3 Things The Wells Fargo Scam Taught Us
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

3 Things The Wells Fargo Scam Taught Us

A $190 million lesson

18
3 Things The Wells Fargo Scam Taught Us
New York Times

September 15, 2016, a day that will live in infamy for Wells Fargo. A stunning investigation found that Wells Fargo was using unethical practices to improve sales numbers and created 2 million fake accounts for customers. In the end, Wells Fargo fired the 5,300 employees that carried out the scam and had to pay $190 million in fines, $5 million of which went to the customers who were directly scammed. But this huge mistake by the bank definitely has a few lessons for the American people.

1. Fiscal policy in the US needs an overhaul

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was the hero in this case, fighting for those citizens who were scammed by the company and getting them a good settlement. The CFPB was implemented by the Dodd-Frank financial reform act. However, it has got some famous names against it. Paul Ryan, the current speaker of the house, said that the CFPB "micromanages your life" rather than protecting you. In retaliation, the Choice Act was proposed, cutting the CFPB's power significantly and making banking even more untrustworthy. The Dodd-Frank Bill has its issues too, and because of this, it's clear to Congress and the American people that a clear fiscal policy for protecting consumers is needed.

2. Things can happen that are beyond your control

Sometimes, a simple consumer error can cause a person to get scammed. This can be a huge dilemma, like the Great Depression and the burst of the housing bubble. But the Wells Fargo fraud shows us that some scams can't even be controlled. The entire scam was conducted by 5,300 employees who had full access to consumer's information. We have no choice to give them certain information and withhold some, because they need to have access. And that's something we can never change. Unless we're our own bankers, that's a trust we'll have to have, but that trust continues to decline.

3. Bankers, no matter how big the fraud, stay solid

The leader of this fraud walked off with a huge payday, just when she was about to retire too. And Wells Fargo will continue to make money and get new clients, maybe not in the next month, but definitely in the future. Yes, their stocks will crash. Yes, a lot of employees will lose their jobs. But they will continue to make money because we need bankers. Bankers run the economy, so they will continue to stay solid.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70719
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132343
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments