Your credit score is like a financial report card. It determines whether you can get a loan, rent an apartment, or qualify for specific jobs. If your credit score isn’t great, you might be looking for ways to fix it fast. This is where Credit Privacy Numbers (CPNs) come in.
CPNs are advertised as a way to get a fresh start with credit. Some companies claim that purchasing a CPN allows you to apply for loans and credit cards without using your Social Security Number (SSN). But is this a legal and safe option? Or is it just a risky shortcut?
Before deciding, it’s essential to understand how CPNs work, whether they are legal, and what risks they carry. Let’s break it all down.
What Is a CPN, and How Does It Work?
A Credit Privacy Number (CPN) is a nine-digit number that some companies claim can be used in place of an SSN when applying for credit. They promote it to protect your identity or start fresh if you have a low credit score.
The problem? The government does not issue CPNs. There is no official or legal way to create a credit file separate from your SSN. Many CPNs sold online are either made-up numbers or stolen SSNs—often belonging to children or deceased individuals.
Using a CPN in place of an SSN is illegal and can lead to serious legal trouble. So, before making a CPN purchase, you should consider whether it’s worth the risk.
Are CPNs Legal or a Scam?
Some companies claim that CPNs are legal and that attorneys have verified their use. Others say the government issues CPNs for privacy reasons.
Both claims are false.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) have repeatedly warned that CPNs are often linked to fraud. In many cases, these numbers are stolen identities.
If you use a CPN instead of your SSN when applying for credit, you could be charged with fraud or identity theft—even if you didn’t know the number was stolen.
The bottom line: If someone tells you that buying a CPN is a legal way to reset your credit, they are not telling the truth.
The Risks of Using a CPN for Credit
Buying and using a CPN may seem like a shortcut to better credit, but it can cause serious problems, including:
- Legal trouble—Using a CPN instead of an SSN can result in fraud charges, fines, or even jail time.
- Denied credit applications – Lenders check credit reports for inconsistencies. They may reject your application if they see a CPN instead of an SSN.
- Identity theft—Many CPNs are stolen SSNs, and using one can put you at risk of fraud.
- Financial setbacks – Instead of improving your credit, you might end up in more debt or legal trouble.
Instead of taking risky shortcuts, improving your credit the right way is always better.
How to Improve Your Credit the Right Way
If a CPN purchase isn’t the solution, what can you do to build your credit legally? Here are some effective strategies:
- Pay your bills on time – Your payment history is one of the most significant factors in your credit score. Setting up reminders or automatic payments can help.
- Lower your credit utilization – Try to keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limit. This shows lenders you’re responsible with credit.
- Check your credit report regularly – You’re entitled to a free annual credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Look for errors and dispute any inaccuracies.
- Become an authorized user – If someone with good credit adds you as an authorized user on their credit card, their positive payment history can help boost your score.
- Use a secured credit card – A secured card requires a cash deposit, but it helps you build credit responsibly.
Improving your credit takes time, but these methods are safe, legal, and effective.
The Role of Tradelines in Credit Improvement
While CPNs are risky, tradelines can be a legitimate way to improve your credit.
A tradeline is a credit account on your credit report, such as a credit card or loan. Lenders look at your tradelines to assess your creditworthiness.
Some companies offer tradelines CPN services, but this can be misleading. A legal tradeline does not require a CPN. Instead, you can be added as an authorized user to an established tradeline with a positive payment history.
Here’s how it works: If you are added as an authorized user to someone else’s credit card (with their permission), their credit history for that account may show up on your credit report. This can help boost your credit score.
However, not all tradeline services are reputable. If you purchase tradelines, work with a trusted company that follows the law.
What’s Next?
Fixing your credit takes time, but it’s worth the effort. While a CPN purchase may seem like an easy fix, it comes with serious legal risks. Instead of searching for shortcuts, focus on proven credit-building strategies like paying bills on time, reducing debt, and using authorized tradelines.
If you need guidance on improving your credit, Shape My Score offers professional solutions to help you achieve your financial goals. Take control of your credit correctly and secure a better economic future!
