Consumer complaint received 2022-11-18
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — International money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY (CA)

Please help! 

I recently engaged in a wire transfer fraud. The total transfer amount is {$4800.00} from my Wells Fargo checking account to the scammer 's Wells Fargo 's account. The money was sent out 2 days ago on XX/XX/2022. I would like to ask CFPB to take necessary action to protect my funds that had been transfered to the scammer. 

The fraud is a rent fraud. I saw scammer posted XXXX rental offer, and got in touch with the scammer. After a long conversation with the scammer, I signed the lease agreement, and use wire transfer to pay the deposit and first month and last month rent. 

During the whole process, I only contact the scammer via email. The scammer are using the identity of XXXX XXXX, and provided me a driver license copies for it. The seamer keep pushing me to sign the lease agreement and ask me to pay the deposit and first and last month rent to secure the unit. 

I initiated the wire transfer to scammer provided wells fargo bank account on XX/XX/2022, and the wire transfer completed by 2 days ago on XX/XX/2022. Today, XX/XX/2022, the scammer using text message to contact me to ask if I cancel the transfer or not. I realized this is very abnormal, and did research, finally found this is high potentially a fraud. 

After I recognized this a fraud, I file a claim to FBI XXXX immediately, and call Wells Fargo Fraud department via XXXX. But Wells Fargo can not help me to get back my money My Wells Fargo Fraud Case ID : XXXX Related Claim Number in Wells Fargo : XXXX Here are some information that the scammer provided to me : - A XXXX XXXX for XXXX XXXX ( Joined XX/XX/2022 ) : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX - Bank account information : Bank : Wells Fargo, Full name XXXX XXXX XXXX, Account XXXX XXXX XXXX, Routing Number : XXXX, Routing Wire : XXXX - The phone number scammer use to contact me : ( XXXX ) XXXX - Scammer 's email address : XXXX ( agent ) and XXXX ( landlord ) - Scammer 's assistant email address for receive XXXX payment : XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ) Some more details : - The scammer has a XXXX accent, but the name he provided to me is a XXXX identity. - The scammer provided identity is pointed to a XXXX XXXX reporter called XXXX XXXX. 
- The scammer provided landlord identity is pointed to a American news anchor called XXXX XXXX. 
I have lots of evidence and communication record. Please contact me to get them. 

Update : On XX/XX/2022, the scammer send me a email to ask me pay more rent to secure the unit. Here is the email : XXXX : Residential Lease Agreement Attached XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Thu, XX/XX/2022 at XXXX PM To : XXXX XXXX XXXX Hi XXXX How are you? 

My bank later got back to me and made me realize someone tried to hack into my bank account but was not successful, my account is still under review but the funds in it is safe. Just wanted to let you know. 

The move in process is on and I am so sorry I didn't get back to you since morning, there has been this little problem. I have been trying to trash out with the homeowner and property lawyer and I don't know how to put it to you. 

There are XXXX other applicants trying to rent this same unit and XXXX of them is willing to pay 3 months rent plus deposit upfront and the other is willing to pay 6 months rent plus deposit upfront. But thats not even your concern though The homeowner ( XXXX ) reach out to me asking that you pay 3 months rent plus deposit. I did not agree with, due to the fact that i already had a certified lease agreement with you and you already made payment as we have agreed. 

He said it's all my fault that I should have insisted you pay 3 months plus deposit or I should have asked you to pay 6 months if possible and you get a discount on the rent. 

So now I would like to plead with you out of your inconveniences that if you can please afford to pay the additional XXXX months rent. 

I understand this might not be convenient for you but I would implore if youre able to come to an agreement with this new developments because I really do not wish that you miss out on this place. 

kindly get back and let me know so I can provide you with the payment details to send the additional XXXX months rent. 

I can assure you that nothing will affect the previous agreement and payment you made. The owner just preferred you pay 3 months plus deposit instead of the first and last plus deposit you paid. 
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