What Are Credit Profile Numbers (CPNs) Used For?
Unpack Credit Profile Numbers (CPNs). Discover the realities behind these identifiers, their common misuse, and problematic origins.
Credit Profile Numbers (CPNs) frequently appear in online discussions concerning personal finance and credit building. These nine-digit numbers are often presented as alternatives to Social Security Numbers for credit-related activities. This article clarifies the nature of CPNs and their actual role in financial transactions.
Defining Credit Profile Numbers
A Credit Profile Number (CPN) is marketed as a nine-digit identification number that can be used for credit reporting purposes. Proponents suggest it allows individuals to establish a new credit file. However, CPNs are not legitimate government-issued identifiers or credit reporting numbers recognized by official financial institutions or credit bureaus.
These numbers are not to be confused with a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Unlike SSNs or ITINs, CPNs possess no legal basis for establishing creditworthiness or identity. Any claims suggesting a CPN provides “credit privacy” or a legal way to separate one’s credit history are false.
How Credit Profile Numbers are Applied
Credit Profile Numbers are primarily used in fraudulent schemes to obtain credit or financial services. Individuals acquire CPNs to apply for credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, or housing without using their legitimate credit history. The CPN is then presented to lenders as if it were a valid identifier for credit reporting.
For example, an individual might attempt to secure an auto loan by providing a CPN instead of their SSN, hoping to bypass a poor credit score associated with their actual identity.
The Origin and Promotion of Credit Profile Numbers
Credit Profile Numbers originate from illicit sources, often involving stolen or fabricated personal information. Some CPNs are generated randomly, while others may be derived from the personal details of unsuspecting individuals or even deceased persons. These numbers are then packaged and sold to individuals seeking to bypass their existing poor credit history.
Scammers promote CPNs through online channels, including social media platforms, websites, and forums, frequently targeting those with low credit scores or financial difficulties. They make deceptive claims, such as promising a “fresh start” or a “new credit file” that is supposedly untraceable. These promoters charge a fee for the CPN, sometimes ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, exploiting the desperation of individuals looking for quick financial solutions.