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Wells Fargo Fake Account Settlement

Reimbursement of fees, compensation for potential impact on credit, and an additional cash payment based on any money remaining in the fund after benefits and costs are paid out

Last verified August 28, 2026Source: news-signal:Lifehacker.comHow ClaimWatch verifies cases

This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was July 7, 2018. You can still see what it was about and follow the case in court below. Looking for money you can still claim? Browse open settlements →

What happened

In 2016, Wells Fargo engaged in a fraud scandal involving the unauthorized opening of checking, savings, credit card, and line of credit accounts for customers without their permission. The bank also sold identity theft protection to affected customers. Wells Fargo is settling this class action for approximately $150 million.

Do you qualify?

Anyone who had a checking, savings, credit card, or line of credit account opened by Wells Fargo without their permission, or who purchased identity theft protection from Wells Fargo during the class period.

What you can claim

Read from the official settlement notice. Confirm the terms that apply to you on the administrator's site before filing.

  • Reimbursement of fees

    Reimbursement of fees charged due to unauthorized accounts opened without permission.

  • Compensation for credit impact

    Compensation for potential impact on credit resulting from unauthorized accounts.

  • Additional cash payment

    Additional cash payment based on any money remaining in the settlement fund after benefits and costs are paid out.

How to file

Submit a claim by mail or online at the Wells Fargo class action website (referenced in the settlement materials). For assistance, call 1-866-431-8549. The claim deadline was July 7, 2018, and even those who already received compensation directly from the bank can file as part of the class action.

Common questions

How much does the Wells Fargo Fake Account Settlement pay?
Estimated payout: Reimbursement of fees, compensation for potential impact on credit, and an additional cash payment based on any money remaining in the fund after benefits and costs are paid out. The total settlement fund is $150M. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.
What is the claim deadline for the Wells Fargo Fake Account Settlement?
This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was July 7, 2018. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.
Is the Wells Fargo Fake Account Settlement notice real, or a scam?
Claims are filed at twocents.lifehacker.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.
When will payments from the Wells Fargo Fake Account Settlement be sent?
Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. Payments cannot be issued until the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.

In the news

Headlines via NewsAPI. ClaimWatch isn't affiliated with these publications.

New to class actions?

This summary was generated from public settlement documents and may contain errors. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms on the official settlement website before filing. ClaimWatch is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Filing a claim is free.

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