Current:Home > Contact-usWells Fargo fires workers after allegedly catching them simulating keyboard activity-InfoLens
Wells Fargo fires workers after allegedly catching them simulating keyboard activity
View Date:2024-12-23 14:28:17
Wells Fargo fired more than a dozen workers last month after allegations that the employees were faking work activity on their computers.
The bank terminated the workers after investigating claims of "simulation of keyboard activity creating impression of active work," according to a filing cited by Bloomberg News, which earlier reported the firings. The terminations were reported in disclosures filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, an organization that oversees broker-dealers in the U.S.
"Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards and does not tolerate unethical behavior," Wells Fargo said in an emailed statement to CBS MoneyWatch. It declined to provide additional comment.
The workers were all in the wealth and investment management division of Wells Fargo, according to Ars Technica.
The firings come as many employees remain remote or in hybrid roles following the pandemic, which shuttered offices around the nation and forced people to work at home. At the same time, some workers reportedly turned to strategies such as "mouse movers" or "mouse jigglers" to trick activity-tracking software used by their employers.
These devices, which cost about $20 each, keep cursors jiggling on screen in a way that mimics mouse movement, making it appear that a worker is active at their computer and working when they're not. There are also devices that automatically press keyboard keys, mimicking the act of typing. Those cost slightly more, at about $60 each.
It's unclear whether the Wells Fargo employees were using mouse movers, or faking work at home or at the office, according to the Bloomberg and Ars Technica reports. Wells Fargo started requiring its workers to go back to the office under a hybrid model in 2022, Bloomberg noted.
The bank has sought to regain its footing after a series of scandals during the past decade, including facing a $3.7 billion fine in 2022 for illegally assessing fees and interest charges on auto loans and mortgages and opening fake accounts in the names of millions of customers.
- In:
- Wells Fargo
Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.
TwitterveryGood! (8)
Related
- Lions QB Jared Goff, despite 5 interceptions, dared to become cold-blooded
- Federal judge affirms MyPillow’s Mike Lindell must pay $5M in election data dispute
- Rep. Ro Khanna, a Biden ally, to meet with Arab American leaders in Michigan before state's primary
- Motocross star Jayden 'Jayo' Archer, the first to land triple backflip, dies practicing trick
- Kentucky governor says investigators will determine what caused deadly Louisville factory explosion
- Kim Kardashian’s New SKIMS Swimwear Collection Is Poolside Perfection With Many Coverage Options
- Machine Gun Kelly Shares Heartbreaking Message on Megan Fox’s Miscarriage
- HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, known for her inspirational talks as a young child, dies at 39
- Prosecutor failed to show that Musk’s $1M-a-day sweepstakes was an illegal lottery, judge says
- Porsha Williams Shares Athleisure You'll Love if You Enjoy Working Out or Just Want To Look Like You Do
Ranking
- Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
- A Progress Report on the IRA Shows Electric Vehicle Adoption Is Going Well. Renewable Energy Deployment, Not So Much
- Ford recalls over 150,000 Expedition, Transit, Lincoln Navigator vehicles: What to know
- Education Department says FAFSA fix is coming for Social Security issue
- Lady Gaga Joins Wednesday Season 2 With Jenna Ortega, So Prepare to Have a Monster Ball
- AT&T cellphone service out for tens of thousands across the country
- A second Alabama IVF provider pauses parts of its program after court ruling on frozen embryos
- Haley looks ahead to Michigan with first TV ad, but faces steep climb in GOP primary
Recommendation
-
The Best Corduroy Pants Deals from J.Crew Outlet, Old Navy, Levi’s & More, Starting at $26
-
Mudslides shut down portions of California's Pacific Coast Highway after heavy rainfall
-
HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, known for her inspirational talks as a young child, dies at 39
-
A hospital is suing to move a quadriplegic 18-year-old to a nursing home. She says no
-
These Michael Kors’ Designer Handbags Are All Under $150 With an Extra 22% off for Singles’ Day
-
Stock market today: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 surges to all time high, near 39,000
-
A Progress Report on the IRA Shows Electric Vehicle Adoption Is Going Well. Renewable Energy Deployment, Not So Much
-
Georgia has the nation’s only Medicaid work requirement. Mississippi could be next