In 2025, Wells Fargo and several other companies agreed to a significant class action settlement, agreeing to pay $19.5 million. The settlement applies to individuals and businesses located in California who received calls from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023. The lawsuit alleges that recipients’ consent was not obtained when these calls were recorded, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
This settlement extends beyond financial compensation; it also symbolizes the protection of digital and telephonic privacy rights. It sends a clear message to companies that recording calls without customer consent is illegal.
Lawsuit Background and Allegations
The plaintiff alleges that The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank N.A. and Priority Technology Holdings Inc., and The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc., which sells credit card processing equipment and services to California businesses, failed to inform them that the calls were being recorded. This impacted the personal and business privacy of the affected businesses and individuals.
This case is particularly significant because it demonstrates the serious legal and financial challenges unauthorized recording by companies can pose. In such cases, class action lawsuits are often a means of achieving justice for those affected on a large scale.
Settlement Amount and Payment Process
Under the settlement, class members may receive a cash payment for each eligible call. The estimated amount is approximately $86 per call. However, if the number of claims is low or there are special circumstances, the payment may be up to $5,000 per call.
This payment will be deposited directly into the eligible class member’s account or may be made through other legitimate payment methods. Furthermore, The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. has agreed to no longer record calls to California businesses without notice.
Who is eligible and what are the eligibility criteria?
Certain criteria have been established to be eligible under the settlement:
- Location: All businesses and individuals located in California.
- Time: Those who received a call from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
- Certification: Claimants must provide their phone number and/or business name to confirm they received the call.
These criteria are intended to ensure that only those truly affected are entitled to compensation.
How to Claim and Important Dates
Eligible Class Members must submit a valid claim form. This form is available on the official settlement website, CallRecordingClassAction.com.
Important Dates:
- Claim Submission Deadline: April 11, 2025
- Exclusion and Objection Deadline: April 4, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: May 20, 2025
After claims are submitted, applications will be reviewed and payments will be distributed to eligible Class Members according to their claims.
Settlement Legal Representatives and Procedures
Several legal representatives and firms are involved in this settlement. Myron M. Cherry & Associates LLC serves as Class Counsel, while Polsinelli PC, King & Spalding LLP, and Delahunty & Edelman LLP serve as Defense Counsel.
The Settlement Administrator’s office is located in Los Angeles, California, and will handle the application process. Contact details are as follows:
- Email: admin@CallRecordingClassAction.com
- Phone: 888-733-1544
Significance and Impact of the Settlement
This settlement is not limited to financial compensation. It sends a powerful message to technology companies and businesses that violating customer consent and privacy is unacceptable.
Furthermore, it gives California businesses and individuals the opportunity to ensure that their personal and business data is protected in the future.
Conclusion
If you or your business received calls from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023, it’s time to file your claim. Potential compensation could range from $86 to $5,000 per call, which will help cover your financial losses.
It’s crucial to keep track of the settlement deadlines so you don’t miss out on your rights. This is not just a financial compensation but also a symbol of the protection of your digital rights and the accountability of companies.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the settlement?
A. Anyone in California who received a call from The Credit Wholesale Co. Inc. between October 22, 2014, and November 17, 2023.
Q. How much can I receive per call?
A. Estimated $86 per eligible call, potentially up to $5,000 depending on the number of claims submitted.
Q. How do I file a claim?
A. Submit a valid claim form through the official settlement website: CallRecordingClassAction.com.
Q. What is the claim submission deadline?
A. All claims must be submitted by April 11, 2025.
Q. Do I need proof of the calls?
A. Yes, you must provide your phone number and/or business name that received the calls to verify eligibility.
