Consumer complaint received 2026-02-20 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account — Transaction was not authorized
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Product Type : Checking Account ending XXXX Issue : Unauthorized transactions/ Fraud / Denial of fraud claim / Improper investigation or resolution Description of the Complaint : I am filing this complaint because Wells Fargo has improperly denied my fraud claims ( Cases # XXXX and # XXXX ) involving multiple unauthorized wire transfers from my account ending in XXXX. These transfers were not authorized by me, and I reported them promptly upon discovery as fraud. 

Summary of Events : Multiple unauthorized wire transfers occurred from my Wells Fargo account to my son 's account ( he was a minor under California law at the time of the transfers, under XXXX XXXX XXXX ). 

I did not initiate, approve, or have knowledge of these transfers at the time they occurred. 

My son had no involvement in initiating or authorizing these transfers. 
The funds were subsequently used in transactions with a betting/gambling company, which is illegal under California law for companies to facilitate or accept involvement from minors ( e.g., prohibitions on underage gambling under Penal Code sections and related consumer protections ). 

I strongly believe this was the result of a hacking or unauthorized access incident, potentially orchestrated or exploited by the betting company to access funds through my son 's account and then mine. 

Wells Fargo 's Response : I reported the unauthorized activity to Wells Fargo 's fraud department as soon as I became aware. 

The bank investigated and denied the claims, refusing to reimburse the funds or pursue further action. 

The denial appears to overlook clear indicators of unauthorized access, including the involvement of a minor, lack of my consent, and the illegal nature of the downstream use ( gambling involving a minor ). 

Legal Basis for My Claim : Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act ( EFTA ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1693 et seq. ) and Regulation E ( 12 CFR Part 1005 ), financial institutions must investigate and resolve claims of unauthorized electronic fund transfers ( EFTs ). Unauthorized EFTs are those initiated without the consumer 's actual authority and from which the consumer receives no benefit ( 1005.2 ( m ) ).

If reported timely ( within 60 days of the statement reflecting the error ), consumer liability for unauthorized EFTs is limited or none ( 1005.6 ), and the institution must provide provisional credit during investigation if needed ( 1005.11 ( c ) ). 

Wells Fargo has a duty to safeguard accounts from unauthorized access and fraudulent activities. Their failure to properly investigate red flags ( e.g., transfers involving a minor, unusual patterns ) and denial without adequate explanation may violate these federal protections. 

Additionally, California consumer protection laws reinforce protections against fraud and unauthorized transactions, particularly involving vulnerable parties like minors. 

Requested Resolution : Reopen and fully reinvestigate the claims immediately. 
Provide a detailed explanation of the denial reasons and any evidence reviewed. 
Reimburse the full amount of the unauthorized transfers, plus any associated fees. 
Issue provisional credit if investigation extends beyond required timelines. 
Cooperate with law enforcement ( if I file a police/FBI/FTC report ) and take steps to prevent similar vulnerabilities. 
Confirm in writing within 15 days ( per CFPB expectations ) the status and next steps. 

I have supporting documentation available ( e.g., transaction statements, denial notices from Wells Fargo, evidence of my son 's age/minor status, any affidavits or reports ). I am willing to provide these upon request. 

This denial has caused significant financial harm and highlights potential systemic issues in Wells Fargo 's fraud handling. 

I request that the CFPB forward this complaint to Wells Fargo for a prompt response and review. 

Thank you for your assistance. 

Sincerely, XXXX 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