Wells Fargo sacks more than a dozen work from home employees who used ‘mouse movers’ while slacking from their jobs
A top American bank has fired a dozen employees following claims that they were using devices to convince bosses they were working at home.
Some workers allegedly used “mouse movers” to give the “impression of active work”.
During lockdown, products known as “mouse jigglers” were bought by employees across the globe to give the impression they were working while actually being away from their desks.
US firm Wells Fargo sacked employees in its wealth and investment management department following claims workers were using the devices.
The “mouse jiggler” machines allow employees to leave their desk without being detected by their boss – as it moves their computer mouse autonomously.
They were initially used by gamers who did not want their sessions to time out.
But sales took off when workers began discussing tips and best prices for the devices on social media.
A mouse mover can now be purchased for under £6 on Amazon.
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The dismissal of a dozen workers at Wells Fargo was unveiled via disclosures filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and first reported by Bloomberg.
It did not specifically say whether the sacked employees were faking active work from home or in the office.
The latest bombshell comes after the staff at the bank were found to be opening fake customer accounts to meet sales quotas in 2016.
In a statement, a company spokesman said: “Wells Fargo holds employees to the highest standards and does not tolerate unethical behaviour.”
Other City firms have implemented checks to ensure workers are doing their job.
Law firm Hogan Lovells has been tracking swipe card entries to keep tabs on how often lawyers work from its London and Birmingham offices.
Clifford Chance, Slaughter and May, and “Big Four” auditor EY have all also admitted to monitoring office attendance.