Woman nearly loses her Social Security benefits over false claims she made more than $100K

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A Raleigh woman was concerned about losing her Social Security benefits because of claims that she was making a six-figure salary.

The problem? She says she hasn’t worked for years. “When I read the letter, it stated that I had worked in January 2024 through December 2024. I just busted out laughing, and I said, ‘This is a joke,’ because I have not worked since 2019,” said Audrey Richardson.

Since 2019, Richardson says she’s been on disability, then survivors’ benefits, and now social security since she’s 65 years old. She said she never had a problem with her benefits until now. The letter explains that her monthly benefits would be cut.

“I will only get $163, period. I live alone, and that is the only income that I receive.”

The letter states the reason for the cut is that Richardson made $114,572 in 2024. She reached out to Social Security for answers, who she says told her the company where it claims she made that much money.

Richardson said she told the representative, “Ma’am, I’ve never heard of them. I promise you I have never worked anywhere like that.”

She says she was told that their records state she did work for the company. Not happy, Richardson tracked down a representative in the Human Resources department for the company where the Social Security Administration records claimed she worked. She says that person told her, “I’ve looked at my records here. We haven’t even paid anybody that amount that you gave. I looked it up by your four digits of your social security number, and once again, you’ve never been working with us.”

That company even provided a letter for the Social Security Administration confirming Richardson never worked for them. Richardson says she called SSA to confirm her benefits would not be cut, but claims they told her she had to appeal.

“I wasn’t satisfied, and so, that’s when I said, ‘You know what? It’s time for troubleshooting. I need to call Miss Diane Wilson.” ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson got in touch with the Social Security Administration. Shortly after, Richardson said she also heard from them.

She says they corrected the issue and that her benefits would not be impacted, and she continued to get the monthly amount as usual. Richards said she is relieved.

A representative with the Social Security Administration thanked Wilson for contacting them, but stated that, due to privacy laws, they can’t discuss individual cases. However, they would work directly with Richardson, which they did, and resolve the case.

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