Consumer complaint received 2026-04-01 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Domestic (US) money transfer
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: ID

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting a complaint regarding Wells Fargos handling of fraud claims involving XXXX transactions. My concern is that Wells Fargo is failing to properly evaluate fraud-induced transactions and is incorrectly categorizing them as no error, rather than addressing whether the transactions were obtained through deception. Through Wells Fargo, I sent a total of {$10000.00} via XXXX to a contractor as part of a home project. Timeline of events : XX/XX/year> : Contractor provided XXXX payment information and directed payment Approximately {$10000.00} was successfully sent via Wells Fargo ( an additional attempted payment was blocked as fraud ) Contractor confirmed receipt of funds ( Yes is all in ) and scheduled the job to begin XX/XX/XXXX : Contractor failed to appear ( no-show ) XX/XX/XXXX : Phone call with contractor, who recommitted to start the following day XX/XX/XXXX : Contractor failed to appear again ( second no-show ) XX/XX/year> : No communication despite multiple attempts to contact him XX/XX/XXXX : Written demand for return of funds sent XX/XX/XXXX : Fraud reported to Wells Fargo ; claims opened XXXX XXXX and XXXX ) XX/XX/XXXX : Report made to XXXX XXXX Sheriffs Office ; case opened and investigation initiated XX/XX/XXXX : Wells Fargo issued determinations on both claims, stating that no error occurred XX/XX/XXXX : I contacted Wells Fargo after receiving the denial and case closure notice ; I was informed the decision would not be changed, the case would not be reopened, and Wells Fargo stood by its no error determination The contractor confirmed receipt of the funds, set a start date, and then ceased all communication. He performed no work whatsoever and provided no materials. This was not a partially completed job or a dispute over qualityno work was performed and no materials were delivered. These Wells Fargo XXXX payments were not independent transactions. They were multiple installments tied to a single agreement, made under the belief that work would be performed. The contractors actions constitute deception : funds were obtained under false pretenses with no intent to perform. Wells Fargo has relied on a narrow interpretation of error and has not meaningfully addressed whether these transactions were induced through deception. While the transactions were processed through XXXX, that does not resolve the issue of fraud-induced payment. Authorization obtained through misrepresentation should not be treated as a valid, error-free transaction. While I understand XXXX transactions are typically considered authorized and irreversible, this situation involves authorization obtained through deception. This is not a dispute over servicesit is a case of complete non-performance and misrepresentation. XXXX framework does not eliminate a banks responsibility to evaluate whether a transaction was induced by fraud. Wells Fargo has relied solely on the fact that the transaction was authorized, without addressing whether that authorization was obtained under false pretenses. Classifying this as no error ignores the underlying fraud and effectively shifts all risk of deception to the customer, even where no services were provided and the recipient ceased communication entirely. This matter has been reported to the XXXX XXXX Sheriffs Office and is currently an active investigation. The contractor was contacted by law enforcement and indicated he would reach out to resolve the matter, but failed to do so and has continued to avoid communication. Wells Fargo has stated that it attempted to recover the funds from the receiving bank but was unsuccessful, and that no further action can be taken. I was also informed that I am not eligible for any goodwill reimbursement or credit. I have supporting documentation, including : Written estimate and agreement Payment confirmations Text messages confirming receipt of funds Evidence of complete non-performance Wells Fargo denial letters Despite clear evidence of deception and complete non-performance, Wells Fargo has classified the matter as involving no error and has assigned the full loss to me. To reiterate, my concern is that Wells Fargo is failing to properly evaluate fraud-induced transactions and is incorrectly categorizing them as no error, rather than addressing whether the transactions were obtained through deception. I am requesting : A full review of these claims as fraud by deception rather than a standard no error determination Reconsideration of reimbursement or account credit for the full amount of {$10000.00} A clear explanation of Wells Fargos policy regarding transactions induced by fraud and how they are evaluated under error determinations I am seeking a fair resolution consistent with the facts of this case.

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