Consumer complaint received 2023-08-07
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: CA
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Managing an account
Sub-issue: Deposits and withdrawals

Complaint:
XX/XX/XXXX From : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX Reference : XXXX XXXX XXXX. ( The fraudulent company ) Reference : Wells Fargo Bank To : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau This is an Ombudsman letter addressed to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Dear Sir/Madam , I urgently need to draw your attention to a distressing issue concerning the financial company name Wells Fargo Bank XXXX Unfortunately, I have become a victim of a carefully planned scam orchestrated by an entity called XXXX XXXX XXXX. This fraudulent company has deceptively presented itself and has employed illegal and manipulative tactics, leading to a substantial financial loss. I am writing to seek your immediate assistance in resolving this critical situation. 
I regret to inform you that I have fallen victim to a fraudulent company called " XXXX XXXX XXXX. '' They presented themselves as a legitimate business offering promotional and legal campaign services, but unfortunately, they did not deliver on their promises. I have not received any returns or services as expected. What's more, all the funds I deposited with them have not been refunded, causing significant financial distress. It is evident that their practices were illegal, manipulative, and a direct violation of the law and our contractual agreement. After obtaining my funds, the company disappeared without any explanation or notice, making it impossible to contact them or resolve the issue. Despite my persistent efforts to reach out to them and other parties involved, I have been unsuccessful in finding a resolution. 
I kindly request that you initiate a dispute against XXXX XXXX XXXX. and the relevant parties involved in order to seek resolution and recover the funds. The dispute is justified based on the following reasons : Goods or Services Not Provided 2 Not as Described or Defective Merchandise Questionable Merchant Activity Misrepresentation Fraudulent Action Money-Laundering Identity Theft Terror Affiliate ( Misappropriation of assets or funds ) Authorized Push-Payment Scam On XX/XX/XXXX, I took the necessary steps to initiate the dispute process with my bank, Wells Fargo Bank, in hopes of recovering the funds. I attached copies of the letters I submitted to my bank, along with the relevant evidence highlighting the fraudulent nature of the situation. However, it is with deep disappointment that I inform you that I didnt receive a response from my bank. They seem to not care about the incident that I have encountered. By not responding to it, it leaves me with the disheartening feeling that I was a victim of deception, falsehood, and manipulation. It is disheartening that they failed to acknowledge and understand the gravity of the scam I fell victim to. 
3 Scam Story and Context In pursuit of my dream to represent the people as a senator in the U.S. Senate, I sought to engage the services of a reputable promotion company named XXXX XXXX XXXX. With great hope and anticipation, I signed a contract with them on XX/XX/XXXX, with the agreement spanning until the XX/XX/XXXX, election date. 
Regrettably, what started as a promising collaboration soon turned into a nightmare of fraudulent practices that not only caused financial harm but also left me disheartened by the violation of ethical and legal standards. 
From the outset, XXXX XXXX XXXX made grandiose promises, claiming to possess the expertise and capabilities needed to effectively promote my campaign and connect me with potential supporters. They assured me of their dedication to our shared vision and the success of my senatorial bid. However, as the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, their assurances proved to be nothing more than empty words. 
Despite their assurances, there was no plan or action in progress to promote my campaign. Vital opportunities to reach a wider audience were lost as they failed to deliver on their marketing strategies, leaving me unable to effectively communicate my vision and objectives to potential voters. 
What added to my frustration was their lack of responsiveness. Attempting to get in touch with the company became an exercise in futility. Countless emails and phone calls went unanswered, and each time I managed to establish contact, they provided a litany of excuses. Among these, the COVID-19 pandemic was cited as the culprit for their inability to fulfill their contractual obligations. 
Though the pandemic was an unprecedented global challenge, it should not have served as a convenient shield for fraudulent practices. While I empathize with the difficulties faced by businesses during those times, it can not excuse the betrayal of trust and the financial harm they caused me. 
4 Despite my continued efforts to reason with them, XXXX XXXX XXXX remained unmoved. They refused to provide a satisfactory explanation for their failures or offer any recourse to remedy the situation. Requests for a refund were met with further evasions, leaving me in a vulnerable financial position after investing substantial resources into their deceptive services. 
The impact of their deceptive actions reverberated far beyond financial loss. The breach of trust has cast a shadow over my campaign, tarnishing the image I sought to project as a trustworthy and transparent candidate. The damage to my reputation and the lost opportunities to connect with voters have left me deeply disillusioned and questioning the fairness of the electoral process. 
