Consumer complaint received 2023-02-01
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: CD (Certificate of Deposit)
Issue: Closing an account
Sub-issue: Can't close your account

Complaint:
Reference Case number : XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, and XXXX Case numbers : XXXX and XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Dear CFPB, I am very frustrated with Wells Fargo and despite all attempts they continue to give me the run around. While I have several complaints pending for resolution, the most important significant issue I have is related to my Certificates of Deposits ( CDs ). Wells Fargo has and continues to deny me access to my money and I need access to my money immediately. 

Wells Fargo has required and forced me to close my account because I do not have a physical US address at this time. I had XXXX CDs with a substantial amount of money, which matured in XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX. Rather than release the money to my checking account, Wells Fargo automatically renewed the XXXX CDs until XXXX and XXXX, without my approval. I had also previously informed the bank that I would transfer all my money out of the back and close my account once my CDs matured. Why did Wells Fargo NOT do this? This is definitely a way for the bank to hold on to my money and make money from my money, while denying me access to my money. Every day that passes by I am losing money as I can not access my money to reinvest it in my new bank or use it for other business opportunities. I have already faced large financial losses as a result and in addition, having to pay my new bank monthly fees for not meeting the minimum balance required. Who is going to compensate me for this financial loss? I demand to have my money returned to me immediately and I want my CDs closed and my money returned to my checking account immediately. 

To make matters worse, I called the bank on XXXX XX/XX/XXXX to request that Wells Fargo cancel my XXXX CDs and return my money to my check account. I spoke to an agent ( XXXX XXXX who informed me that the so called grace period was over and I could not do this. I explained my situation and she forwarded my call to an agent ( XXXX ) from the XXXX team. After several minutes on hold, XXXX informed me that she could not cancel my CDs because my account was restricted and they could not deposit my CDs money back to my checking account. What nonsense is this when the bank is forcing me to close my account. Why did Wells Fargo NOT return my money before my account was restricted when I had already sent multiple emails to several XXXX members and others ( including the Board of Directors ) to inform the bank that I wanted my CDs canceled after last maturity date ( XXXX XXXX ), so that Wells Fargo XXXX not hold my money, deny me access to my money and make money from my money? Why did Wells Fargo NOT do this? This is a clear indication that this is a SCAM! 

Why did Wells Fargo automatically renew my CDs until XXXX and XXXX, when I am required and forced to close my account? Why is Wells Fargo NOT allowing me to cancel my CDs and return my money to my checking account? None of these actions demonstrate fiduciary responsibility and this is UNFAIR, UNJUST and DISHONEST!! Wells Fargo is holding my money and has DENIED me access to my rightfully earned money to make money from my money!! This is unacceptable and once again, I am incurring a large financial loss as a result? Who is RESPONSBILE for this? Why can the regulators of financial institutions/banks NOT take corrective action against Wells Fargo ? I have sent innumerable emails back and forth with the Wells Fargo XXXX XXXX, Board of Directors and many other agencies over several months and NONE have helped me to bring this nightmare to an end. All I get are responses from the XXXX XXXX that do not answer my issues DIRECTLY, with NO RESOLUTION. Why am I being asked to fill an Account Closure form and have the form notarized at the US embassy that I do not have access to, when all I want is my CDs canceled and returned to my checking account? After all, Wells Fargo took it upon themselves to automatically renew my CDs at a RIDICULOUS rate until XXXX and XXXX. I am now getting less than a dollar every month on XXXX substantial CDs!! Why do I have to pay for this and suffer from XXXX XXXX mistake? Once again, this is a SCAM!! 

Will someone take some FAIR and JUST action and listen to my cry and appeal? Can someone help me find a way to immediately force Wells Fargo to cancel my CDs and return my money to my checking account with NO FURTHER DELAY??? Where is the XXXX of XXXX of Wells Fargo on this and why are they FAILING to ACT in a fair and just manner to ensure fiduciary responsibility, customer care and protection? XXXX simple action by the XXXX of XXXX will resolve my problem, so why are they not doing this? I have been a customer since XXXX ( 27 years ) and this is how I am being so unfairly and unjustly treated. My family and I have gone through months of emotional stress and anxiety as a result. A real travesty! I just want to get out of this TERRIBLE bank!! 

A very frustrated and unfairly treated customer, XXXX

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