This is the second installment of an ongoing expose of egregious Wells Fargo deceptive trade practices. Will take some time to fully upload all correspondence and documentation, as well as subsequent analysis. This week, the first two hard copy complaints filed with the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division have been posted. There is far more to come. Far more. Patience.
Richard Cordray, Director
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
P.O. Box 4503
Iowa City, Iowa 52244
September 20, 2013
Re: Egregious Deceptive Trade Practices-Wells Fargo
Dear Mr. Cordray:
On January 18, 2013, this writer attempted to open a checking account with Wells Fargo, MAC T7025-010, Kingsland, Texas. While this account as well as a savings account additionally required by bank policy were opened, it was clearly done under false pretenses by Amanda Wright, Personal Banker, NMLSR ID: 936717. Under supervision of Lynn Massey, Store Manager, NMLSR ID: 555274.
Before providing complete details, this complaint was delayed due to severe out of state family problems initially requiring re-opening of a checking account with Wells Fargo, personal health issues, and relaunch of an investigative publication that was immediately hacked upon relaunch months ago.
On January 18, this writer approached Ms Wright with a substantial United States Treasury Check and the need to re-open a checking account. – Closed several years earlier when the bank greedily changed policy and attempted to charge an enormous monthly service charge on a free checking account that had been open since 1999. … Charge customers for using their money.
Ms. Wright insisted, to obtain free checking, substantial deposits would have to remain in not only a checking account, but a savings account as well. In addition, this writer would be required to participate in online banking. – Bank policy, she falsely claimed. The following is a detailed listing of the deceptive trade practices perpetrated by Wells Fargo:
1)The Consumer Account Application she showed me on a computer monitor, and had this writer electronically sign, was not the same as the written hard-copy subsequently provided. Realized that on the way home and immediately returned to the bank. The electronic display did not include the following bank policy: “You are authorized to make any inquiries that you consider appropriate to determine if you should open or maintain the account. This may include ordering a credit report or other report (i.e. information from any motor vehicle department or other state agency) on me.”
In bold font, it continues: “I have received a copy of the applicable account agreement, the privacy policy, and the Direct Deposit Advance Service Agreement and Product Guide* (as each may be amended from time to time) and agree to be bound by their terms. I also agree to the terms of the dispute resolution program described in the foregoing agreements. Under the dispute resolution program, our disputes will be decided before one or more neutral persons in an arbitration proceeding and not by a jury trial or a trial before a judge.”
Had I been informed of these policies, would never had electronically signed the agreement. Never would have agreed to a credit check to open a checking or savings account. What for? Had no intention of borrowing money, just depositing a rather sizable amount. Never bounced a check. Never gave Wells Fargo any problems, – until now with this complaint. Never would have willingly forfeited the constitutional right to go to court to resolve a dispute and foolishly agree to binding arbitration.
… Which is nearly always controlled, manipulated by these exceptionally poorly-regulated corporations that usually do precisely as they please. When confronted, Ms. Wright falsely feigned ignorance. Had a 'deer in the headlights' facial expression. Had no explanation.
Demanded to talk to the Store Manager. Ms. Massey informed me the bank was the government, they could do as they please. Quickly informed her the bank was not the government, only FDIC insured. Remains an accurate measure of the Aryan arrogance of Wells Fargo corporate management, however. Quickly informed her I would sue should my privacy be abrogated by a credit or records check.
She offered to cancel both accounts. Refused. Had already disclosed personal information this writer could not recover from this outrageously corrupt and abusive corporation. Information it would share with anyone it pleased with impunity, Information it could and would not protect. Leading to the next example of egregious deceptive trade practices:
2)When Ms. Wright opened the new accounts, she was immediately able to access all personal information on the old checking account that had been opened in 1999 and closed several years ago as earlier stated. I pointedly asked her what my personal information was still doing on a Wells Fargo computer network accessible all over the country, as well as the rest of the world. Anyone could have obtained that information or hacked the system. She had no response. Neither did the Store Manager.
The account had long since been closed. That information belongs to me, not the bank. I never signed any agreement with Wells Fargo forfeiting my right to my own personal information. Yet, there it was. Worse, it included false information that I had never given the bank. Refused to give Wells Fargo when the account was originally opened in 1999. For damned good reason. Was none of their business, or the government's.
Clearly, the deceptive officer who opened the account years ago made up false information. Outrageously, filled in the blanks after I left the bank. Ms. Wright desperately tried to elicit correct information that I quickly refused to give her. As a law-abiding citizen, it's none of the bank's business, none of the government's business. “Know Your Customer” policy is an outrageous invasion of personal privacy of innocent citizens, falsely in the name of “national 'security.'” Rather it is implementation of a fascist police-state this writer will never accept, never cooperate with. The hell with the treasonous, traitorous USA 'Patriot' Act.
Having received a written bogus policy follow-up from Wells Fargo Legal from Ms. Massey, she again offered to close the accounts. I refused and informed her complaints would be filed against the bank with state and federal authorities.
She subsequently changed the requirements for maintaining a 'free' checking and savings account. Interesting, isn't it? Lowered the minimums required. Did away with the online banking requirement. – The online agreement forced on account holders is worse than the written one. More repressive. More invasive. She wanted me to re-electronically sign the agreement. Refused, since it would have abrogated my right to sue if my privacy is, or was, invaded or Wells Fargo engages in any further deceptive trade practices.
Without question, Ms. Wright is a brilliant, young, gifted woman. Who likely knowingly capitulated to pressure brought to bear by her corporate masters to engage in self-serving, lucrative deceptive trade practices. As low woman on the totem pole, she possibly believed she had no choice. Conversely, as a seasoned banking veteran, Ms. Massey has no excuse.
Until rampant deceptive trade practices are effectively addressed by authorities, there will be no faith or trust in the hopelessly greedy, abusive, corrupt, arrogant banking community. Precisely why an increasing number eschew business with them, – unless forced by personal circumstances.
Should an ordinary Joe or Jane engage in such deceptive practices as the banking industry, they are rightfully quickly indicted for fraud or worse. Not so, the banking community. Rather, it's protected and coddled by authorities. Too big to fail. This has to change.
For your information, every other bank canvassed in this area is as bad or worse than Wells Fargo regarding policy. None are effectively regulated. None. Not one of them. All do as they please. With virtual impunity. Convenient isn't it? Are all in bed with their 'regulators?' Certainly, seems so. Whose money, personal information do they truly think it belongs to? Them? Arrogance, hubris? Unlimited, endless. National socialist.
Coup de grace? A most poignant example of abject corporate cluelessness? By a corporate management suite that clearly doesn't 'get it?' The following outrageously galling phony propaganda printed on the monthly statement: “Thank you for being a loyal Wells Fargo customer. We value your trust in our company and look forward to continuing to serve you with your financial needs.” Is that right?
Who the hell are they kidding? They're delusional. They betray their customers, callously invade privacy, falsely believe they own account holder personal information, share private information with whomever they choose as long as their pockets are lined, pay pennies in interest for thousands deposited, release financial information to government goons without a warrant.
How? Courtesy of National Security Letters that are outrageously unconstitutional despite rulings to the contrary by the fascists legislating their perverse ideological views from the bench in support of their corporate masters. Insult to injury? These very same bankers and others are forced by the very same dictators in government not to disclose to account holders that they've been betrayed not only by our outrageously corrupt and abusive government, but the corporate management suite that cowardly complies. Yet, this very same corporate management suite gallingly and falsely believes they're 'serving' account holders. How? By betraying the best interests of their customers? They serve only themselves, 'Regulators' aid and abet. A fascist police-state.
While customer service truly stinks, remains non-existent at Wells Fargo, it's as bad or worse elsewhere. Precisely, why the banking cartel does as it pleases. Why? Because it can. If an account weren't needed for legal reasons currently, this bank would be promptly dumped.
Why is it a United States Treasury Check cannot be cashed at any FDIC-insured bank with identification without a substantial charge, -- or at all? That is, some of these federally-insured banks will not cash these checks. Why? One wanted to loot this writer approximately $300 for the 'privilege' of cashing a check from the government insuring it. Hubris. Unbridled greed. Aryan arrogance.
Upon resolution of these issues by state and federal authorities, kindly be advised Liberty In Peril will post an expose' on the banking industry and the government's egregious failure to date to properly regulate it. Worse? Failure to correct the abuses, corruption, deception, and outright fraud repeatedly committed by these banks. This letter and all correspondence from you and your agency will be ultimately posted in my publication. Redacted as necessary.