As I reflect on this experience, it becomes clear that the path to public service is fraught with challenges. The ordeal with XXXX XXXX XXXX serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when engaging with external entities. It also highlights the need for increased scrutiny of companies offering promotional services to political candidates. 
My hope is that this account will shed light on the dangers of fraudulent practices in the electoral landscape, prompting lawmakers and regulatory bodies to take the necessary steps to protect aspiring candidates from unscrupulous actors. As I navigate the aftermath of this betrayal, I vow to continue my pursuit of serving the people with integrity and dedication, regardless of the obstacles that may lie ahead. 
Desired Outcome I am reaching out to discuss several critical matters concerning the fraudulent activity that has occurred on my Wells Fargo bank account. 
1. I expect Wells Fargo Bank to acknowledge their involvement in the recent fraudulent activity on my bank account and accept full responsibility for the transactions.

2. The bank should immediately initiate a thorough investigation into the fraudulent transactions to determine how their security measures failed, leading to the successful execution of the fraud.

5 3. It is imperative that I emphasize the involvement of Wells Fargo Bank in these fraudulent transactions. They were the ones who authorized and executed these transactions, making them directly responsible for the fraudulent activity. The Financial Ombudsman Service ( FOS ) has explicitly stated that banks and financial institutions must consider the evolving and sophisticated nature of fraud and should no longer refuse refunds in such circumstances. 
4. In line with the Financial Ombudsman Service 's guidelines, Wells Fargo Bank should refrain from labeling me as " grossly negligent '' and recognize that I, as a victim, should not bear the burden of the fraudulent activity. 
5. I find it both criminal and unjustifiable that Wells Fargo Bank is evading their responsibility and placing the blame on me, their client, who has placed complete trust in their financial institution to safeguard my life savings. Their actions demonstrate a lack of professionalism, disregard for regulations, and a substandard approach to customer protection. Such behavior contradicts the very purpose for which financial institutions were established.

6. I am utterly perplexed by the resistance shown by Wells Fargo Bank to providing me with a refund for the funds that were wrongfully taken by these scammers. When I authorized the payments, I had no knowledge of the fraudulent nature of the companies involved, and it was only after the fact that I uncovered the truth. I strongly urge Wells Fargo Bank to take full responsibility for the situation and take proactive steps to recover my stolen funds. It is crucial to consider that the fraudulent company not only failed to provide any services but also intentionally misrepresented themselves to deceive me. 
7. I urge the bank to prioritize customer protection and demonstrate professionalism in handling such cases to prevent innocent and inexperienced clients from falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes in the future. 
6 8. The bank should communicate clearly and transparently with me throughout the resolution process, providing updates on the investigation and refund status. 
I request the recovery of my funds under code fraud or code misrepresentation According to XXXX and XXXX XXXX Rules No. XXXX XXXX, it is mandatory to conduct a physical inspection of the listed premises of a business before allowing them to accept payments. It is imperative that both banks adhere to this rule and acknowledge their role in the fraudulent transactions. 
Unbeknownst transfer of funds : The funds were transferred to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. company that deceitfully presented itself as a legitimate entity offering social promotional and legal campaign services. They falsely claimed to generate profits for their clients, but in reality, they never provided any such services. Their objective was to unlawfully extract money from unsuspecting individuals. 
Fake documentation : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. The company went to great lengths to create fabricated documents that portrayed them as legitimate. These documents were used to deceive me and others into believing in their credibility and entrusting them with our funds. In truth, they had no intention of providing any services and solely aimed to defraud people and seize their money. 
Lack of received services : Despite depositing funds with the expectation of receiving the promised service, this company abruptly gave a lot of different unjustified reasons, blocked my account, and vanished without providing any of the services they claimed to offer. This left me in a state of shock and financial distress, as the funds I entrusted to them were never returned. 
Deception : I was deceived into depositing funds under the false pretense that they would generate substantial profits. However, the promises made by the scammers turned out to be empty lies. Not only were the profits never realized, 7 but my money was also misappropriated, and I have not received any form of reimbursement as they had claimed. 
In summary, I did not receive any of the promised services from XXXX XXXX XXXX. On the contrary, their actions exacerbated my situation, leading to further financial losses and significant harm to my overall financial well-being. 
