Consumer complaint received 2018-03-20
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Account opened as a result of fraud
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY (CA)

Complaint:
In XX/XX/XXXX, I moved to XXXX XXXX from XXXX XXXX. My bank, XXXX, had been purchased by Wells Fargo and while the accounts were not yet merged on the East Coast, the two banks were already merged here in XXXX XXXX. As a result, I was unable to bank in XXXX XXXX using my XXXX account and was forced to open two new accounts with Wells Fargo in order to open a safety deposit box. When I had an error on my account statement, I went to a Wells Fargo branch and was forced to open two more accounts in order to speak with the staff and have my concerns address. As a result, I was juggling 3 checking accounts and 3 savings accounts. This resulted in many instances of overdrafts and confusion as to which account was associated with each bank card / check book / account number. In addition to numerous fees and charges, Wells Fargo took funds without permission from my younger brother 's checking account to cover an overdraft even though I was not listed on his account.

Furthermore, Wells Fargo allowed a check that had cleared for 30 days + ( return of deposit from former roommate ) to be cancelled. The check had been issued by a former Vice President at Wells Fargo who they fired for illegal banking practices. He cancelled payment on the check more than 30 days after it had cleared because he needed the money to pay his rent after Wells Fargo fired him. There was no reason for the check to be cancelled. I complained to Wells Fargo, but was fined for overdrafts of ever transaction made after the deposit of that check. I was never provided with the funds from that check nor refunded my overdraft fees despite the validity of the check and the improper manner in which it was cancelled.

In XX/XX/XXXX, Wells Fargo charged my bank account for a rental car that had been reported stolen. I contested the transaction and was provided with a credit on my account. They nevertheless froze my accounts and did not allow me to transfer funds from my savings account to cover the overdraft in the frozen checking account. Wells Fargo made me wait 30 days until the system automatically took funds from my savings account to cover the overdrafted checking account. They then mailed me a check for the approximately {$900.00} remaining in my savings account. I have not been provided with any reason why, but Wells Fargo has refused to do business with me since then. I have attempted to open accounts on at least 4 occassions. They open them without incident, but then I am notified by mail that they have been closed. I have never been provided with a reason.

I was also using a XXXX Credit Card for my daily purchases. Wells Fargo issued a new card with lesser terms. I chose not to switch cards but they closed my XXXX Credit Card account without permission and refused to compensated me for over 100,000 accumulated rewards points. I was not provided with the new Wells Fargo credit card, but it has reappeared multiple times on my credit report.

Furthermore, Wells Fargo assumed management of XXXX XXXX XXXX, a foreclosed property where I was renting a bedroom. Despite paying my rent to the law firm on time, they refused to pay for utilities ( lease was provided showing that I was not responsible for paying utilities ) and XXXX XXXX XXXX  shut off power to the property. They refused to make necessary repairs and I ended up in the hospital as a result of XXXX  on the property. Although Wells Fargo 's law firm promised to pay my medical bills, they later refused to provide reimbursement. I contacted the department of building inspection and a notice of violation was issued for the property due to unsafe conditions.

Wells Fargo provided funds for a hotel while repairs were made pursuant to the notice of violation. However, they provided less than the amount required under XXXX XXXX law ( I had been unaware at the time ). Upon returning to the property, I learned that the work had been done improperly and without permits. As part of an enforcement action, the City of XXXX XXXX notified the property owner that they could not charge rent until repairs were made with the appropriate permits. Wells Fargo had me illegally removed from the property for non-payment of rent despite this enforcement order still being in effect.

A few years later, I attempted to purchase a property that was being managed by Wells Fargo. They refused to return my calls. They sold the property to another individual despite a promise ( made through the CFPB ) to notify me if they property was being sold. I have never received any notification regarding that property.

I am no longer able to do business with Wells Fargo but have not been provided with an explanation. My reputation has been irrepairably damaged and I have incurred serious financial losses.

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