I purchased new furniture for the first time in my life and tried to take advantage on a 24 month finance with no interest rate offered. I was informed that this process would require a credit check for approval of a Wells Fargo Retail Credit Card. The salesperson filled out the online application and informed me that typically during this process the applier while at the furniture store receives a phone call verifying I have requested this credit check. Makes perfect sense, but as I sat in the salespersons office that phone call never came.
Long story short, I ended up just paying the $4,500.00 for my new furniture after waiting 45 minutes to just be denied without any explanation. The salesperson could not provide me with reasons why my application was denied, but informed me I would receive a letter detailing why.
Ten days later the denial letter came, and the only thing listed:
Unable to authenticate identity of applicant…
I immediately called my ex-wife and ran this information through her, because oddly enough she works for Wells Fargo. Plus to beat it all the same week applying for this Wells Fargo Retail Credit Card, I was pre approved through 2 other Banks (NOT WELLS FARGO) for $280,000 first time home buyers loan. Weird they Authenticated my identity. I was informed to call Wells Fargo Executive Office to file a complaint.
I was issued a Case# and informed that my Case Specialist would reach out to me once one was assigned. Guess what no one reached out to me. Several days later I again called the Wells Fargo Executive Office and voiced my discern for this whole ordeal and the horrible Customer Service provided by Wells Fargo Bank along with a Fraudulent Hard Credit Inquiry on my report for in my opinion no good reason at all.
My Wells Fargo Case Specialist O.Y. assured me that the matter would be looked into and he would reach back out in a couple of days. Wells Fargo Case Specialist O.Y. asked me to verify my personal information before this conversation ended.
Wells Fargo Case Specialist O.Y. never returned that phone call, super shocking I know….. I did call the Wells Fargo Executive Office several more times trying to speak with my Wells Fargo Complaint Case Specialist O.Y., he was either not able to pick up or the other occasion had left for the day. Each time I left a confidential voicemail on his work phone extension. Crickets from that guy.
10 days later I received the results from Wells Fargo Executive Office from my Complaint Specialist O.Y.:
Dear # *:
Thank you for contacting us. We completed our research and are providing details to address your concerns.
We’re sorry for any service concerns you may have experienced. We strive to provide exceptional service, and it’s disappointing to learn we didn’t meet this expectation. We’re constantly reviewing and revising our practices and procedures to improve the customers experience, and we appreciate any input that helps us do this.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
After a careful investigation, Wells Fargo uses a number of authentication tools to help protect and validate a customers identity. We were unable to approve the request for credit because we were unable to authenticate your identity, using the information and tools available to us.
A hard pull is completed when a consumer application for credit is made, such as a credit card. Our records show we sent a letter on the decision about your credit card account application and how your credit score can be affected on September 16, 2023. Unfortunately, when an application is denied, we do not make phone call attempts. We have enclosed a copy of this letter for your review. We apologize for any inconvenience. This may have caused you.
CASE STATUS
We have closed the case as of the date of this letter. If we receive additional information, we will open a new case to address any remaining or new concerns.
Wells Fargo used Trans Union LLC for my retail credit card application. I pulled my Trans Union credit to see if there was anything wrong with this report. There wasn’t a thing wrong and I was able to Authenticate my own identity, so why could Wells Fargo not do the same I wonder? Could it possibly be the Wells Fargo requested a Hard Inquiry first name spelled correctly but last name misspelled. Not only did Wells Fargo do this once but twice. I 100% know it was Wells Fargo and the furniture retailer because I had the retailer email me a copy of the credit request to Wells Fargo for financing.
Sure wish I could post the picture of my Trans Union Credit Report:
Inquiry Analysis Section:
The companies that request your credit report must first provide certain information about you. Within the past 90 days, companies that requested your credit report, provided the following information.
My First Name Spelled Correctly but
My Last Name Spelled with one letter incorrect. No freaking wondering Wells Fargo is unable to authenticate my identity…
At this point really could care less about the Wells Fargo Retail Credit Card, what I do care about is The Hard Inquiry this whole ordeal has left on my Credit Report. Wells Fargo Bank or Executive Office or whom ever:
DO THE RIGHT THING REMOVE THIS HARD INQUIRY FROM MY CREDIT REPORT…..
I truly hope someone with some sense from Wells Fargo Bank will read this and reach out to me.
Wells Fargo Case #: [protected]
Appli #: 3179
Best Regards,
Just an American trying to Survive!