How to stop wage garnishment with a fraudulent name and SSN mismatch?

Question

In July 2025, my employer began garnishing my wages for child support based on an order with a fraudulent name, though it had my Social Security number. I notified my employer in writing about the name discrepancy, but they continued with the garnishment. I haven't yet contacted the agency that issued the order. What steps can I take to resolve this situation and stop the incorrect garnishment?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

The first thing you should do is immediately contact the child support enforcement agency that issued the garnishment order. Provide them with proof of your identity, including your correct Social Security card, driver’s license, and any documentation showing the name on the order is not yours. Agencies are required to investigate when there is a claim of mistaken identity, especially when the name and Social Security number do not match. 
 
You should also give your employer a copy of the letter you send to the agency so they know you are disputing the validity of the order. Employers are generally required to follow garnishment orders until told otherwise by the issuing agency, which is why your written notice alone wasn’t enough to stop them. By showing that you have formally contested the order, you put pressure on both the agency and your employer to act quickly. 
 
If the garnishment continues despite the clear evidence of a mismatch, you can request a hearing with the court or administrative body that authorized the order. At that point, you can present your documentation and argue that the garnishment was applied in error. Taking action quickly is important, not just to stop the deductions but also to recover any money that was wrongly taken from your pay.

Q: How to stop wage garnishment with a fraudulent name and SSN mismatch?