Consumer complaint received 2023-03-06
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: CA
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service
Sub-product: Domestic (US) money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam

Complaint:
XX/XX/23 I received an email from " XXXX XXXX '' from a company called " XXXX '' claiming I was accepted for an interview for a remote data analyst position. After several interviews only via email, I was given the job and given instructions on how to purchase " equipment '' for the remote position including a new desktop, printer, etc. needed for the position. I made several attempts to contact the company, research the website and company on XXXX, credit buraus etc. 

XX/XX/23 I received an offer letter via email and signed it. I then received a check from the company and instructed to deposit the check into my account via mobile deposit. The check was not under the name " XXXX '' and was named " XXXX XXXX XXXX '' however was told " it is a company-certified check from our company or one of our Project consortium partners. '' I was emailed the check in the amount of {$4900.00}, printed the check out and mobile deposited the check into my Wells Fargo Banks account. 

XX/XX/23 I was in contact with 2 new email accounts, " XXXX XXXX  '' XXXX, and " XXXX XXXX '' XXXX, who was named " XXXX XXXX ''. XXXX Finances emailed me the check and I uploaded to my Wells Fargo checking account as mentioned above. " XXXX XXXX '' emailed me stating that once my funds from the mobile deposit, that I would be using their vendor to purchase the equipment instead of me purchasing on my own. XXXX XXXX sent me an invoice amount of {$4600.00} and provide instructions on wire transferring this amount from my checking account to his checking account. Details were : Account name : XXXX XXXX Bank name : XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX : XXXX Routing number : XXXX Bank address : XXXX, XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX New York, NY XXXX Grand Total : {$4600.00} Memo/Payment Description : Your full name with Invoice # XXXX I was to send screenshots of completion of transfer since it took a day to process this. The transfer was processed XX/XX/23. 

XX/XX/23 I received a text message from " XXXX XXXX from phone number XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX stating he was from " XXXX XXXX  '' asking me about confirmation of the transfer to that XXXX XXXX  account that was provided above. I confirmed and continued messaging this number. XXXX stated that he would be able to potentially drop them off some time in the day. After I sent the amount, I never received anymore correspondence from all 3 parties. 

On the same day, I notice my account was under {$3100.00} in my checking account and realized that the original check of {$4900.00} bounced and was in the process of being returned. I was also recently paid that day and should not have been over-drafted. 

I immediately called Well Fargo Bank fraud and claims department to discuss the issues and file a claim. I was told by an XXXX on Wells Fargo that I would receive my funds back. 

XXXX After calling back and forth the claims department regarding the status of my claim and results, I was not able to be told if I would receive my funds sent back. Per Wells Fargo, I should have had this issues resolved within 10-business days, as well as provided a temporary credit towards my account until the case is resolved. I did not receive temporary funds whatsoever. 

XX/XX/23 I received a letter today stating that my claim I filed was closed and that I would not receive the funds I sent due to me " authorizing '' the wire transfer, even though I was a victim of fraud/scam. Wells Fargo Bank 's claim department told me that I would not be able to re-open the case and that it was closed, and that I would have to pay back the funds that I am now over-drafted in the amount of - {$3100.00}. I do not get paid a wage that is possible for me to pay this amount back and maintain my basic needs. 

I am writing to see if there is anything I can to do by lodging this complaint against Wells Fargo for their terrible service and inability to help me in this financially struggle. I will attach any evidence I can to this case. 

Thank you for your time.

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 monetary relief