Consumer complaint received 2024-05-16
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Check cashing service
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY (PA)

On XX/XX/XXXX, I, XXXX XXXX XXXX, sent via U.S. Postal Service check # XXXX, written to the United States Treasury for {$3900.00}, to pay my XX/XX/XXXX estimated individual quarterly income tax payment to the IRS. This check # XXXX cleared my Wells Fargo Bank through my primary checking account on XX/XX/XXXX. 


Five months later, on XX/XX/XXXX, I received a letter ( dated XX/XX/XXXX ) from the IRS stating I owed them {$4000.00} ( {$3900.00} + penalties + interest ). I called the IRS to inform them that my Wells Fargo Bank statement had a transaction record showing that WF Bank compensated my check to the IRS on XX/XX/XXXX. The IRS told me if they had cashed the check, the back would be stamped with a barcode for tracking purposes. I double-checked my Wells Fargo online portal for a visual copy ( front & back ) of check # XXXX. The only check that was not visually accessible. I then called Wells Fargo, seeking further assistance, but they could not furnish me with a copy of the front and back of check # XXXX. The bank phone representative stated there was a potential glitch with their check imaging software system, informing me that the bank statement would be enough for the IRS to resolve my issue. I contacted the IRS to explain the information Wells Fargo Bank provided. The IRS told me the issue would likely be resolved as human error, and they would put my account on hold ( to avoid accruing additional penalties & interest ) to provide time for a resolution to be concluded. 



On XX/XX/XXXX, I received another letter from the IRS requesting a {$4200.00} payment. I immediately called the IRS, followed by a phone call to Wells Fargo, and the same scenario occurred. The IRS requires a copy of the front and back of the check to validate the deposit, and Wells Fargo could not provide me with a copy of the check to present to the IRS for their records and reference. 


On XX/XX/XXXX, I visited a physical Wells Fargo branch near my house to request a copy of check # XXXX in person, which they gave me a print copy of. Upon review, check # XXXX was physically signed on the back by someone other than the IRS, presenting potential fraud. I proceeded to file a claim with Wells Fargo Bank at that time ; due to various missteps on Wells Fargo 's behalf, including a delay in initiating the claim process and a lack of clear communication, claim # XXXX took place officially on XX/XX/XXXX. 


I requested Well Fargo escalate my inquiry/claim on XX/XX/XXXX. A new claim, # XXXX, was filed in place of the original one ( noted above ), with a new follow-up date of XX/XX/XXXX. 


On XX/XX/XXXX, Wells Fargo sent me a formal letter noting that their research on my claim # XXXX was complete, and the case was closed. They disclosed that XXXX XXXX XXXX, which cashed the check, was not liable to refund {$3900.00} for check # XXXX. XXXX  XXXX XXXX stated to Wells Fargo that due to internal policies and procedures ( information Im not privy to ) requiring prompt reporting, they are not liable for reimbursement of the fraudulent deposit. It was necessary through XXXX XXXX representation of my claim to handle and disclose this information before an anticipated due date. 


On XX/XX/XXXX, I received another letter from the IRS with a new balance of {$450000.00} due by XX/XX/XXXX. 


After a year of conducting my due diligence on this matter, I have been taken advantage of and run around in circles by Wells Fargo and XXXX  XXXX XXXX. I can not trust the banking institutions to protect me against fraud. XXXX  XXXX XXXX failed their fiduciary responsibility to ensure the accuracy of their customer 's deposits and validate their identity, as they released funds from my check # XXXX to the IRS to one of their account holders. I am now at a loss of ( {$3900.00} + XXXX ) = {$8500.00}. 


I thank you for your time and attention to this matter and appreciate any assistance you can provide. 


Thank you, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX