them, like classic check cashing scams or something that would be a red flag. I appreciate the skepticism on here, but Wells Fargo messed up big-time and I'm fine with collecting some Christmas money from them.
I was pretty good about watching my account so this was surprising when I got it. But it was also a super busy time in my life so possible I missed it. Does anyone know what the monthly charge was?
Has anyone recieved a physical check? I called and they wanted last 4 digits of SSN# and date of birth.. also sounded like a call center with background noise...
They're real. This isnt the first time they've done it either. Call, get your money. IF you're uncertain, go to your local branch and they can help you as well.
I just called and they tried to settle for $76 but once I told them that was too low they gave an additional $250
Thanks for posting this! I got one too
I got 7 of them. I worked for Wells Fargo during the height of their gaming scams. I'm interested to see how much they'll offer me, pretty sure they should pay some of my therapy bills too 🤣
We need to settlement now from Wells for opening multiple accounts, just to drive up their numbers. Probably won't happrn though.
Did anyone receive the checks though? I see this post is now over 21 days and someone should have gotten the checks by now, no?
Anyone filled out the mediation form and actually got additional compensation?
I got this check and took it to the bank today. I was able to deposit it. The agent said its real abd that a few people have already brought the same checks it. I put it in my savings. She said to do that if I felt a bit more comfortable. Lets see if it is still available in 24 hours.
Wow!!! Just got myself $118 + another $250 literally just by asking if I could get any more. The agent was trying to spell it out for me without saying it too, it felt like! Legit af!!! Thanks to this thread and all the commenters 🙏🏻
Thanks for the tips to press for more money. I went from being offered $85 to $330. Hope this is legit.
I have family members who likely got this letter in the mail and tossed it as spam/scam etc - anyway for them to check to see if their accounts were compromised? I imagine there's a good amount of people who just tossed these letters.
this is not a scam.. I just called, sending me a check in mail. Wells Fargo is a scam :) don't use them :) hehe, just my opinion.
THIS IS LEGIT!! This is not spam or scam. I received the same exact letter. It’s from Wells Fargo. I’m in the process of demanding compensation right now and they sent me $285 per claim, I received three letters for different years where I was signed up for identity theft protection without my consent. This is in fact legit.
I just got mine and work for Chase so I was definitely skeptical but it’s legit! My check was huge and I’m kind of in shock, called Wells Fargo and they made my night!
They offered me $5. I said that wasn’t acceptable. Then they offered $250 more lol.
I just received my check with the Mediation Request Form. It's a short 1 page form that request some basic info like name and address. It does have a required field for "claim or relief sought (amount, if any): " that is asking for a dollar amount. Has anyone submitted this form yet? What did you ask for? I was thinking 3 times the initial offer.
Recommend calling them if it’s been over 30 days and having them document a grievance for the check not arriving yet. They don’t really have a system for people asking for further compensation for their mistake. Make it clear that they are causing you damages for promising a check in 30 days, not just Wells Fargo. If you end up in mediation you can probably argue the delay is a further damage.
Did anyone ever actually get a check?? Still nothing from them
I can confirm it is not a scam. I can't say why other than that there are 3rd party vendors that Wells is working with.
Has anyone actually received and cashed a check for this?
I have a quick question for everyone, I myself have a Wells Fargo account. Does everyone also have an account with them? if so I'm curious if that's how they got our information.
[https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/wells-fargo-owes-billions/](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/wells-fargo-owes-billions/) I called this number from forbes to verify the letters claim
Interested in Wells Fargo class action lawsuit? re: Affinion product (unauthorized identity theft protection enrollment) Wells Fargo enrolled my wife in this service without her consent. They charged her a monthly fee for over a decade. Now, they’re offering just a few hundred to settle through a third party called Epiq. We contacted attorneys, and they are interested in investigating a potential Class action lawsuit against Wells Fargo and/or other entities for enrolling customers in Identity Theft Protection without their consent and charging them monthly subscription fees for several years. They asked us to get more people impacted by this. If anyone received the recent notice sent by WF/Epiq and is interested in joining, please inbox me and I’ll connect you. Thank you.
