Have you ever been approached about a CPN application? Maybe you’re wondering how to get a CPN number? This is a situation where you could innocently be tricked into breaking the law while thinking you’re building your credit score. No valid company will ask you to apply for a CPN number or pay for it. If you’ve considered how to apply for CPN, it’s not a solution to fix your credit score and could put you in danger.
If you’re wondering how to obtain a CPN number, we’ve put together the ideal guide to help you ensure you’re making the right moves for your credit.
What is a CPN number and how does it work?
A CPN number stands for credit profile number. It can also stand for credit privacy number or consumer privacy number. It is similar to a Social Security number but is generally used for credit repair scams. You should never buy a CPN number.
People with poor credit are often tricked into purchasing a CPN number to repair their bad credit or to qualify for a loan with a higher credit score criteria. These scams prey on people who are most vulnerable and put them in even more trouble. Misrepresenting your Social Security number is illegal.
While you may be tempted to get a CPN, the implications of buying one can be far worse than building up your credit legally. Ultimately, it’s not worth it.
Should you apply for a CPN number to fix your credit?
Considering a CPN application to re-establish your credit identity or give yourself a clean slate? Don’t apply for a CPN number! They’re illegal and could land you in jail.
The CPN issuer may tell you that it’s perfectly fine to use your CPN instead of your Social Security number when applying for credit. They’ll tell you that as long as all your other personal information, including your name and address, match up, you will be good to go. Or they may tell you it’s legal, and you’ve been misinformed. Or even that the laws have recently changed. Don’t believe them!
Falsifying your information on credit applications is an offense that’s punishable by federal law. It’s also illegal to use a different number in place of your Social Security number.
Beyond that, the CPN numbers being sold are often someone else’s social security number. You could be implicated in identity theft.
Where do CPN numbers come from?
CPN numbers sold illegally are a combination of random 9-digit numbers and actual Social Security numbers. Unfortunately, the Social Security numbers that are sold to consumers as CPNs belong to children, the elderly, or the deceased. If you use these numbers, you could be unknowingly participating in identity theft or harming a child’s credit score.
Better ways to boost your credit health
Struggling with poor credit? There are better ways to improve your credit health without falling victim to a CPN scam with a CPN application. Here are steps you can take to start building your credit right away – without applying for a CPN number. The tips here can help you get started on the path toward rebuilding your credit score.
1. Consider a credit builder loan
A credit builder loan is designed specifically to help you build a higher credit score. With a credit builder loan, you pay back the loan in monthly installments before you gain access to the funds. The APR and other fees will vary by bank or lender.
For example, if you take a credit builder loan for $1,000 with a term of six months with an APR of 12%, you would pay $172.25 each month for six months. At the end of the six months, you’ll get the $1,000 transferred to your bank account.
Considering a way to build your credit? Join MoneyLion WOW membership and apply for up to a $1,000 Credit Builder Loan with a competitive rate and no hard credit check.
2. Make timely payments on your debts
Payment history accounts for 35 percent of your FICO score, so it’s essential to make timely payments each month. You also want to get current on your delinquent accounts and stay current, as late payments damage your credit score and linger for 7 years. You can set up automatic payments of the minimum amount due each month so your accounts are not reported as having late payments.
3. Pay down your revolving debt balances
Your credit utilization ratio, which is the percentage of your credit limit credit in use, accounts for 30 percent of your FICO score. If you have a credit card with a $5,000 credit limit and you’ve spent $2,000, your ratio will be 40 percent. Try to get this figure down to 30 percent or lower to give yourself the best shot at a higher credit score.
4. Don’t close dormant credit card accounts
Closing accounts could increase your utilization ratio and hurt your credit score. As long as the credit card doesn’t have a high annual fee, keeping cards open will give you a higher total available credit and could improve your credit score.
5. Only apply for new credit as needed
Typically, when you apply for credit, a hard inquiry is generated, and your score will be impacted by a few points. If you apply for multiple credit products in a short period, your score could take an even bigger hit. Avoid applying for more than one to two credit cards every six months. If you’re trying to build credit, try to delay applying for multiple new credit cards.
6. Diversify your credit mix
Credit mix makes up 10% of your credit score. While you can have a high credit score without a diverse credit mix, adding a fixed-rate loan or revolving credit to your credit mix can increase your credit score.
7. Monitor your credit report regularly
It’s important to monitor your credit report regularly to ensure that there are no errors in reporting. If you find inaccurate information, you can report it to the credit bureaus or file a report. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help you. You can see your credit report from all three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
How to avoid CPN applications and still build credit
How to get a CPN number? Don’t! Apply for any credit products with your Social Security number. If you apply for a CPN number, you may be participating in illegal activity including identity theft. Instead, focus on building your credit score with the tips above.
You can also use rent reporting companies or boosting services from the three credit bureaus to improve your credit score. Keep taking steps to build credit and monitor your credit score to legally improve your credit score this year and beyond.
FAQ
Where can I get a CPN number?
You should not get a CPN number. You should use your Social Security number anywhere that a CPN number might be required. It’s illegal to use a number other than your Social Security number in a credit application so there’s no reason to apply for a CPN number.
Can you go to jail for using a CPN number?
Yes, you could go to jail for using a CPN number that is purchased illegally. Don’t apply for a CPN!
What does CPN mean?
A CPN number stands for a credit profile number, credit privacy number, or consumer privacy number. However, there is no reason that you need a CPN application.
What’s a CPN?
A CPN is a nine-digit number that some individuals wrongly claim can be used as an alternative to a Social Security Number for credit purposes. However, the use of CPNs is considered a fraudulent practice, often associated with credit repair scams. It is strongly advised to avoid purchasing or utilizing CPN numbers, as doing so could lead to legal consequences.
How can I obtain a CPN number?
You shouldn’t. Applying for a CPN can have severe consequences. It’s much more safe and worthwhile to focus on improving your credit score in legal ways.
