Walmart and Branch Messenger Accused of Forcing Drivers Into Costly Bank Accounts
Alex
Walmart and Branch Messenger Accused of Forcing Drivers Into Costly Bank Accounts Walmart and Branch Messenger Accused of Forcing Drivers Into Costly Bank Accounts Published: December 23, 2024 Walmart and fintech company Branch Messenger are under legal scrutiny as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit alleging unauthorized financial practices that impacted over one million delivery workers. The accusations have sparked significant attention, with claims of exploitative policies targeting Walmart’s Spark Drivers, who deliver packages from warehouses to customers’ doorsteps. The Allegations The CFPB’s lawsuit contends that Walmart and Branch Messenger opened deposit accounts for Spark Drivers without their consent, using sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers. These accounts were allegedly the only option available for drivers to receive their paychecks, despite being independent contractors. The lawsuit further alleges that Walmart threatened termination for drivers who refused to use these accounts, a policy in effect …