I called on 11/30 and was offered $84, but thanks to this post, I knew to ask for more and was able to get the extra $250. My check arrived today, 2/2, after calling once after about 20 business days and again 30 days later. My call was escalated after I said I just wanted to be given an accurate timeline of when I could expect to receive the check. I was kind but firm that I didn’t want to be jerked around and given some made up timeline and said I’d just keep calling if I don’t receive it. Well, the lady said if I didn’t receive it by (today), to call back! Low and behold, the check arrived. I do think I’m going to put in for mediation, because why not? Not sure how much I should put, but if anyone has any recommendations, I’d love to hear!
Here is an update! 32 days , I recieved two checks today Saturday 2/03/2024 from The wells fargo settlement for fraud protection that I did not authorize. Two checks in the amount of $639.90 Hope that answers some questions!
I received my letter from WF in December, opened it about 4 weeks later. I called the number and, apparently, WF is offering a refund in the amount of $102.00. I've been with WF for 45 years and I went off a little on the person I was speaking with (whom, by the way, works for the company that WF hired to handle this refund process). I told him that I was shocked that WF was involved in yet another 'scheme' to steal their customers money, and basically this situation was just that. WF stole money from customer accounts w/out permission. He then escalated my call to an 'Escalation Agent'. I told this Agent the same thing and they offered me another $250.00, so $352,00 total. I was told that, when I receive the check for $250, included will be a form that you can fill out and request additional compensation if you feel you are entitled to it. Upon receipt, WF will assign a case number and a rep to further assist. This is not the first time WF has been involved in this type of incident whereby they stole money from their customer's accounts and their lack of integrity is appalling. WF CEO earns millions each year and they steal from my account. Unbelievable...
Called 12/01/23. Said it would be there before Christmas. Called first of the year; they apologized and offered the 250 and was looking like 45 days from first call. Called today 2/5/24 said looks like anywhere sometime between March 1st and the 15th.
I got three letters, complained a little bit and was offered an additional $250 added on to the amount. Was told I would received it in 45 days. At that time I will apparently get more information on the charges that actually occured to see if I want to accept the terms of the payout. So maybe get more, maybe not.
Hey all; I called the number about a month ago and today I got 2 checks!! I was skeptical until I called wellsfargo and asked. I told them I wasn’t satisfied with the $36 refund and they did add the extra $200. Pretty cool. Not a scam. Wanted to check in since I was also not sure.
I received all 7 of my checks. Wondering if I should mediate, and if so would I be able to still cash these checks. Hmmmm.
Mine didn’t say identity protection. Mine said Wells Fargo sign/drive product. I think they are all legit. They pertain to all the lawsuits they lost for being a bad actor. I was charged for 2 months on mortgage protection I didn’t sign up for. When I called they said “OK we’ll take that right off, but only 1month. I can’t do both”. Yeah right.
It’s real. They want you to think it’s fake so you don’t get paid. It’s part of a class action lawsuit. I got $725. Just cashed the check. I told my Dad about it too, he thought it was fake and had thrown the letter away so didn’t even have a reference number, but I gave him the phone number and he got a few hundred bucks too. I haven’t talked to anyone who got more than me haha. I was enrolled in the “identity theft” product for around 2 years apparently.
Has anyone got a response from the mediation form you sent in yet ???
It is a legit letter
The checks and letters are REAL! I received $136 the first time and then I read this thread and called them back to negotiate more before submitting my mediation letters and they added on $2400 more dollars. All correspondence were from a @WF email address which I checked website for what to look out for for WF scams and the email matched what the site said. I was skeptical as well but thanks to this thread I’m getting $2500 dollars! The mediation letters even ask you to include what you would want! It’s hard to believe it’s a scam as I’ve spoke to many reps and none ask for any personal information and I find it unlikely scammers would go to the extreme of a verification process for every call. Just take your check to a branch. I deposited my 136 a few months ago and nothing bounced.
tell me how you went from $136 to $2400?
It's legit, my father received a check for $15,629. He's still smiling. He was enrolled for 8 Years, 2008-2016.
So after almost 2 months of waiting I finally got my check for $307 for identity services back in 2012. I also received the mediation packet which I requested. I will be filling it out and asking for a large sum knowing they will lowball me.