Sincerely,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly,
The Llano Ledger
www.libertyinperil.x10.mx
www.libertyinperil.twomini.com
www.libertyinperil.wink.ws
www.libertyinperil.t15.org
www.libertyinperil.freewebhostings.ru
P.O. Box 151
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609
c: Liberty In Peril
Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711-2548
September 20, 2013
Re: Egregious Deceptive Trade Practices-Wells Fargo
Dear Mr. Abbott:
On January 18, 2013, this writer attempted to open a checking account with Wells Fargo, MAC T7025-010, Kingsland, Texas. While this account as well as a savings account additionally required by bank policy were opened, it was clearly done under false pretenses by Amanda Wright, Personal Banker, NMLSR ID: 936717. Under supervision of Lynn Massey, Store Manager, NMLSR ID: 555274.
Before providing complete details, this complaint was delayed due to severe out of state family problems initially requiring re-opening of a checking account with Wells Fargo, personal health issues, and relaunch of an investigative publication that was immediately hacked upon relaunch months ago.
On January 18, this writer approached Ms Wright with a substantial United States Treasury Check and the need to re-open a checking account. – Closed several years earlier when the bank greedily changed policy and attempted to charge an enormous monthly service charge on a free checking account that had been open since 1999. … Charge customers for using their money.
Ms. Wright insisted, to obtain free checking, substantial deposits would have to remain in not only a checking account, but a savings account as well. In addition, this writer would be required to participate in online banking. – Bank policy, she falsely claimed. The following is a detailed listing of the deceptive trade practices perpetrated by Wells Fargo:
1)The Consumer Account Application she showed me on a computer monitor, and had this writer electronically sign, was not the same as the written hard-copy subsequently provided. Realized that on the way home and immediately returned to the bank. The electronic display did not include the following bank policy: “You are authorized to make any inquiries that you consider appropriate to determine if you should open or maintain the account. This may include ordering a credit report or other report (i.e. information from any motor vehicle department or other state agency) on me.”
In bold font, it continues: “I have received a copy of the applicable account agreement, the privacy policy, and the Direct Deposit Advance Service Agreement and Product Guide* (as each may be amended from time to time) and agree to be bound by their terms. I also agree to the terms of the dispute resolution program described in the foregoing agreements. Under the dispute resolution program, our disputes will be decided before one or more neutral persons in an arbitration proceeding and not by a jury trial or a trial before a judge.”
Had I been informed of these policies, would never had electronically signed the agreement. Never would have agreed to a credit check to open a checking or savings account. What for? Had no intention of borrowing money, just depositing a rather sizable amount. Never bounced a check. Never gave Wells Fargo any problems, – until now with this complaint. Never would have willingly forfeited the constitutional right to go to court to resolve a dispute and foolishly agree to binding arbitration. … Which is nearly always controlled, manipulated by these exceptionally poorly-regulated corporations that usually do precisely as they please. When confronted, Ms. Wright falsely feigned ignorance. Had a 'deer in the headlights' facial expression. Had no explanation.
Demanded to talk to the Store Manager. Ms. Massey informed me the bank was the government, they could do as they please. Quickly informed her the bank was not the government, only FDIC insured. Remains an accurate measure of the Aryan arrogance of Wells Fargo corporate management, however. Quickly informed her I would sue should my privacy be abrogated by a credit or records check.
She offered to cancel both accounts. Refused. Had already disclosed personal information this writer could not recover from this outrageously corrupt and abusive corporation. Information it would share with anyone it pleased with impunity, Information it could and would not protect. Leading to the next example of egregious deceptive trade practices:
2)When Ms. Wright opened the new accounts, she was immediately able to access all personal information on the old checking account that had been opened in 1999 and closed several years ago as earlier stated. I pointedly asked her what my personal information was still doing on a Wells Fargo computer network accessible all over the country, as well as the rest of the world. Anyone could have obtained that information or hacked the system. She had no response. Neither did the Store Manager.
The account had long since been closed. That information belongs to me, not the bank. I never signed any agreement with Wells Fargo forfeiting my right to my own personal information. Yet, there it was. Worse, it included false information that I had never given the bank. Refused to give Wells Fargo when the account was originally opened in 1999. For damned good reason. Was none of their business, or the government's.
Clearly, the deceptive officer who opened the account years ago made up false information. Outrageously, filled in the blanks after I left the bank. Ms. Wright desperately tried to elicit correct information that I quickly refused to give her. As a law-abiding citizen, it's none of the bank's business, none of the government's business. “Know Your Customer” policy is an outrageous invasion of personal privacy of innocent citizens, falsely in the name of “national 'security.'” Rather it is implementation of a fascist police-state this writer will never accept, never cooperate with. The hell with the treasonous, traitorous USA 'Patriot' Act.
