Consumer complaint received 2026-06-15 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Funds not handled or disbursed as instructed
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Against Wells Fargo for Wrongfully Withholding {$12000.00} Deposited Into Business Account I am submitting this complaint regarding Wells Fargo 's refusal to release {$12000.00} deposited into a newly opened business account, despite evidence that the check cleared the maker 's account and despite my repeated efforts to resolve the matter. On XX/XX/year>, I opened a Wells Fargo business checking account. At approximately XXXX XXXX., I deposited a check in the amount of {$12000.00} through Wells Fargo 's mobile deposit system. On XX/XX/year>, the check cleared the maker 's account at XXXX XXXX. Later that same day, I received an email from Wells Fargo stating that the deposited funds were being held and that my account was being closed. A letter dated XX/XX/year>, also stated that Wells Fargo had reviewed the deposit and decided to close the account effective XX/XX/year>. On XX/XX/year>, I contacted my local Wells Fargo branch and spoke with XXXX XXXX and Branch Manager XXXX. I was informed that Wells Fargo 's Fraud Department believed the deposited check was fraudulent. I explained that the check was legitimate and was asked to provide proof. I subsequently sent a copy of the cleared check. On XX/XX/year>, I emailed XXXX XXXX and advised that I had contacted the maker of the check. The maker confirmed that the check had cleared their account on XX/XX/year>. I attached a copy of the cleared check to the email. On XX/XX/year>, I called the branch and was told that Wells Fargo 's Fraud Department continued to claim that the check was fraudulent. I was asked to bring in the original check because the Fraud Department wanted to inspect it. I delivered the original check to the branch that same evening. On XX/XX/year>, I spoke again with branch personnel. I was told that despite Wells Fargo having possession of the original check, the Fraud Department still believed the item was fraudulent and would not release the funds. I was also told that once the account was closed, the {$12000.00} would be returned to me via cashier 's check. Also on XX/XX/year>, Wells Fargo sent a letter extending the account closure date to XX/XX/year>, stating that the deposited item required further investigation. On XX/XX/year>, Wells Fargo sent a letter stating that it would not return the {$12000.00} because I allegedly had no right to the funds. Upon calling the Fraud Department using the number provided in the letter, I was told that Wells Fargo would only speak with the bank on which the check was drawn and would no longer discuss the matter with me. On XX/XX/year>, Wells Fargo mailed me a cashier 's check for only {$100.00}, representing the remaining balance in the account, while continuing to withhold the {$12000.00} deposit. XXXX On XX/XX/year>, I visited the Wells Fargo branch to cash the {$100.00} cashier 's check. Branch Manager XXXX informed me that the bank on which the check was drawn would need to recover the funds directly from Wells Fargo. She further stated that Wells Fargo had attempted to contact the issuing bank multiple times, but that the issuing bank would not verify the check. On XX/XX/year>, a Wells Fargo representative contacted me and stated that the maker of the check or the issuing bank would have to contact Wells Fargo directly to claim the funds. On XX/XX/year>, a Wells Fargo Rep called earlier today. Wells Fargo stated that the maker of the check and its bank must recall the check by calling Wells Fargo Fraud Loss Mitigation Department @ XXXX to recover the funds. Wells Fargo 's position is contradictory and has left me without access to funds that were successfully paid by the maker and debited from the maker 's account at XXXX XXXX. The check cleared the issuing bank on XX/XX/year>, yet Wells Fargo continues to retain the funds while refusing to provide a clear explanation, refusing to release the money to me, and refusing to identify any legal basis for its claim that I am not entitled to the funds. As of the date of this complaint, Wells Fargo has retained {$12000.00} belonging to me and/or the maker of the check for more than a month after the account closure process began. The bank has repeatedly changed its explanation regarding the status of the funds and has provided no meaningful avenue for resolving the matter. I respectfully request that the CFPB investigate Wells Fargo 's actions and require Wells Fargo to : XXXX. XXXX. XXXX. XXXX. XXXX. Provide a detailed written explanation and legal basis for withholding the {$12000.00}. Identify the current status and location of the funds. Release the funds to the lawful owner without further delay. Provide all records relating to the fraud investigation and determination. Compensate me for any damages or losses resulting from Wells Fargo 's wrongful withholding of these funds. I have attached supporting documentation, including copies of Wells Fargo 's letters, email correspondence, proof that the check cleared the maker 's account at XXXX XXXX, and evidence that I provided the original check to Wells Fargo.

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