Credit privacy number: What is it?

Quick insights

A CPN is a nine-digit number that’s advertised as a replacement for an SSN or ITIN. But the truth? CPNs are a scam. Let’s find out more about CPNs, why scammers try to market them to people and how you can avoid the trap.

What are credit privacy numbers?

Credit privacy numbers are marketed as a replacement for an SSN or ITIN. That’s why they’re formatted the same way. 

Scammers may tell you that you can use CPNs in place of those other official numbers. But CPNs are different from your SSN or ITIN. CPNs are not legitimate or legal, and they’re also not recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any other governmental agency. 

Using a CPN on a credit application or anywhere else is considered fraud and can also be considered identity theft. Additionally, lying on a credit application by substituting a SSN for a fake one is a federal crime.

Scammers try to sell CPNs, sometimes for thousands of dollars. This is another red flag.

Why might someone want a new SSN?

For those struggling with their credit, it’s natural to want to hide your struggles or start over—but that’s not how credit works. Your SSN will be linked with you for life, even if you are able to get approved for a new SSN by qualifying for the following requirements. 

There may be several reasons why someone would want a new SSN. According to the SSA, the qualifying situations for being considered to get a new SSN include:

If you think you might qualify according to this list, you’ll still have to provide solid evidence or proof, sometimes in the form of written documentation from a religious group, police or otherwise.

Needless to say, it’s not easy to get a new SSN. Even if you are able to get approved and issued a new number, you’ll still always be tied to the original number—the SSA will cross-reference your new SSN with your original one. 

Why are CPNs not considered legitimate forms of identification?

CPNs are often SSNs obtained illegally from vulnerable populations, like children, seniors and prison inmates. So CPNs might already be SSNs belonging to someone else. That’s why using a CPN is illegal, and using one is considered fraud. In some cases it might also be considered identity theft, which is a federal crime.

That’s why it’s important to only use legal SSNs that are legal and legitimate. If you try to use a CPN, you might get charged with fraud or identity theft, which can come with hefty fines or possible prison time. 

Conclusion

Whether you might be interested in a CPN to hide less-than-ideal credit, to protect your identity or something else, it’s worth educating yourself on the risks. CPNs may be SSNs that were stolen from vulnerable populations, like minors, seniors or the incarcerated. Not only is it illegal to try using one, but it could also cause you to get charged with fraud or identity theft, which may come with serious consequences.

It can be important to be informed of your options when it comes to getting a new SSN. If you meet the eligibility criteria to request a new SSN, you may submit an application; however, approval and issuance of a new number are not guaranteed. Even if you are, you’ll still always be tied to your original SSN.