Description of Services Actually Received The XXXX XXXX XXXX company deliberately misrepresented themselves by falsely advertising their services in campaigns and services. They assured me that I would receive services by following their instructions and engaging in various transactions. However, these promises were nothing more than deceptive tactics employed to deceive and extract money from me. In reality, the services they claimed to provide were nonexistent. The scammers lacked the competence and ability to fulfill their promises of quality and expertise. It is evident that their intentions were to intentionally mislead me and exploit my trust for their own financial gain. 
I would like to bring to your attention the disappointing reaction to Wells Fargo Bank for not responding to this case that XXXX XXXX XXXX was a fraudulent and illegitimate company. I tried to reach out to them many times, but Their failure to address the issue and take steps to resolve it suggests potential complicity in the crime. 
I strongly believe that this situation presents an opportunity for Wells Fargo Bank to assist Not only me as their customer but also other individuals who may become victims of fraudulent companies like XXXX XXXX XXXX. It is imperative for a bank to fulfill their duty of protecting their customers and promptly rectifying such situations. I urge them to take this matter seriously and provide the necessary support to resolve the issue effectively. 
Confirmation of Fraud : I kindly ask Wells Fargo Bank to acknowledge that I have indeed fallen victim to fraud perpetrated by the scammers known as XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
Immediate Recovery : As my bank, I expect Wells Fargo Bank to initiate an immediate investigation into my case. I request that the bank thoroughly XXXX examine all companies and banks involved in the fraudulent activity. I urge them to make every effort to recover the full amount of {$73000.00} that was wrongfully taken from me. 
Reimbursement : If it is not feasible to retrieve the funds, I expect Wells Fargo Bank to provide reimbursement for the reasons mentioned. As my bank, I believe it is their responsibility to act in my best interest and rectify the financial losses I have suffered due to their involvement in the fraudulent transaction Database Update : I strongly urge Wells Fargo Bank to update their databases and implement stronger measures to prevent similar fraudulent cases from occurring in the future. This step is crucial to safeguarding other innocent customers from falling victim to scams and ensuring the security of their life savings. 
I urge the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to seek assistance from my Wells Fargo Bank to fully comprehend the seriousness of this situation, placing utmost importance on the well-being and protection of its customers. I implore the bank to take immediate action to rectify the injustice I have experienced. In light of the significant financial loss I have suffered due to the fraudulent activities of " XXXX XXXX XXXX, '' I kindly request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau keep me thoroughly informed of the progress made in this matter. I expect regular updates on the efforts being undertaken to recover the wrongfully stolen amount of {$30000.00} USD. Your prompt attention to this critical matter is crucial. I sincerely hope that the Consumer Protection Bureau recognizes the urgency and takes swift action to investigate the fraudulent activities, identify the responsible parties, and work diligently towards a satisfactory resolution. 
Please be assured that I am eagerly awaiting your timely response and an effective resolution to this distressing situation. Thank you for your immediate attention and cooperation in resolving this matter. 
Yours sincerely, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX This is a copy of the letters I addressed to Wells Fargo Bank. 
XXXX XX/XX/XXXX From : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Reference : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX company To : Wells Fargo Bank This is a formal refund letters to Wells Fargo Bank Dear Sir/Madam , I am writing this formal letter to bring to your attention a serious matter involving fraudulent activities that I have encountered. As a licensed and registered financial entity, I expect that Wells Fargo adheres to the regulations, rules, and directives, and I believe it is crucial for you to be informed about the misconduct that has transpired under your platform 's umbrella. I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost importance that requires immediate investigation and your utmost attention. I have recently become a victim of fraudulent activities facilitated through your banking platform, which has resulted in significant financial loss and severe distress. 
Introduction and Overview I am an individual who applied for a senatorial position in the U.S. Senate of the United States of America. In order to promote my campaign and reach a wider audience, I engaged the services of a promotion company named XXXX XXXX XXXX, with a contract signed on XX/XX/XXXX, until the XX/XX/XXXX, election date. Regrettably, this company has engaged in fraudulent practices that have not only caused financial harm but also violated ethical and legal standards. 
XXXX XXXX XXXX made various false promises and misrepresented their services during our engagement. They assured me of their capability to 10 effectively promote my campaign and connect me with potential supporters. However, despite their claims, the company has continuously made excuses, including citing the COVID-19 pandemic, for their lack of progress and non-responsiveness. 
