A CPN number, or credit privacy number, is a nine-digit number that some people use instead of their social security number (SSN) to apply for credit. A CPN number is supposed to protect your identity and privacy, but it can also be used for fraudulent purposes. In this article, we will explain how to make a CPN number legally in 2023, what are the benefits and risks of using one, and how to avoid scams and identity theft.
What is a CPN Number?
A CPN number is a unique identifier that is not linked to your SSN, your name, or your date of birth. It is sometimes called a secondary credit number (SCN) or a credit profile number (CPN). A CPN number can be used to apply for credit cards, loans, mortgages, and other financial products that require a credit check.
A CPN number is not a replacement for your SSN. You still need to use your SSN for tax purposes, government benefits, employment, and other legal matters. A CPN number is only meant to be used for credit-related transactions.
How to Make a CPN Number Legally?
There is no official or legal way to make a CPN number. The only legitimate source of a CPN number is the Social Security Administration (SSA), which assigns them to certain individuals who need to protect their identity, such as victims of domestic violence, celebrities, politicians, and witnesses in federal cases. These individuals receive a new SSN that acts as their CPN number.
However, most people who claim to offer or sell CPN numbers are not authorized by the SSA. They either generate random numbers that may belong to someone else, or they use stolen SSNs that they repackage as CPN numbers. These practices are illegal and can get you into serious trouble.
If you want to make a CPN number legally in 2023, you have two options:
- Apply for a new SSN from the SSA if you qualify for one of the reasons mentioned above. You will need to provide proof of your identity, your current SSN, and evidence of your situation that warrants a new SSN. You will also need to explain how your current SSN has been compromised or misused. The SSA will review your application and decide whether to issue you a new SSN.
- Use an EIN or ITIN instead of a CPN number. An EIN (employer identification number) is a tax identification number for businesses and organizations. An ITIN (individual taxpayer identification number) is a tax identification number for individuals who do not have or are not eligible for an SSN. Both EINs and ITINs are issued by the IRS and can be used to apply for some types of credit. However, not all lenders accept EINs or ITINs, and they may still require your SSN for verification purposes.
What are the Benefits and Risks of Using a CPN Number?
Using a CPN number may seem like a good way to improve your credit score or hide your bad credit history. However, there are also many risks and drawbacks associated with using a CPN number. Here are some of them:
- Benefits:
- You may be able to access credit that you would not otherwise qualify for with your SSN.
- You may be able to protect your identity and privacy from identity thieves, creditors, or other parties who may misuse your personal information.
- You may be able to start over with a clean slate and build a new credit history with your CPN number.
- Risks:
- You may be breaking the law by using a fake or stolen CPN number, which can result in fines, penalties, or even jail time.
- You may be committing fraud by lying about your identity or credit history when applying for credit with your CPN number, which can result in civil lawsuits, criminal charges, or both.
- You may be harming someone else’s credit by using their SSN as your CPN number, which can cause them financial losses, legal problems, or identity theft issues.
- You may be wasting your money by paying for a CPN number that does not work or that gets flagged by lenders as suspicious or invalid.
- You may be exposing yourself to scams or identity theft by giving your personal information or money to unscrupulous individuals or companies who claim to provide or sell CPN numbers.
- You may be hurting your own credit by creating multiple credit profiles with different numbers, which can lower your credit score, confuse lenders, and make it harder to manage your debts.
How to Avoid Scams and Identity Theft When Using a CPN Number?
If you decide to use a CPN number in 2023, you should be very careful and cautious. Here are some tips to avoid scams and identity theft when using a CPN number:
- Do not buy or obtain a CPN number from anyone who is not authorized by the SSA. Do not trust anyone who promises to give you a CPN number for a fee, or who claims to have access to a database of CPN numbers. These are likely scammers who are trying to steal your money or identity.
- Do not use a CPN number that is already assigned to someone else. Do not use a random number generator or a website that claims to create CPN numbers for you. These are likely fake or stolen numbers that can get you into legal trouble or harm someone else’s credit.
- Do not use a CPN number for anything other than credit-related transactions. Do not use a CPN number for tax purposes, government benefits, employment, or other legal matters. These require your SSN and using a CPN number can result in fraud or identity theft.
- Do not give your CPN number to anyone who does not need it. Do not share your CPN number with anyone who is not a legitimate lender or creditor. Do not post your CPN number online or on social media. These can expose your CPN number to hackers, scammers, or identity thieves.
- Do not forget your SSN or your CPN number. Do not lose track of your SSN or your CPN number. Keep them in a safe and secure place. Do not mix them up or confuse them. Remember which number you used for which credit account. These can help you avoid errors, disputes, or fraud.
Conclusion
A CPN number may seem like a convenient and easy way to improve your credit situation or protect your identity, but it comes with many risks and challenges. Using a CPN number is not a legal or ethical solution to your financial problems. It can expose you to fraud, identity theft, legal trouble, and more. The best way to make a CPN number legally in 2023 is to apply for a new SSN from the SSA or use an EIN or ITIN from the IRS, but these options are not available or suitable for everyone. The best way to improve your credit score and protect your identity is to use your SSN responsibly, monitor your credit reports, pay your bills on time, and avoid scams and phishing attempts. Remember, there is no shortcut or magic number that can fix your credit or hide your past. Be smart and be safe when it comes to your personal and financial information.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some common questions and answers about CPN numbers:
- Q: Is it legal to use a CPN number?
- A: It depends on how you obtain and use it. If you get a new SSN from the SSA that acts as your CPN number, and you use it only for credit-related transactions, then it is legal. If you use an EIN or ITIN instead of a CPN number, and you follow the IRS rules and regulations, then it is legal. However, if you use a fake or stolen CPN number, or you lie about your identity or credit history when applying for credit with your CPN number, then it is illegal.
- Q: Can I use a CPN number to erase my bad credit?
- A: No. Using a CPN number does not erase your bad credit or your debts. Your credit history and your debts are still linked to your SSN and your name. If you use a CPN number to apply for new credit, you are creating a separate credit profile that does not affect your existing one. However, this does not mean that you can avoid paying your debts or that you can escape from creditors or collectors. They can still find you and take legal action against you if you default on your payments.
- Q: How can I get a free CPN number?
- A: There is no such thing as a free CPN number. The only way to get a legitimate CPN number is to apply for a new SSN from the SSA, which may involve fees and paperwork. The only way to get an alternative tax identification number is to apply for an EIN or ITIN from the IRS, which may also involve fees and paperwork. Anyone who claims to give you a free CPN number is likely trying to scam you or steal your identity.
