What if you could make all the negative marks on your credit history disappear overnight? Wouldn’t it be nice to banish that bankruptcy and pretend those late loan payments never happened?
With a credit privacy number (CPN), you can — according to the people selling them.
But you’re here because you know that what sounds too good to be true usually is. And your instincts are dead on. While it would be nice to buy a replacement Social Security Number (SSN), a CPN is what banks, credit bureaus, and government agencies refer to with a label you’d be wise to avoid: fraud.
How does a CPN work?
A CPN is a nine-digit number that some companies claim you can use in place of an SSN when applying for credit. It’s often marketed as a legal way to start fresh — a second chance for people with bad credit to rebuild their financial reputation without the baggage of past mistakes.
In reality, CPNs are sold by shady credit repair companies and online vendors who promise these numbers are a 100% legal, government-issued alternative to an SSN. They say that a CPN is an alternative credit file — an easy shortcut to get approved for loans, credit cards, and apartments.
This isn’t true. And if you do end up paying anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars in exchange for the fantasy of a clean credit slate, you’re at risk of facing fines for committing fraud. CPNs don’t actually exist in any legal capacity. The government doesn’t issue them, credit bureaus don’t recognize them, and lenders don’t accept them. And, what’s worse, CPNs are often
SSNs that were stolen from children,
the elderly,
incarcerated, or even
deceased people. That could mean that on top of financial fraud, you might inadvertently commit identity theft.
To summarize: The risks of using a CPN are much higher than getting denied a loan because of bad credit.
Are CPNs illegal?
Yes, absolutely. If a CPN is what’s used for credit, loan, or rental applications, the person using it is breaking the law. We really can’t be any clearer about that fact.
The problem isn’t just that the number was likely stolen from a minor or vulnerable adult. It’s that using a CPN means you’re misrepresenting your identity to lenders — an act that can get you prosecuted for bank fraud, wire fraud, and identity fraud. The penalties aren’t just a slap on the wrist, either. If convicted, you could face hefty fines and even prison time.
But legal consequences aren’t the only thing you need to worry about. The risks extend to your financial future. If a lender discovers that you used a CPN, they’ll almost certainly deny your application and may also flag your account for fraud. If you’re unhappy with a bad credit score now, you won’t like the hit your score takes with fraudulent activity on your record. And you’ll find it next to impossible to get approved for legitimate credit in the future.
CPN, SSN, EIN, ITIN — What’s the difference?
The main difference between credit privacy numbers (CPNs) and Social Security numbers (SSNs), employer identification numbers (EINs), and individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs) is legitimacy. Here’s a breakdown of the purposes these identity-related numbers serve.
Number type | Purpose | Who uses it | Who issues it | Legal and legit? |
| Identifies U.S. citizens and eligible residents for tax, employment, and government benefits. | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens. | Social Security Administration (SSA) | Yes |
| Identifies businesses for tax and financial reporting purposes. | Business owners, corporations, and nonprofits. | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Yes |
| Allows non-U.S. citizens to file taxes and comply with U.S. tax laws. | Non-citizens, foreign investors, and others ineligible for SSNs. | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Yes |
| Marketed as a way to establish a “new” credit identity. | Individuals looking to bypass credit (often unknowingly committing fraud). | Not issued by a government agency | No |
How to spot potential credit repair scams
If you’re struggling with bad credit, it’s easy to fall for companies that promise a fast fix. Scammers understand this desperation — and they won’t hesitate to take advantage. The good news is that spotting a credit repair scam is easier when you know the warning signs. Here are some red flags to watch for.
They demand payment upfront
Legitimate
credit counseling and repair services can’t ask for money before providing any help. The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) makes it illegal for companies to charge upfront fees for fixing your credit. If a company insists on payment before doing anything, it’s a scam.
They guarantee a “quick fix”
No company can magically erase bad credit overnight. If someone promises to wipe bankruptcies, late payments, or debts off your credit report as soon as you’ve paid, they’re lying. The only things that can
improve your credit are time and responsible financial habits.
They tell you to use a CPN or “new identity”
Some scammers push CPNs. Others call it creating a “new credit file.” They’ll tell you it’s legal, but as we’ve mentioned, using false information on a credit application is fraud — and it could land you in serious legal trouble.
They claim government affiliation
Scammers love to sound official. Some even create fake websites that mimic government agencies. But no legitimate government agency sells credit repair services or offers “new credit identities.” If they claim to be affiliated with the government, they’re lying.
Can you get a new Social Security number?
So if a CPN isn’t the way to go, how can you get a new SSN? Here’s the short answer: You can’t.
The SSA very rarely grants new SSNs. And when they do, it has nothing to do with bad credit. A poor credit score, a history of late payments, or even bankruptcy are not valid reasons for getting a new SSN. Your credit report is tied to you, not just your Social Security number. If you got a new SSN, your credit history would stay the same.
The only time the SSA will consider issuing a new SSN is if:
Severe identity theft. If someone stole your SSN and you have proof of ongoing fraud that’s severely impacting your life, you can get a new one.
Tip: If you suspect fraud,
freezing your credit with the major credit bureaus can prevent scammers from
opening accounts in your name.
Ongoing harassment or abuse. Victims of domestic violence or harassment, especially if abusers are using an SSN to track or harm them, can request new numbers.
Religious or cultural reasons. You’re unhappy with your assigned SSN due to religious or cultural beliefs, like believing the numbers are unlucky or have negative spiritual significance, you can apply for a new one. You’ll need proof, as personal superstitions aren’t usually reason enough.
How to help rebuild your credit
A fake credit file won’t
fix your credit score. But smart financial habits will do what a CPN scam can’t. Here are steps you can take to try to get back on track.
Pay your bills on time. Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score, so late payments take a big toll. Set up autopay or reminders to make sure you never miss a due date.
Lower your credit utilization. Your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of available credit you’re currently using — should stay below 30%. Paying down balances can boost your score quickly.
Keep old accounts open. The longer your credit history, the better. Even if you don’t use an old credit card often, consider keeping it open to maintain a strong credit profile.
Don’t apply for credit too often. Every credit application that requires a hard inquiry lowers your score slightly. If you’re rebuilding, wait at least six months before applying for new credit.
Monitor your credit. Regularly checking your credit report helps catch mistakes so you can
dispute them quickly to keep your score strong. For added credit protection, consider setting up fraud alerts so you can spot signs of identity theft.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
Calculated on the VantageScore® 3.0 model. Your VantageScore 3.0 from Experian® indicates your credit risk level and is not used by all lenders, so don’t be surprised if your lender uses a score that’s different from your VantageScore 3.0.
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The calculations provided are based on estimates and should be used for informational purposes only. Please be aware that comparisons may not be 100% accurate. The insights and data presented do not constitute financial advice, and we recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.
