Consumer complaint received 2024-05-13 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Closing an account — Company closed your account
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: IN

Complaint narrative:
My personal checking account was frozen and essentially closed by Wells Fargo, without my consent, on XX/XX/year>. I was identified as a " risk '' to the bank because I frequently use XXXX, a service offered by the bank and often withdraw my money as soon as its available. I also frequently make small purchases at XXXX XXXX XXXX cash bank at the register. I have an honest, practical reason for doing so. 

I reside in XXXXXXXX XXXX The nearest Wells Fargo branch to me is located in XXXX, Illinois approximately 213 miles from my home. As a result, it is nearly impossible for me to do basic tasks associated with having a checking account such as make deposits and free ATM withdrawals. When I use " foreign '' ATM machines not associated with Wells Fargo I incur two fees. One from the other bank and a {$2.00} fee from Wells Fargo. This occurs every transaction. I essentially began using XXXX XXXX XXXX bank system as a free way to withdraw money. I'd make small purchases and get cash back in {$100.00} increments until I had the cash I needed. 

I used XXXX, sending/receiving money from my wife and maternal aunt as a means of depositing money in my account. Aside from direct deposits from my job I had no other means of depositing money because again, the nearest branch is nearly four hours away. I had to do everything electronically. I understand my account may have been flagged, but this entire situation could have been prevented by a phone call or allowing me to respond. 

Closing my account abruptly has caused me great anguish and inconvenience. All of my pending deposits were blocked including a payroll deposit that was returned to my employer. I have to find a new bank and cancel all of my bills attached to that account. I imagine I am also now flagged as a fraud risk for all of the other banks/credit unions etc. when I apply for new accounts. I haven't done anything to deserve this. I will likely have great trouble opening new accounts because of this error made by Wells Fargo. 

I also have to rely on the word of customer service representatives who are basically hypothesizing about my situation. I have yet to receive a clear explanation from the bank, in writing or otherwise, explaining why my account ( which has always been in good standing ) was closed so abruptly. I feel I have been wronged. 

As a result of the closure and blocked deposits my account currently stands at - {$1800.00}. I have to contact payroll to see if and how my employer can reissue my check for XX/XX/year>. My aunt 's XX/XX/XXXX XXXX payment to me for {$1000.00} is now also in limbo as Wells Fargo blocked it but it was still withdrawn from her account, we are awaiting the result of a dispute she was forced to file with her bank. They are claiming it shows it was received by my WF account but it was not.

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