Annie Melton, 82, has always counted on her Social Security check being deposited directly into her bank account. But in January, her $614 check never showed up.

When she complained to the SSA, it told her someone using her information had her check redirected to a debit card.

“It got on my nerves so bad,” Melton said. “I said, ‘All these bills I got to pay and somebody done stole my ID.’”

Melton talked to the company authorized by the SSA to issue debit cards. Direct Express told her the card had been used to withdraw all her money at an ATM in New York.

“They just pick on senior citizens, seems like,” Melton said.

She asked SSA to issue her another check, but it refused and told her it would open a fraud investigation.

That's when Action 9 went with her to the Social Security Administration Charlotte office, asking how this could have happened.

An SSA spokeswoman said Melton was a victim of a phishing scam targeting seniors.  She said seniors should not give their Social Security number over the phone unless the seniors themselves initiate the contact.

The agency corrected Melton’s file and then deposited $614 into her bank account.

Melton is now happy and has a message for seniors.

“Be careful with your Social (Security number). Don’t give it out unless you have to,” she said.