CPN Number [What Is It and Why You Should Avoid It]

Have you ever come across the term “CPN number” and wondered what it was? Although there are some benefits to having these numbers, there are also a lot of risks associated with using them.

To help you learn more about this topic, this article will discuss what CPNs are, why you should avoid them, and how to get your free credit report without this number.

What Is a CPN?

A CPN by definition is essentially a unique nine-digit number that can be used in place of your social security number (SSN) when you’re applying for credit. Sometimes also called a credit profile number, a CPN is issued to individuals who want to start a new credit file. These numbers are also known as secondary tradelines or ID theft protection numbers.

There are a few reasons why you should avoid using a credit privacy number:

• Not as Private as the Name Suggests

Your credit history will still be linked to this number.

• Greater Risk of Identity Theft

It’s easier for scammers to get their hands on this information. That’s why it’s advisable to find an adequate ID protection company that will protect your personal information from identity theft and keep it safe.

• Damages Your Credit Score

If it’s used instead of your SSN. This is because lenders see CPNs as being riskier than regular social security numbers, so they’ll often give you a lower credit limit or deny you credit altogether if you use one. So, it’s wise to check all the ways you can fix your credit score and the best companies for repairing credit before resorting to obtaining a CP number.

What Is a CPN Used For?

A CP number is often used by those who want to keep their credit history private. It might also be a good option for someone with bad credit who wants to apply for new forms of credit without having a tarnished record. On the other hand, it’s not something you should ever use if you’re trying to hide old credit accounts, debt, or bankruptcy from creditors, as they’ll still be able to see this information, even if it’s not linked to your social security number.

If you’re not sure whether or not a CPN is right for you, it’s best to get a free credit report without this number to see exactly what information it’s associated with. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to use one.

You can request a free copy of your credit report every 12 months at annualcreditreport.com from one of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), though you’ll need to provide some personal information like name, address, and social security number when doing so.

Are CPNs Legal?

CPN Numbers are notorious for being blacklisted. You can’t even google “CP Number” or “SCN number” without getting fraud or scam autocompleting. However, according to official laws, CPNs are technically legal. What is illegal are some of the ways you may plan to employ them. For instance, if you get one to take out a loan or a credit card with no intention of paying them back, that would surely be a fraud.

Using CPNs for the express purpose of concealing your credit history might be interpreted as fraud, and therefore may be considered unlawful. In recent years, some credit repair companies have started operating that claim to provide CPNs for a price. However, the CPNs they offer are frequently fraudulent, generally being random nine-digit numbers that are actually either social security numbers of deceased people or children.

Pros and Cons of Using CPNs

There are some benefits to having CPN numbers, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide if this is something that will work for you. Here are just a few of them:

Pros

• There’s a chance your credit history will be kept private from creditors and lenders who might otherwise be able to see it
• Can protect you and your SSN
• In some cases, it makes it easier to apply for credit
• Might remove bad credit from before having this number.

Cons

• There’s a greater risk of identity theft when using CPNs, as it’s easier for scammers to get their hands on this information
• Can actually damage your credit score if it’s used in place of your social security number
• If creditors find out that there’s another person using your SSN for their own purposes (such as applying for loans or making purchases), it could affect your ability to get CPN credit card approval in the future
• It can be difficult to prove that you are the CPN’s rightful owner if there’s ever a dispute.

Key Takeaways

To Use a CPN Number or Not: Conclusion

Although having this number is not mandatory, if you are looking to get some form of credit (loan or a new credit card), you’ll find that some lenders require it. You can’t be denied credit solely because you don’t have a CP Number, but using one may increase your chances of being approved. However, there are some potential risks, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if this is right for you.