Former Wells Fargo banker gets the boot, files suit

A New Jersey woman is suing Wells Fargo & Co., alleging she was fired for refusing to scam bank customers into opening unnecessary accounts, according to an article on NJ.com.

Melinda Bini, a former assistant vice president and regional private banker at a bank branch in Highland Park, New Jersey, claims that supervisors instructed her to manipulate accounts and sell banking products or investments that were not the customers' best interest or without their knowledge.

She claims that her refusal to participate the "unlawful and unethical banking" resulted in harassment and retaliation, according to the suit, as reported in the newspaper Monday. 

The lawsuit, filed in Middlesex County Superior Court on April 5, names Wells Fargo and three local bank supervisors, according to the article. A spokesman for Wells Fargo told reporters that the three supervisors named in the lawsuit are still employed by the bank, but did not comment on the allegations. 

The alleged scheme was described as similar to the bank’s widespread scam that led to $100 million in federal fines, according to the newspaper. 

The plaintiff’s lawsuit is seeking reinstatement at the bank and undisclosed damages.