Wells Fargo Considering Offering to Illegals
Wells Fargo & Co. might be the next bank to distribute credit cards to checking account customers who don’t have Social Security numbers — namely, undocumented immigrants.
The contentious issue captured national headlines earlier this month after Bank of America announced plans to expand its pilot credit card program throughout Latino-heavy Los Angeles County. The bank has defended its program, saying it is designed to help BofA customers build a credit history.
Now, Wells Fargo & Co., which doesn’t have a branch presence in Northeast Florida but is a national force, is contemplating a similar program.
“We are exploring the possibility of offering unsecured credit cards to Wells Fargo checking account customers who do not have Social Security numbers,” said Marge Rice, Wells Fargo vice president of regional banking communications. “Wells Fargo recognizes a great need for equal access to financial products and services for all customers who want to build credit, establish financial security and achieve the American dream.”
Any Thoughts?
March 1st, 2007 at 11:47 am
They have been, unashamedly, opening banking products for people without proper identification for some time now. There should be the same anger towards this as there was with B of A. It’s not their fault they didn’t get caught sooner. It’s utterly disgusting that it is legal to take advantage of people like they are. It’s worse that they try to play it off as if they are providing a service. You and I are also victims here, but those who come in without the proper ID are the ones who will get hurt worst by these predators.