MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis woman’s battle with the Social Security Administration (SSA) over a mistakenly issued paper check has ended, taking an ABC24 investigation to seek a solution.
Shameter Wicks, a lifelong Memphian, had recently been approved for Social Security benefits, receiving $708 in monthly paperless deposits directly into her bank account.
However, over the summer of 2024, Wicks unexpectedly received a paper check for the same amount — $708 — in the mail.
“I’m just so sick but thank God he’s keeping me here,” Wicks said, reflecting on the struggles she’s endured.
When Wicks received the check, the SSA advised her not to cash it, instructing her to return the check to their office, which she did.
“They told me to bring it back to the Social Security office, I did. I took it back to the Social Security office and gave it to them,” she explained.
Wicks thought the issue was resolved.
Despite returning the check, Wicks said the SSA’s computer system showed otherwise. Instead of the full $708 being deposited into her account each month, she noticed her monthly benefits were cut down to $637, with $70.80 deducted each time to “make up” for the extra check.
“I go to the Social Security office, they give me the runaround. They brush me off and send me out the door. I don’t know what else to do but to call you all to try and get some help,” Wicks said, frustrated with the lack of resolution.
After Wicks reached out for help, ABC24 investigated the issue and visited the Social Security office on Cleveland Avenue. After having Wicks' situation explained, the director immediately launched an internal investigation.
Within moments, the deductions from Wicks’ checks were stopped.
Further inquiries were made to the SSA’s Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta. After the investigation, Wicks was reimbursed the more than $200 that had been mistakenly deducted from her monthly payments. She was assured that no further deductions would be taken from her checks going forward.
“I love it. You took care, you solved my problem. Thank you!” said Wicks, visibly relieved and grateful.
In a statement to ABC24, the Social Security Administration said, “Due to privacy laws, we cannot discuss individual cases. However, we can share that we are working with Ms. Wicks to address her concerns. We apologize for any delays in addressing her concerns and encourage people to ask for a member of management if their questions/requests are not timely addressed when contacting or visiting a Social Security office.”
Wicks’ story serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence when dealing with bureaucratic processes — and how local news investigations can provide the necessary pressure to resolve long-standing issues.