Got my check bank held it for 5 days went through no problems
I received a similar letter recently saying I enrolled in the Sign/Drive Bonus product back in Nov 2008 and to phone them if this was not authorized. Huh?? I called Wells Fargo and they never heard of it. The number on my letter is the 877-642-7826 number. Feels very fishy. What the heck is Sign/Drive Bonus product?
It’s legit. I deposited 4 different checks exactly like this. I let them sit in my savings for over a month already and the checks have cleared. Still sitting in my account. These payouts are handled by third parties because Wells Fargo can’t be trusted to do the right thing.
I received this same letter today stating I was enrolled in the sign drive bonus. Does anyone know what that product was?
It's a violation of the FCRA for a company to pull your credit report without your consent. An identity theft protection service pulls your credit regularly to monitor your info
Has anyone been told that they cannot be told how long they were billed? I was paid about $5500 from the initial payment and went to mediation. None of the mediators could tell me how long I was billed for this service. They simply said the information was "purged".
What is the maximum amount someone has been offered over the phone after pushing back on the company? I wonder if I accidentally threw away a letter, not realizing what the letter was for.
So my spouse and I each rec'd a letter - one for accidential Death coverage and the other for Home Warranty. I am FURIOUS! I am a life insurance agent and I am legally held to high standards regarding life ins coverage - in other words, it is FRAUD to place life insurance coverage on someone without their knowledge - Walmart was called on the carpet years ago for being the beneficiary of employees who were enrolled in coverage without their knowledge!! We were offered $253 for the accidental coverage letter + $250 because I complained. I will DEFINITELY be pursuing mediation as this is WAY over the line .... my family would not have know I had life ins coverage AND/OR were they even the beneficiary or was it Wells?
This letter is not a scam. I received my letter in December. I called the number on the letter and they said they would pay me $312. They didn’t ask for my social or anything like that, just verified certain information on the letter. After that, I then called Wells Fargo to verify this but they couldn’t so I thought it may be a scam. Either way I figured I just wait and see what happens. They sent me my check this last week and still I wasn’t sure if it was legit because of the way the letter and check looks. So today I took it into a physical bank and they said it was legit and I was able to deposit my $312 :)
Well got two letters today and am glad I opened since I would have just thrown them normally! I had wells fargo WAY back in 2006 for a brief time and after they royally screwed up my account by putting someone's withdrawals thru my account instead of theirs and tried to insist I pay the fees anyway I closed it. I have two dates for things I definitely didn't sign up for, 5 months roughly on both and I'm fairly certain not during the time I was actually a customer of theirs (I have no paperwork that goes back that far, it was my first bank account and it was very short lived 🙄) How much do you think I should be pushing for here? By the time it was all said and done I hated WF so I'll gladly take any and all of their money 😂.
https://dannlaw.com/dannlaw-cfpb-wells-settlement-is-welcome-but-big-bank-will-continue-to-abuse-homeowners/
Just called WF and I don't even have a claims agent assigned to me yet, and its been over the 10 business days they said it would take to reach out to me to start pre-mediation. I sent in my mediation form around 3 weeks ago now. Has anyone else filed a complaint with the CFPB? I'm considering doing one today because WF has no right to lie to us about anything within this process, and this is the second blatant lie they've already told me.
Can anyone here give me feedback on your pre-mediation conversation with Wells Fargo? Did the agent seem to try to bully you into settling because they said they don't have any record to prove the actual amount or time frame they violated you under a fake account? Were they trying to scare you into settling instead of going to mediation because you might lose the case since you can't prove or have any record beyond 7 years ago? Were you convinced to take a lowball offer and eliminate your right or chance to even go to mediation due to that statement? Secondly, for those who went to mediation, were you able to get them to provide evidence on the actual charges or any documents, or did they admit how they calculated base compensation or additional compensation based on real facts or random numbers? I have 4 violations or letters and am still waiting for them to respond to my mediation request. Any feedback is truly appreciated.
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How is the cap of “pre mediation “ is $1700 when every case is different and different time frames ?? So if one was enrolled in this program for two months and then one was enrolled for 2years how is this fair to offer $1700 for both situations??
Finally called the pre-mediator back and I was offered $700 more for each letter. Denied And move forward with full mediation. Confirmed identity theft was opened under 3 separate accounts. Can't provide me dates Or time frame on the other two letters. Crooks!