What is a CPN? How to Spot a Credit Privacy Number Scam
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Protect Yourself from Credit Privacy Number Scams
If you’ve ever struggled with bad credit, you know how frustrating it can be to find a way to fix it. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of that frustration by offering solutions that aren’t just misleading… they’re illegal.
One of the biggest scams out there is the promotion of something called a Credit Privacy Number, or CPN, as a way to apply for credit while bypassing your bad credit history. It sounds too good to be true, right? That’s because it is.
In this article, we’ll break down what a CPN really is, why using one could land you in big trouble, and how you can spot a scam before it’s too late.
What is a Credit Privacy Number (CPN)?
A Credit Privacy Number (CPN) is a nine-digit number that looks a lot like a Social Security Number (SSN). Scammers and fraudulent companies often try to sell CPNs by claiming they can be used instead of your SSN to apply for credit. They might tell you it’s a quick fix for your credit problems by giving you a “new” credit identity.
But here’s the catch: CPNs aren’t real, they aren’t legal, and using one can lead to some serious issues.
CPNs are known by a few different names, like credit profile number or credit protection number, but they all serve the same shady purpose. Scammers make people believe that using a CPN will let them leave their poor credit score behind, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, these numbers are often stolen SSNs or just random numbers generated by fraudsters.
Are CPNs Legal?
Simply put, no. CPNs are not legal. Using a CPN on a credit application is considered identity theft, which is a crime. Some scammers will try to convince you otherwise by misquoting the Privacy Act of 1974, which states that you don’t have to give your SSN to certain businesses. While that might sound convincing, what they don’t tell you is that using anything other than your real SSN on a credit application is a serious offense.
The problem with CPNs is that they’re often stolen Social Security numbers, taken from vulnerable individuals like children, elderly people, or inmates. Scammers sell these stolen numbers as CPNs, knowing full well that the person buying it could face legal consequences.
In some cases, they even use computer algorithms to randomly generate nine-digit numbers that look like SSNs but haven’t been issued yet. Regardless of how the number is obtained, using it to apply for credit is a crime that could lead to heavy fines or even jail time.
Common Misconceptions About CPNs
Scammers have found clever ways to make CPNs seem legitimate, which is why it’s important to debunk some common myths:
Myth: Celebrities use CPNs to protect their privacy.
Some scammers claim that celebrities use CPNs to keep their personal information private. This is completely false. Celebrities, like everyone else, use SSNs for credit applications.
Myth: CPNs give you a fresh start with your credit.
If you have poor credit, the idea of a fresh start might be tempting. But using a CPN isn’t the way to get there. The only thing a CPN will give you is legal trouble.
Myth: There are legitimate CPNs.
No matter what a scammer tells you, there is no such thing as a legitimate CPN. These numbers are always either stolen or fabricated, and using them for credit applications is illegal.
How to Spot a CPN Scam
If you're looking into credit repair, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs that a company might be pushing a CPN scam. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- They offer to give you a “new credit identity.”
- They ask you to lie on credit applications.
- They promise quick fixes for your credit.
- They say CPNs are legal and legit.
Anytime a company offers to give you a brand-new credit identity, that’s a major red flag. This is identity theft, and it’s illegal.
If a company tells you to use false information, like a fake name or address, run the other way. This is another illegal tactic that can land you in serious trouble.
Be wary of anyone promising an instant boost to your credit score. Improving your credit takes time, and anyone claiming otherwise is likely trying to scam you.
Don’t believe it. CPNs are not a legal way to improve your credit. Any company that promotes them is misleading you.
CPNs vs. Legitimate Identification Numbers
It’s easy to see how people can get confused about CPNs, especially since they look similar to other nine-digit identification numbers. However, there’s a big difference between a CPN and legitimate identification numbers like an SSN, EIN, or ITIN:
- Social Security Number (SSN): A nine-digit number issued by the U.S. government to identify individuals for tax and credit purposes.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): A nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify businesses for tax purposes.
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): A nine-digit number issued by the IRS for individuals who need a tax ID but aren’t eligible for an SSN.
Unlike these numbers, which are issued by the government, a CPN is completely fake and has no legal standing.
How to Report a CPN Scam
If you’ve come across a company promoting CPNs or think you’ve been targeted by a CPN scam, it’s important to report it right away. Here’s how:
1.Report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA): The SSA deals with cases of stolen SSNs and identity theft.
2.Contact the Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ investigates financial fraud, including identity theft and scams like CPNs.
3.File a report with your local police: This ensures that local authorities are aware of fraudulent activity in your area and can take action.
Legal Ways to Improve Your Credit
While using a CPN is illegal, there are plenty of legitimate ways to improve your credit score. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Make on-time payments.
- Lower your credit utilization ratio.
- Work with a reputable credit repair company.
The most effective way to boost your credit score is by consistently paying your bills on time. Set up automatic payments if you have trouble remembering due dates.
Try paying down your existing credit balances or ask for a higher credit limit to lower your credit utilization ratio. A good rule of thumb is to keep your ratio under 30%.
A legitimate credit repair company like Global Credit Repair can help you address errors on your credit report and provide guidance on how to rebuild your credit.
Contact Global Credit Repair Today for Effective Credit Repair Guidance
CPNs might sound like a tempting shortcut to improving your credit, but they’re nothing more than a scam that can leave you in serious legal trouble. Don’t let desperation for a better credit score lead you into a trap. Stick to legal and effective credit repair methods, and avoid anyone promising quick fixes.
If you’re struggling with poor credit or if you have questions about your credit, there’s no need to resort to illegal tactics like CPNs. Reach out to our team at Global Credit Repair, where we can help you improve your credit the right way, with no shortcuts or scams—just honest, effective solutions.
