Consumer complaint received 2026-03-05 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt was result of identity theft
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
I am submitting this rebuttal regarding the response provided by Wells Fargo concerning the credit card account they claim belongs to me. After reviewing Wells Fargos response and the documents they provided, it is clear that the bank has failed to verify that I opened, authorized, or benefited from this account. Instead of providing the documentation I requested, Wells Fargo continues to submit transaction histories, which are not proof of identity or authorization. Transactions Are Not Proof of Account Ownership Wells Fargo continues to provide only transaction histories from the account. Transaction records only show that activity occurred on an account ; they do not verify who opened the account or who authorized it. Transactions are not proof that I applied for, opened, or authorized this account. Despite my requests, Wells Fargo has failed to provide : The original signed credit application Any verified electronic signature Identification used to open the account Identity verification documentation IP address or device authentication records used during the application Card activation records Proof that I received the credit card Because Wells Fargo has failed to produce these records, it appears the documentation verifying the identity of the person who opened this account does not exist. Incorrect Address Used on the Application The application information Wells Fargo provided lists the address : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NC This address has never been my residence and has never been associated with me. My residence during XXXX was : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, NC Wells Fargo has provided no documentation showing that the address used on the application belongs to me or has ever been connected to my identity. Additionally, the address listed appears to be associated with a residential community commonly known as XXXX XXXX, which includes housing for elderly residents. This raises further concern that the address may be used by multiple residents and that anyone could have used that location when applying for credit. If Wells Fargo approved a credit card using an address that was not verified as belonging to me, this demonstrates a failure in their identity verification procedures. Savings Account Wells Fargo Claims Is Mine Wells Fargo also claims that a payment was made from a Wells Fargo savings account ending in XXXX. I have never opened or maintained any Wells Fargo bank accounts. If Wells Fargo believes this account belongs to me, they must provide documentation proving that my identity was verified when that account was opened. Failure to Conduct a Reasonable Investigation The documentation Wells Fargo provided suggests that their fraud review and internal investigation occurred within an extremely short timeframe, effectively a one-day internal review, before concluding the account belonged to me. A one-day review based only on internal transaction records does not constitute a reasonable investigation. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, companies must conduct a reasonable investigation and ensure the accuracy of information they report. History of Regulatory Violations It is also important to note that Wells Fargo has previously faced enforcement actions related to unauthorized accounts and improper banking practices. For example : In XXXX, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX fined Wells Fargo {$180.00} XXXX after discovering millions of unauthorized bank and credit card accounts were opened without customer consent. In XXXX, the Federal Reserve imposed an asset cap on Wells Fargo due to widespread consumer abuses and risk management failures. In XXXX, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Wells Fargo agreed to pay {$3.00} XXXX to resolve investigations related to opening accounts without customer authorization. In XXXX, the CFPB ordered Wells Fargo to pay {$3.00} XXXX in penalties and consumer redress for widespread consumer harm. These enforcement actions demonstrate a documented history of improper account practices and unauthorized accounts. Requested Resolution Because Wells Fargo has failed to provide the requested documentation verifying that I opened or authorized this account, and because the address used on the application has never belonged to me, I request that Wells Fargo : XXXX. Immediately remove this account from all consumer credit reporting agencies, or XXXX. Provide full documentation verifying the identity of the individual who opened the account, including identification used during the application process and proof that the application address was associated with me. At this time, Wells Fargo has not provided any credible evidence linking this account to me. Thank you for your review

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