Having received a written bogus policy follow-up from Wells Fargo Legal from Ms. Massey, she again offered to close the accounts. I refused and informed her complaints would be filed against the bank with state and federal authorities.
She subsequently changed the requirements for maintaining a 'free' checking and savings account. Interesting, isn't it? Lowered the minimums required. Did away with the online banking requirement. – The online agreement forced on account holders is worse than the written one. More repressive. More invasive. She wanted me to re-electronically sign the agreement. Refused, since it would have abrogated my right to sue if my privacy is, or was, invaded or Wells Fargo engages in any further deceptive trade practices.
Without question, Ms. Wright is a brilliant, young, gifted woman. Who likely knowingly capitulated to pressure brought to bear by her corporate masters to engage in self-serving, lucrative deceptive trade practices. As low woman on the totem pole, she possibly believed she had no choice. Conversely, as a seasoned banking veteran, Ms. Massey has no excuse.
Until rampant deceptive trade practices are effectively addressed by authorities, there will be no faith or trust in the hopelessly greedy, abusive, corrupt, arrogant banking community. Precisely why an increasing number eschew business with them, – unless forced by personal circumstances.
Should an ordinary Joe or Jane engage in such deceptive practices as the banking industry, they are rightfully quickly indicted for fraud or worse. Not so, the banking community. Rather, it's protected and coddled by authorities. Too big to fail. This has to change.
For your information, every other bank canvassed in this area is as bad or worse than Wells Fargo regarding policy. None are effectively regulated. None. Not one of them. All do as they please. With virtual impunity. Convenient isn't it? Are all in bed with their 'regulators?' Certainly, seems so. Whose money, personal information do they truly think it belongs to? Them? Arrogance, hubris? Unlimited, endless. National socialist.
Coup de grace? A most poignant example of abject corporate cluelessness? By a corporate management suite that clearly doesn't 'get it?' The following outrageously galling phony propaganda printed on the monthly statement: “Thank you for being a loyal Wells Fargo customer. We value your trust in our company and look forward to continuing to serve you with your financial needs.” Is that right?
Who the hell are they kidding? They're delusional. They betray their customers, callously invade privacy, falsely believe they own account holder personal information, share private information with whomever they choose as long as their pockets are lined, pay pennies in interest for thousands deposited, release financial information to government goons without a warrant.
How? Courtesy of National Security Letters that are outrageously unconstitutional despite rulings to the contrary by the fascists legislating their perverse ideological views from the bench in support of their corporate masters. Insult to injury? These very same bankers and others are forced by the very same dictators in government not to disclose to account holders that they've been betrayed not only by our outrageously corrupt and abusive government, but the corporate management suite that cowardly complies. Yet, this very same corporate management suite gallingly and falsely believes they're 'serving' account holders. How? By betraying the best interests of their customers? They serve only themselves, 'Regulators' aid and abet. A fascist police-state.
While customer service truly stinks, remains non-existent at Wells Fargo, it's as bad or worse elsewhere. Precisely, why the banking cartel does as it pleases. Why? Because it can. If an account weren't needed for legal reasons currently, this bank would be promptly dumped.
Why is it a United States Treasury Check cannot be cashed at any FDIC-insured bank with identification without a substantial charge, -- or at all? That is, some of these federally-insured banks will not cash these checks. Why? One wanted to loot this writer approximately $300 for the 'privilege' of cashing a check from the government insuring it. Hubris. Unbridled greed. Aryan arrogance.
Upon resolution of these issues by state and federal authorities, kindly be advised Liberty In Peril will post an expose' on the banking industry and the government's egregious failure to date to properly regulate it. Worse? Failure to correct the abuses, corruption, deception, and outright fraud repeatedly committed by these banks. This letter and all correspondence from you and your agency will be ultimately posted in my publication. Redacted as necessary.
Sincerely,
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly,
The Llano Ledger
www.libertyinperil.x10.mx
www.libertyinperil.twomini.com
www.libertyinperil.wink.ws
www.libertyinperil.t15.org
www.libertyinperil.freewebhostings.ru
P.O. Box 151
Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609
c: Liberty In Peril