XXXX XXXX Since I engaged XXXX XXXX XXXX from XX/XX/XXXX, until the XX/XX/XXXX, election date, I have neither witnessed any progress in promoting my campaign nor received any response from the company. This inconsiderate behavior and breach of trust have left me in a vulnerable position, unable to effectively communicate my vision to potential voters and fulfill my campaign objectives. 
As a licensed and registered financial entity, I hold Wells Fargo to the highest standards of integrity, security, and accountability. It is deeply troubling to discover that fraudulent activities have taken place within your banking platform, enabling unscrupulous entities like XXXX XXXX XXXX to exploit unsuspecting individuals. 
I kindly request that Wells Fargo conduct a thorough investigation into this matter to identify the extent of the fraudulent activities facilitated through your platform. I urge you to take immediate action to rectify the situation, recover the funds that were unlawfully obtained, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. 
Furthermore, I request that you keep me informed about the progress of your investigation and the steps taken to address this issue. I trust that Wells Fargo will demonstrate its commitment to customer security and satisfaction by promptly addressing this matter and providing appropriate compensation for the financial losses incurred. 
Please treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. I anticipate a swift resolution and the restoration of justice. Should you require any additional information or documentation from me, please do not hesitate to contact me at the provided phone number or email address. 
I kindly request that you keep me well informed of the progress made in the investigation and recovery efforts. Transparent and regular communication will not only provide me with peace of mind but also demonstrate your dedication to resolving this matter effectively. 
XXXX XXXX Due to the law I expect Wells Fargo Bank, my trusted financial institution, to assist me in recovering my funds from the fraudulent company, XXXX XXXX XXXX. This company has failed to provide any service and has taken advantage of the situation. 
Fraud : The XXXX XXXX XXXX. a company engaging in deceptive practices, making false representations, or intentionally misleading individuals for personal or financial gain may constitute fraud. Laws regarding fraud can vary depending on the jurisdiction. 
Misrepresentation : XXXX XXXX XXXX made false promises, misrepresented their services, or provided misleading information to induce you into engaging their services, they may have violated laws related to misrepresentation or false advertising. 
Breach of Contract : There was a written agreement between with XXXX XXXX XXXX that outlined the services they would provide, their failure to fulfill those obligations is considered a breach of contract. 
Unfair Competition : XXXX XXXX XXXX engaged in unfair business practices that gave them an unfair advantage over competitors or harmed other individuals or businesses, they violated laws related to unfair competition. 
Goods or Services Not Provided : I as the cardholder participated in the transaction, but I did not receive the goods or services because the merchant XXXX  was unwilling or unable to provide the goods or services. As stated by the card companies regulations, the client has not received the services paid for from the company. 
Case summary and allegations : Fraudulent companies have been hired to manage campaigns and provide services as campaign personnel. However, these companies did not provide any services and instead engaged in fraudulent activities that led to financial XXXX and XXXX damage. These include the following allegations that this fraudulent company and practice criminal activities : 1. The Company did not give the risk disclosure prior to my deposits.

2. The Company intentionally committed fraudulent misrepresentation and falsified its agent names, credentials, competencies, qualifications, and location. 
XXXX. The Company offered good services/advice was not presented. 
XXXX. The company was directly involved with my identity theft. Instead, the Companys staff and its accomplices pocketed the money for personal use. 
XXXX. To add insult to injury, various unethical techniques were used and aimed at influencing the clients ( mine included ) system of values, principles, beliefs, emotions, motives, reasoning, and behavior. These include inter alia, passive aggression ( e.g., they made me feel XXXX unjustifiably guilty for my losses ), intimidation, demoralization, diversion, evasion, and mistruths, all of which were used to con me into obeying them, thus losing more money. Deliberately brushing me off by actively ignoring my requests, calls, and e-mails right after they realized they could no longer embezzle my funds. 
I eagerly await your response and the actions you will take to address this distressing situation. I expect an acknowledgment of my complaint and a response within 10 business days from Wells Fargo bank in accordance with the appropriate time frame as mentioned in your Complaint Policy. If you require any additional transaction details or documentation to process my claim, please inform me promptly so that I can provide them to you. Your prompt attention and cooperation in this matter are greatly appreciated. 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of this dispute. 
XXXX Sincerely, XXXX Please see all attached documents below attachments

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation