Consumer complaint received 2024-02-04 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Unable to open an account
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
Wells Fargo has wrongfully closed my checking account based on a claim that it can not verify my social security number. 

I'm unaware of any federal law that requires a social security number to obtain a checking account, nevertheless, I presented in person and the bank sent a copy of my social security card to the Frauds & Claims Management department. At the bank, in person, I presented the following identification : 1 ) US Passport ; 2 ) XXXX Driver 's License ; 3 ) Copy of a Mortgage statement to prove address ; 4 ) Copy of a phone bill statement to prove phone number ; and 5 ) copy of my Social Security Card. 

Apparently, Wells Fargo uses some type of 3rd Party on-line verification system to confirm Social Security numbers ( not the actual Social Security Administration database ). This database did not recognize my social security number and the bank couldn't generate some identification questions that the database typically produces. 

The following is a timeline that reveals unreasonable and I believe discriminatory behavior on the part of Wells Fargo : XX/XX/XXXX : I applied on-line to open a non-interest bearing Checking Account. I provided by Driver 's license as proof of ID online. 

XX/XX/XXXX : Wells Fargo email 's acceptance and opening of my account ( no mention of the Need for Social security card proof is made ) XX/XX/XXXX : I set up a financial transfer from my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to the new Wells Fargo Checking account. 

XX/XX/XXXX : Wells Fargo accepts, by email, the electronic transfer and ultimately allows me to transfer funds from the XXXX XXXX XXXX into the Wells Fargo Checking Account. ( Again no mention of the need for Social Security card proof is made ). 

XX/XX/XXXX : I order Checks on the Wells Fargo website that cost {$31.00}, that Wells Fargo accepts and the Checks arrive 7  days later ( Again no mention of the need for Social Security card proof is made by Wells Fargo ). 

XX/XX/XXXX : Wells Fargo allows data sharing between my account and a 3rd party financial account ( XXXX XXXX ) - No mention of the need for Social Security card proof. 

XX/XX/XXXX : As a condition of the account, I set up Direct Deposits from my employer in the amount of {$250.00} for every two weeks. These Direct Deposits were accepted by Wells Fargo on XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX. ( Again, Wells Fargo accepts the deposits and makes no mention of the need for Social Security card proof ) XX/XX/XXXX : Wells Fargo accepts my Bio-metric login as proof to access my checking  account ( again, no mention of the need for Social Security Card proof is made by Wells Fargo ) XX/XX/XXXX : Wells Fargo now accepts a mobile  deposit by me into the checking account ( Wells Fargo accepts the deposit and makes no mention of the need for Social Security card proof ) XX/XX/XXXX : I visit the local Wells Fargo, and make a cash deposit into my checking account. Teller makes no mention of the need for Social Security Card proof. 

XX/XX/XXXX : At this point, I have over a {$31000.00} balance in the checking account. Wells Fargo shuts off my on-line access to my account, freezes my ability to access funds. I call their XXXX number for the fraud department and was told to go to my local branch and present my social security card to lift the freeze. 

XX/XX/XXXX : I visit my local Wells Fargo Branch and present my social security card, US Passport and Driver 's license. The Branch contacts the Fraud department that instructs me to also present additional proof of address and proof of phone. Even with all the identification i presented, access to my account was denied. 

XX/XX/XXXX : On the first date I could set an appointment, I revisit the local Wells Fargo Branch and now present multiple forms of identification including : US Passport, Social Security Card, Driver 's License, Mortgage Bill Statement for proof of address, and Cell Phone Statement for proof of Phone. The Local Wells Fargo Branch faxes all that data to the Fraud Department. The Fraud Department, rejects the physical evidence of identification and says they are closing my account effective XX/XX/XXXX, because their 3rd party database can't identify my social security number. I asked if I can close my account and withdraw my funds, they refused on the basis of not being able to identify me. A position which is not only unreasonable but illogical because they intend to forward the funds to the address I provided. So if they have concerns regarding my identity why would they release the funds? 

I made clear on the recorded voice calls with the Fraud department that my preference is to keep my account and that their procedures are unreasonable given all the identification I provided. At a minimum, if they want to terminate the account they should have allowed me to withdraw my funds. 

What is especially unreasonable is that they allowed me to open an account, purchase checks, provided on line access, accepted mobile deposits, accepted direct deposits, accepted in person bank deposits for nearly 4 weeks before raising any issues regarding identification. 

I find it ironic, that for a bank like Wells Fargo that in XXXX  had to pay {$3.00} XXXX in fines and penalties to federal regulators for setting up fake accounts, that they are making it so difficult for actual honest individuals with physical proof of identity to open a checking account. In locking me out of my account they have caused serious financial and emotional distress. 

I am happy to provide whatever additional written documentation and communication that is necessary to prosecute this complaint.

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