What Is a Blank CPN and Why Are They Illegal?

Individuals seeking to manage their financial standing may encounter the term “Credit Profile Number,” or CPN. This concept is often presented online as a means to establish a new financial identity or repair a credit history. This article clarifies what a “blank CPN” is and explains why its use is not recognized by legitimate financial systems.

Defining Credit Profile Numbers (CPNs)

A Credit Profile Number (CPN) is marketed as a nine-digit number that resembles a Social Security Number (SSN) and is purported to be an alternative for credit reporting purposes. Companies selling these numbers often claim they can be used to apply for credit, loans, or even housing, offering a “fresh start” for individuals with adverse credit histories. The marketing surrounding CPNs often suggests they are legal tools to secure financial opportunities without using one’s actual SSN. However, these numbers are not issued by any government agency, nor are they recognized by major credit bureaus or financial institutions as valid identifiers for establishing credit.

A “blank CPN” refers to a newly generated, unassigned, or fabricated number that is intended to create a new credit file with no existing history. The concept is often presented as a way to create a clean slate, particularly for those facing challenges like bankruptcies or poor credit scores. These numbers are not part of any official credit reporting system and lack any legitimate backing.

The Illegitimate Nature of “Blank CPNs”

“Blank CPNs” are illegitimate because they are not official government-issued identification numbers. They are often fabricated sequences of digits, or in many cases, they are derived from stolen or misused legitimate identifiers. This can include Social Security Numbers belonging to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or incarcerated individuals, who may have little or no credit activity. Sometimes, they might even be SSNs of deceased individuals.

The individuals and companies that create and market these “blank CPNs” often generate random nine-digit numbers. They then attempt to link these numbers to personal information to create a seemingly new credit file. This practice bypasses the proper channels for establishing credit and relies on deceptive tactics to appear valid. Credit bureaus and financial institutions do not recognize these fabricated or misused numbers as legitimate identifiers for credit purposes. Any attempt to use a “blank CPN” to obtain credit will not result in a valid credit profile. Instead, such actions are likely to be flagged as fraudulent activity.

Legal Consequences of Using or Creating “Blank CPNs”

The creation, sale, purchase, or use of “blank CPNs” carries substantial criminal and civil penalties. These activities are considered forms of fraud and can lead to severe legal repercussions. Using a CPN instead of a legitimate Social Security Number on a credit application constitutes making false statements, which is a federal offense.

Such schemes often fall under various federal statutes, including those related to identity theft and different forms of fraud. For instance, engaging in CPN schemes can violate 18 U.S. Code sections 1341 for mail fraud, 1343 for wire fraud, and 1344 for bank fraud. These laws target deceptive schemes that use postal services, electronic communications, or financial institutions. Additionally, making false statements to federal agencies or on loan applications can lead to charges under 18 U.S. Code sections 1001, concerning false statements, and 1028, pertaining to fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents.

Penalties for these offenses can include significant fines and lengthy imprisonment, potentially up to 30 years in federal prison for certain fraud charges. Individuals who use CPNs may also face civil liabilities, including lawsuits from lenders or credit bureaus. Beyond criminal prosecution, attempting to use a CPN can make it extremely difficult to obtain legitimate credit in the future and may result in an individual being flagged in financial systems for fraudulent activity.

Distinguishing from Legitimate Identification Numbers

It is important to differentiate “blank CPNs” from legitimate government-issued identification numbers that are properly used for credit reporting and other official purposes. The primary legitimate identifier for individuals in the United States is the Social Security Number (SSN), a unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSNs are used for tax purposes, employment, and are the standard identifier for consumer credit reporting.

Another legitimate identifier is the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). ITINs are also nine-digit numbers, formatted similarly to SSNs, but are specifically for tax filing purposes by individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, an SSN. While ITINs are used for tax obligations, they are not intended to replace an SSN for general credit reporting or identification.

Unlike CPNs, both SSNs and ITINs are issued by official government bodies with specific legal purposes. Credit bureaus and financial institutions only accept these legitimate, government-issued numbers for verifying identity and assessing creditworthiness. Any number not issued by the SSA or IRS, such as a CPN, is not recognized as a valid identifier in the legitimate financial system.