{"id":10604,"date":"2024-03-05T12:23:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T18:23:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/?p=10604"},"modified":"2025-06-06T09:47:19","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T15:47:19","slug":"what-is-a-cpn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/what-is-a-cpn.html","title":{"rendered":"Is a credit privacy number (CPN) legal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"570\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19261\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-aa08060c5691d17c95e41ffc88a7ce07\" style=\"background-color:#00204f\">A credit privacy number (CPN) is formatted similarly to a Social Security number and is commonly used by fraudulent companies to scam people with bad credit. Using a CPN to apply for credit constitutes fraud, and they\u2019re often tied to criminal activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice.<\/em>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/disclaimer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>See Lexington Law\u2019s editorial disclosure for more information.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A credit privacy number (CPN) is sold to consumers as a product to repair bad credit. In reality, these numbers can be associated with identity theft. <a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/features\/identity-theft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) <\/a>considers identity theft to be any instance where a criminal uses someone else\u2019s personal information to \u201copen accounts, file taxes or make purchases.\u201d CPNs can pave the way for such fraudulent activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, we\u2019ll explain what credit privacy numbers are, what they\u2019re used for and how to avoid scams. Most importantly, you\u2019ll also learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/how-to-fix-credit\">how to fix<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/how-to-fix-credit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> your credit<\/a> without a CPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A credit privacy number, or CPN, is sold to consumers as a way to repair bad credit. But did you know these numbers can be associated with identity theft? Experian<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> reports that approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.com\/blogs\/ask-experian\/how-common-is-identity-theft\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">one in every 20 Americans<\/a> becomes a victim of identity theft each year, so it\u2019s important to learn the dangers of CPNs if a company advertises one to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have bad credit, you may be more susceptible to methods that hurt your situation more than help it. Here, you\u2019ll learn about what credit privacy numbers are, what they\u2019re used for and how to avoid scams. Most importantly, you\u2019ll also learn about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/how-to-fix-credit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to repair your credit<\/a> without a CPN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key takeaways:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Credit privacy numbers (CPNs) are often stolen Social Security numbers (SSNs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating and even using a CPN can count as fraud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No entities have the legal authority to issue CPNs despite their claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Table of contents:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-a-cpn\">What is a CPN?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#what-is-a-cpn-used-for\">What is a CPN used for?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-are-cpns-different\">How are CPNs different from SSNs, EINs and ITINs?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#is-a-cpn-legal\">Is a CPN legal?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-avoid-a-cpn-scam\">How to avoid a CPN scam<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-repair-your-credit-without-a-cpn\">How to repair your credit without a CPN<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#repair-your-credit\">Repair your credit with Lexington Law<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-cpn\">What is a CPN?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A credit privacy number (CPN) is a nine-digit number set up in the same format as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/negative-items\/4-things-identity-thieves-can-do-with-your-social-security-number.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Social Security number<\/a>: XXX-XX-XXXX. CPNs aren\u2019t issued by the federal government and have no official legal standing. They operate in a legal gray area, but using a CPN to apply for credit constitutes fraud, and they\u2019re often tied to criminal activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also come across some other terms for CPNs, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Credit profile number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Secondary credit number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credit protection number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-cpn-used-for\"><a><\/a>What is a CPN used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies market and sell CPNs to supposedly fix bad credit, but using these products can have steep legal ramifications. CPNs are stolen Social Security numbers or products of synthetic identity fraud. It\u2019s illegal to use a CPN to apply for credit, so even if you are \u201cissued\u201d one by a company, you can\u2019t use it in any way that helps your credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A common scenario is criminals stealing Social Security numbers that belong to minors or those who are already deceased, since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/what-is-credit-monitoring.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit monitoring<\/a> services usually don\u2019t track their use. These stolen SSNs are then sold as CPNs, so all parties involved are participants in identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Synthetic identity fraud is another way criminals create CPNs to sell. This method involves using a computer algorithm to randomly create nine-digit numbers that match the formatting of Social Security numbers. Criminals then use an illegal online validator to ensure the fake number will pass as a legitimate SSN before selling it. One way they do this is by using potential SSNs that haven\u2019t been issued to anyone yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-cpns-different\"><a><\/a>How are CPNs different from SSNs, EINs and ITINs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several types of numbers that can be used as identifiers for legal and financial purposes. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the most common:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Social Security number (SSN):<\/strong> Issued by the federal government and is a unique identifier. Most U.S. citizens are issued one at birth, which they use to apply for a driver\u2019s license, hold jobs, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/how-unpaid-taxes-can-affect-you.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">file taxes<\/a> and apply for credit, among other things.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Employer identification number (EIN)<\/strong>: A unique identifier for businesses and issued by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/negative-items\/does-irs-debt-show-on-your-credit-report.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the IRS<\/a>. This allows business owners to open business bank accounts, get business licenses and file taxes under the business\u2019s name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN):<\/strong> Similar to Social Security numbers, but the main difference is that ITINs are used by those classified as \u201cauthorized noncitizens.\u201d For example, an immigrant working in the United States would need an ITIN to file and pay taxes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The big difference between these numbers and a credit privacy number is that they\u2019re legitimate numbers issued by actual entities within the federal government, and a CPN is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1250\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-9.png 1250w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-9-1100x499.png 1100w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-9-768x348.png 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 767px) 600px, calc(100vw - 35px)\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-a-cpn-legal\"><a><\/a>Is a CPN legal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No, using a CPN is not legal. CPNs started as a byproduct of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/opcl\/privacy-act-1974#:~:text=The%20Privacy%20Act%20of%201974,of%20records%20by%20federal%20agencies.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Privacy Act of 1974<\/a>. This act made it so that you couldn\u2019t be forced to provide your Social Security number to a third party unless it was required by federal law, such as applying for a passport. This was meant to give Americans more privacy and protect them from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/what-is-identity-theft\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">identity theft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/credit-repair-scams.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Credit repair scams<\/a> often market CPNs to those trying to rebuild their credit. But in fact, any business that sells a CPN is engaging in fraudulent activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>What happens to those breaking the law with a CPN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By purchasing a credit privacy number, you may unknowingly be breaking the law. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stlouisfed.org\/publications\/bridges\/winter-20102011\/the-old-the-young-and-the-incarcerated-latest-id-theft-victims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis<\/a>, CPN schemes often involve stolen CPNs from children, the elderly and incarcerated individuals. If an individual purchases a CPN, they may be convicted of various identity theft crimes, as well as the crime of making false statements on a loan or credit application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/criminal-fraud\/identity-theft\/identity-theft-and-identity-fraud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Department of Justice<\/a> has been cracking down on identity theft, and they carry sentences of 15 to 30 years along with various fines for those who break these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-repair\/credit-repair-laws.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-avoid-a-cpn-scam\"><a><\/a>How to avoid a CPN scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to avoid a credit privacy number scam is to avoid anything involving a CPN. Be wary of a business that offers you a new credit identity\u2014such as a CPN\u2014it\u2019s likely an identity fraud scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other red flags include a company asking or suggesting that you lie about any identifying information, including your name, address or phone number, and a business asking for payment before completing any services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/credit-repair-organizations-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Credit Repair Organizations Act<\/a> to learn more about your credit repair rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1071\" height=\"1250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-8.png 1071w, https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/image-8-768x896.png 768w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 767px) 600px, calc(100vw - 35px)\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a><\/a>How to report a CPN scam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to eliminate criminals using fraudulent CPN scams is to report them whenever you see them, and you can do this through the Department of Justice. On their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/criminal-fraud\/report-fraud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fraud Section<\/a> page, they have a variety of links and resources to report different scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scams involving credit privacy numbers can also be reported to your local police department, your state\u2019s attorney general and the <a href=\"https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/#\/?orgcode=TFMICF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a>. While the investigation will be taking place at the state and federal level, reporting to your local police department can let them know what scams may be operating in the area so they can issue warnings to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-repair-your-credit-without-a-cpn\"><a><\/a>How to repair your credit without a CPN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Purchasing a CPN is tempting because it seems like a fast and easy way to repair your credit. In reality, building a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/credit-score-ranges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">good credit score<\/a> takes time, but there are steps you can start taking today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dispute errors on your credit report: <\/strong>Derogatory marks include collections, late or missed payments, bankruptcies and other negative marks. These heavily weigh down your credit, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/cleaning-up-your-credit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clean your credit report<\/a> often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use a pay-for-delete letter:<\/strong> You may have heard that paying off collections usually won\u2019t improve your credit. If you negotiate a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/finance\/pay-for-delete-letter.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pay-for-delete<\/a> agreement with the collection agency, they may remove the collection account from your report, which would likely help your credit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Become an authorized user:<\/strong> If you have bad credit, try to become an authorized user on a friend or family member\u2019s credit card account to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/credit-101\/what-is-piggybacking.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cpiggyback\u201d off their credit<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Find a cosigner: <\/strong>Making payments on loans\u2014like auto or personal loans\u2014can improve your credit. If you can\u2019t get approved for a loan, finding a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/blog\/loans\/without-a-cosigner.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cosigner<\/a> may help.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t miss a payment: <\/strong>One of the best things you can do is ensure you don\u2019t miss any payments that get reported to credit bureaus. Maintaining a good credit history will help you repair and improve your credit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"repair-your-credit\"><a><\/a>Repair your credit with Lexington Law Firm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there are credit repair scams, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/education\/credit-repair-companies-legitimate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">legitimate credit repair companies<\/a> can help you rebuild your credit. Lexington Law Firm has a team of legal professionals who have experience with credit recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They can review your credit report, find errors that may be hurting your credit and challenge them on your behalf. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/our-services\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Our services<\/a> also include tools such as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lexingtonlaw.com\/credit-snapshot\/pi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">credit snapshot<\/a>, which can help you maintain good credit and improve your financial future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/lexingtonlaw.com\/disclaimer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Note:<\/em><\/strong><\/a><em> Articles have only been reviewed by the indicated attorney, not written by them. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website owner, authors, reviewers, contributors, contributing firms, or their respective agents or employers.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A credit privacy number (CPN) is an illegitimate tool that copies the same format as a Social Security Number (SSN). Using a CPN counts as fraudulent activity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":19263,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[534],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v18.1 (Yoast SEO v18.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Is a Credit Privacy Number (CPN) Legal?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A credit privacy number (CPN) is an illegitimate tool that copies the same format as a Social Security Number (SSN). 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