Deadline: March 25, 2026
Last updated: March 14, 2026
Wells Fargo CARES Act Mortgage Settlement – You'll Get a Check Automatically. Just Don't Move Without Telling Them.
Wells Fargo agreed to a $56.85 million settlement over claims it incorrectly reported California mortgage accounts to credit bureaus during COVID-19 forbearance. No claim form required — eligible class members automatically receive an equal share by mailed check. The only deadline is March 25, 2026, to object or update your mailing address.
Deadline: March 25, 2026
File Your Claim Now →
At a glance
Applies to
California
Main deadline
March 25, 2026
Benefit
Automatic equal share of the net settlement fund, mailed by check after final court approval. No claim form, no proof, no action required.
Official site
https://www.caresactlitigation.com/
What happened
Class period: March 27, 2020 onward (forbearance received on or after this date)
- The CARES Act required mortgage lenders to report accounts with COVID-19 forbearances as "current" — not "in forbearance" — as long as the borrower was current before the forbearance began
- Wells Fargo allegedly failed to do this, reporting eligible California mortgage accounts as "in forbearance" to credit reporting agencies, which may have damaged borrowers' credit scores
- Plaintiff filed suit on June 18, 2020 in San Diego Superior Court; the case was litigated for over five years
- Both sides agreed to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of further litigation
- Wells Fargo denies all wrongdoing; no court has ruled either way
- Case: Stoff v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Case No. 37-2020-00020808-CU-BT-CTL, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, Judge Katherine A. Bacal presiding
What you can get
Automatic cash payment
Pro rata share of net fund
No claim needed — mailed automatically after final approval
Secondary distribution
Share of any remaining funds
Paid to class members who cashed their first check, if remainder exceeds $5 per person
Key dates
| Action | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Submit / Claim | March 25, 2026 | Last day to submit |
| Object | March 25, 2026 | Tell the court you disagree |
| Final hearing | April 17, 2026 | Judge decides whether to approve |
Who may qualify
- You had a Wells Fargo mortgage on property located in California
- Your account was "current" (not delinquent) when you entered forbearance
- You received a CARES Act forbearance on or after March 27, 2020
- Wells Fargo reported your account as "in forbearance" (or similar) to a consumer reporting agency
- You are not the judge assigned to this case (yes, that's actually in the settlement agreement)
How to file
- No action required — you will automatically receive a check by mail if you qualify
- If you have moved, update your mailing address before March 25, 2026 by contacting the Settlement Administrator
- You have 90 days from when the check is mailed to cash it — after that it is voided
Payment timing
Checks will be mailed automatically after the Court grants final approval at the April 17, 2026 hearing and any appeals are resolved. Each class member receives an equal pro-rata share of the net settlement fund. A secondary distribution may follow if funds remain after the initial distribution.
Important links
Contact
Phone: 1-877-307-7268
Email: info@CaresActLitigation.com
Mail: Wells Fargo CARES Act Mortgage Credit Reporting Class Action
c/o A.B. Data, Ltd.
P.O. Box 173008
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Extra details
- There is NO claim form to file — payments are 100% automatic to eligible class members
- The only reason to contact the administrator before March 25 is to update your mailing address if you've moved
- Settlement checks often arrive in plain white envelopes — do not throw it away thinking it's junk mail
- You have 90 days to cash your check after it's mailed; after that it's voided
- Any uncashed funds go to Credit Builders Alliance, a court-approved nonprofit
- Scam warning: the only legitimate settlement website is caresactlitigation.com and the only legitimate phone number is 1-877-307-7268. No one should ask you for bank account information or a fee to receive your check
FAQ
Do I need to file a claim?
No. This is one of those rare settlements where you do nothing and still get paid. If you qualify, a check will be mailed to you automatically after the court approves the settlement.
Who qualifies?
California homeowners with a Wells Fargo mortgage who were current on their payments and received a CARES Act forbearance on or after March 27, 2020, and whose account was reported as "in forbearance" to a credit bureau.
How much will I get?
Each class member gets an equal share of the net settlement fund. The exact amount won't be confirmed until after fees, expenses, and the administrator's costs are deducted from the $56.85 million total.
What is the March 25 deadline for?
Only for filing a written objection to the settlement, or to appear at the final approval hearing. It is not a claim deadline — there is no claim to file.
What if I've moved?
Contact the administrator before March 25, 2026 at 1-877-307-7268 or info@CaresActLitigation.com to update your mailing address. Otherwise your check may go to the wrong place.
How long do I have to cash my check?
90 days from when it's mailed. After that it's voided, so don't let it sit on your counter.
When will I get my check?
After the April 17, 2026 final approval hearing, assuming no appeals delay things. The court's decision may not be immediate — check caresactlitigation.com for updates.
What happens if I do nothing?
You still get paid — that's the whole point. Unless you actively file a written objection by March 25, you're in the class and will receive a check.
Use the official website
Always confirm details on the official site. If something feels off, stop and verify before sharing personal info.
Info only. Verify details on the official site. Not legal, financial, or tax advice. Legal
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