Yes, CPNs are completely illegal to use in any circumstance. Using a credit privacy number on credit applications, loan applications, apartment applications, or any other situation requiring identification constitutes federal fraud. There is no legal use case for CPNs, despite what scammers may claim. Violating federal laws related to CPN use can result in up to 30 years in prison, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.

What are the penalties for using a CPN?

Using a CPN can result in severe federal criminal penalties including up to 30 years in prison, substantial fines, and forfeiture of property. Specific charges may include identity theft (if the CPN is a stolen SSN), making false statements on loan applications (18 U.S. Code § 1014), mail fraud (18 U.S. Code § 1341), and wire fraud (18 U.S. Code § 1343). Even if you didn't know the CPN was illegal, ignorance is not a defense under federal law.

How can I tell if a credit repair company is trying to scam me with a CPN?

Red flags include charging upfront fees before performing services (illegal under CROA), promising quick fixes or guaranteed credit score increases, instructing you to provide false information on applications, pressuring you to act immediately, using vague language about their services, claiming government affiliation or authorization, and offering a 'new credit identity' or alternative to your Social Security number. Any company offering CPNs is engaged in illegal activity and should be reported to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What's the difference between a CPN and legitimate identification numbers?

Legitimate identification numbers include Social Security Numbers (SSN) issued by the Social Security Administration, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) issued by the IRS for those who cannot qualify for SSNs, and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) issued by the IRS for businesses. All three are issued by federal government agencies at no cost and serve specific, legitimate purposes. CPNs, by contrast, are not issued by any government agency, have zero legal standing, and are always illegal to use as identification.

Can I legally get a new Social Security number if I have bad credit?

No, bad credit is not a valid reason to obtain a new Social Security number. The Social Security Administration only issues new SSNs in extreme circumstances such as ongoing identity theft causing continued problems, harassment or abuse where your life is in danger, sequential SSNs in a family causing confusion, or religious or cultural objections to your current number. Even in these situations, obtaining a new SSN requires extensive documentation and proof. There is no quick or easy way to get a new SSN simply because of credit problems.

What should I do if I've already used a CPN?

Stop using the CPN immediately and take these steps: document all communications with the company that sold you the CPN, report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your local police, contact any financial institutions where you opened accounts using the CPN to close them properly, monitor your legitimate credit reports for signs of fraud, place security freezes on your credit with all three bureaus, and consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney experienced in fraud cases. Taking these actions quickly may help demonstrate you were a victim rather than a knowing participant.

How long does legitimate credit repair take?

Legitimate credit repair is a gradual process that typically takes several months to years, depending on your specific situation. Most negative information automatically falls off your credit report after seven years (ten years for bankruptcies). As negative items age, their impact decreases. Building positive credit history through on-time payments, reducing credit utilization, and disputing inaccurate information requires patience and consistency. Anyone promising immediate credit repair or guaranteed results is likely running a scam.

Can CPNs be used legally for privacy protection?

No, despite claims that CPNs are related to the Privacy Act of 1974, there is no legal way to use a CPN for privacy protection or any other purpose. The Privacy Act protects against being forced to provide your SSN to third parties in certain circumstances, but it does not authorize the creation or use of credit privacy numbers. CPNs are not mentioned in the Act, and their creation and use are illegal. Any company claiming CPNs can be legally used for privacy is engaged in fraud.

Are CPNs Illegal? Understanding Credit Privacy Numbers and Why They're a Dangerous Fraud

Q: What is a credit privacy number (CPN)?

A credit privacy number (CPN) is a nine-digit number formatted like a Social Security number (XXX-XX-XXXX) that scammers market as a legal alternative to your SSN for credit applications. CPNs are not issued or recognized by any government agency and are completely illegal to use. They are typically either stolen Social Security numbers or synthetically created numbers designed to defraud financial institutions.

Q: Is it true that credit repair companies cannot charge upfront fees?

Yes, under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), it is illegal for credit repair companies to charge you before they perform services. Additionally, under the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), any credit repair company that sells you services over the phone must wait six months before they can legally charge you. Any company demanding upfront payment or charging immediately after a phone consultation is violating federal law and should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Guess Writter
Oct 6, 2023
16 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

By Joeziel Vazquez, CEO & Board Certified Credit Consultant (BCCC, CCSC, CCRS)

Published: Oct 6, 2023 | Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Reading Time: 12 minutes

When you're struggling with bad credit, the promise of a fresh start sounds incredibly appealing. That's exactly what scammers are counting on when they pitch credit privacy numbers as a solution to your financial troubles. But here's what they won't tell you upfront: credit privacy numbers are completely illegal, and using one could land you in federal prison for up to 30 years.

As someone who has spent 17 years helping over 79,000 families navigate credit challenges, I've seen firsthand the devastation that CPN scams cause. I've also dedicated significant resources to exposing credit repair fraud, documenting seven major investigations since 2021 that resulted in over $3.4 million in regulatory actions and settlements. Today, I'm going to share everything you need to know about CPNs and why they represent one of the most dangerous credit repair scams in existence.

Credlocity image of CPN's that state: "How to identify a CPN scam"

What Exactly Is a Credit Privacy Number?

A credit privacy number is a nine-digit number formatted exactly like a Social Security number: XXX-XX-XXXX. Scammers market CPNs under various names, including credit profile numbers, credit protection numbers, or consumer protection numbers. They claim these numbers can legally replace your Social Security number on credit applications, allowing you to hide a poor credit history and start fresh with a clean slate.

CPNs are not issued or recognized by any government agency, and that's the first major red flag. Unlike legitimate identification numbers such as Social Security numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, no federal agency issues CPNs. They simply don't exist as a legitimate form of identification.

The pitch sounds enticing because fraudulent credit repair companies promise you can use a CPN to apply for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, apartments, or even jobs without exposing your real credit history. They might charge you anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for this "service." But what they're really selling you is either a completely fabricated number or, more disturbingly, a stolen Social Security number.

The Alarming Truth About Where CPNs Come From

When you purchase a CPN, you're typically getting one of two things, and both are illegal. First, the number might be a stolen Social Security number. Criminals frequently steal Social Security numbers belonging to minors, the elderly, incarcerated individuals, or the deceased, since credit monitoring services typically don't track the use of these numbers as actively.

Think about that for a moment. When you use a CPN, you might unknowingly be stealing the identity of a child, an elderly person living in a nursing home, someone serving time in prison, or even someone who has passed away. The moral implications are staggering, but the legal consequences are even worse.

The second possibility is that the CPN is a synthetically created number generated by computer algorithms. Criminals use algorithms to randomly create nine-digit numbers that match Social Security number formatting, then use illegal online validators to ensure the fake number will pass as legitimate before selling it to unsuspecting consumers.

Why Using a CPN Is Always Illegal

Let me be absolutely clear about this: there is no legal circumstance under which you can use a CPN. Despite what you might read on social media or hear from smooth-talking salespeople, using a credit privacy number is always illegal. Period.

Using a CPN to conceal your credit history is illegal and may be considered identity theft. When you submit a credit application with a CPN instead of your legitimate Social Security number, you're committing federal fraud. The specific laws you're violating include:

18 U.S. Code § 1014 prohibits making false statements on loan or credit applications. This federal crime carries penalties including fines and imprisonment of up to 30 years.

18 U.S. Code § 1341 and § 1343 cover mail fraud and wire fraud. These crimes can result in up to 20 years in prison, or 30 years if a financial institution is affected.

Identity Theft Laws apply when the CPN you're using is actually someone else's stolen Social Security number. Identity theft is a federal crime that can result in up to 30 years in imprisonment, substantial fines, and forfeiture of property.

The Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and even the FBI have all issued explicit warnings about CPN fraud. There's no ambiguity here, no gray area, and no legitimate use case.

Common Myths About "Legal" CPN Use

You might encounter claims on social media or from unscrupulous companies that CPNs can be used legally in certain situations. Let me debunk these dangerous myths right now.

Myth: It's okay to use a CPN on apartment applications since you're not applying for credit. Reality: Using a CPN on an apartment application is committing fraud by misrepresenting your identity, regardless of whether credit is being extended.

Myth: You can legally use a CPN on job applications. Reality: Using false identification on employment applications is illegal and can result in both fraud charges and identity theft charges if the number belongs to someone else.

Myth: Celebrities and people in witness protection use CPNs legally. Reality: While certain protected individuals may receive new Social Security numbers through official government channels, these are legitimate SSNs issued by the Social Security Administration, not CPNs. The process is highly restricted and requires extraordinary circumstances like ongoing threats to personal safety or severe identity theft with continued problems.

Myth: CPNs are protected under the Privacy Act of 1974. Reality: While the Privacy Act of 1974 protects against being forced to provide your Social Security number to third parties in certain circumstances, credit privacy numbers are not mentioned in the Act, and their creation is often criminal in nature.

How CPN Scams Actually Work

Understanding how these scams operate can help you avoid becoming a victim. Here's the typical pattern I've observed while investigating credit repair fraud:

Step 1: The Hook Scammers advertise on social media, through paid ads, or via text messages promising to help you "get approved with bad credit" or offer a "new credit identity." They use compelling language about financial freedom and starting fresh.

Step 2: The Pitch Once they have your attention, they explain that a CPN is a "legal alternative" to your Social Security number that will let you apply for credit without your credit history following you. They might claim attorneys prepare the paperwork or that the numbers are "tri-merged with the Social Security Administration."

Step 3: The Payment Unlike legitimate credit repair companies (which are legally prohibited from charging fees before providing services), CPN sellers demand payment upfront. Scammers often charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for a CPN, whereas legitimate Social Security numbers are issued for free.

Step 4: The Instructions Here's where it gets particularly dangerous. After you pay, they'll instruct you to provide false information on credit applications, such as using a different address, phone number, or email address. They may tell you this protects your identity, but they're actually directing you to create a false identity.

Step 5: The Consequences Eventually, the house of cards collapses. Credit bureaus and financial institutions have sophisticated fraud detection systems. When you're caught, and you will be caught, you'll face criminal charges while the scammers have already moved on to their next victims.

Real Consequences People Face When Using CPNs

The penalties for using CPNs aren't theoretical. People are prosecuted and convicted for this crime regularly. Here's what you're risking:

Federal Criminal Charges: Depending on how the CPN was obtained and used, you could face multiple felony charges including identity theft, making false statements on loan applications, mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy.

Prison Time: Federal fraud related to CPNs carries a potential 30-year prison sentence. Even if you didn't create the CPN yourself and thought you were using a legitimate service, ignorance is not a defense.

Massive Fines: Federal convictions come with substantial financial penalties that can total hundreds of thousands of dollars, on top of any restitution you're ordered to pay to victims.

State Charges: In addition to federal charges, you may face separate state-level penalties, compounding your legal troubles.

Permanent Criminal Record: A federal fraud or identity theft conviction will follow you for life, making it nearly impossible to get legitimate employment, housing, or financial services in the future.

Damaged Credit: Ironically, using a CPN to hide bad credit ends up destroying your credit completely when you're caught. All accounts opened with the CPN will be closed, and your actual credit report will reflect the fraud.

How to Spot a CPN Scam Before It's Too Late

Protecting yourself starts with recognizing the warning signs of credit repair fraud. Watch out for these red flags:

They Charge Upfront Fees: The Credit Repair Organizations Act makes it illegal for credit repair companies to charge you before they've performed services. Any company demanding payment upfront is breaking the law.

They Promise Quick Fixes: Legitimate credit repair takes time. Anyone promising to remove accurate negative information from your credit report immediately or guarantee a specific credit score increase is lying.

They Ask You to Lie: If a company instructs you to provide false information on any application or use any number other than your legitimate Social Security number or ITIN, they're asking you to commit fraud.

They Use Vague Language: Legitimate companies provide clear explanations of their services and have physical addresses. Scammers hide behind vague promises and often operate without verifiable locations.

They Pressure You to Act Fast: High-pressure sales tactics are a classic sign of fraud. Legitimate credit repair professionals give you time to make informed decisions.

They Can't Explain Your Legal Rights: Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, legitimate companies must inform you of your rights. Scammers either don't know these rights or deliberately withhold them.

They Claim Government Affiliation: No legitimate CPN exists, so any claim about government authorization or recognition is an automatic red flag.

The Difference Between CPNs and Legitimate Identification Numbers

It's important to understand that while CPNs are fraudulent, several legitimate nine-digit identification numbers exist:

Social Security Numbers (SSN): Issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens and certain authorized non-citizens. This is your primary identification number for credit, employment, and government purposes.

Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN): Issued by the IRS to help individuals who can't qualify for Social Security numbers file their taxes. These are legitimate, free, and issued through official government channels.

Employer Identification Numbers (EIN): Issued by the IRS as a legal method for identifying a business entity. Any business can apply for and receive an EIN for free.

All three of these numbers are issued by federal government agencies at no cost and serve specific, legitimate purposes. CPNs, by contrast, are not issued by any government agency and have zero legal standing.

What to Do If You've Already Used a CPN

If you've purchased or used a CPN, you need to take immediate action to protect yourself:

Stop Using It Immediately: Don't submit any more applications or conduct any more transactions using the CPN.

Document Everything: Save all communications with the company that sold you the CPN, including emails, text messages, receipts, and promotional materials.

Report the Scam: File reports with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, your local police department, and your state attorney general's office. This documentation may help demonstrate you were a victim of fraud rather than a knowing participant.

Contact Opened Accounts: Reach out to any financial institutions where you opened accounts using the CPN. Explain the situation and close the accounts properly.

Monitor Your Real Credit: Get copies of your legitimate credit reports from all three major bureaus and watch for any signs of identity theft or fraud.

Consider Legal Counsel: Given the serious federal implications, consulting with a criminal defense attorney experienced in fraud cases is advisable, especially if you've already been contacted by law enforcement.

Freeze Your Credit: Place security freezes on your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent further fraudulent accounts from being opened.

The Legitimate Way to Repair Your Credit

Here's the truth that CPN scammers don't want you to know: you absolutely can repair your credit, but it requires time, effort, and legitimate strategies. There are no shortcuts, but the path exists.

Dispute Inaccurate Information: Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to dispute any information on your credit report that is incomplete, inaccurate, or unverifiable. This is the cornerstone of legitimate credit repair.

Make Payments On Time: Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, making regular payments on credit cards, loans, and mortgages the most important factor in building good credit.

Reduce Credit Utilization: Keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit limits, and ideally below 10%. This demonstrates responsible credit management.

Build Positive History: Consider secured credit cards or credit-builder loans if you're starting fresh. These products help you establish positive payment history without requiring good credit upfront.

Address Debts in Collections: Work with collection agencies to negotiate payment plans or pay-for-delete agreements. While not all collectors will agree to remove items, some will, and paying off legitimate debts improves your overall financial picture.

Be Patient: Most negative information automatically falls off your credit report after seven years (ten years for bankruptcies). As negative items age, their impact on your score decreases.

Seek Professional Help: Work with a legitimate credit repair company that operates within the law. These companies can help you navigate the dispute process, communicate with creditors, and develop a comprehensive credit improvement strategy.

How Credlocity Approaches Credit Repair the Right Way

At Credlocity, we've built our entire practice on ethical, legal credit repair that actually works. We've been in business since 2008, and in that time, we've helped over 79,000 families improve their credit without resorting to illegal schemes.

Here's what sets us apart as America's most trusted credit repair company:

Complete Transparency: We start every relationship with a 30-day free trial, so you can experience our services risk-free. We don't lock you into long-term contracts or charge hidden fees.

100% Money-Back Guarantee: We stand behind our work completely. If we don't deliver the results we promise, you get your money back. Period.

Monthly One-on-One Meetings: You're not just a number to us. Every client receives monthly personal consultations to review progress, answer questions, and adjust strategies as needed.

Comprehensive Financial Planning: Credit repair doesn't happen in a vacuum. All our plans include monthly budgeting assistance to help you build the financial habits that support long-term credit health.

Technology-Driven Service: Our mobile app gives you 24/7 access to see exactly what's happening with your credit repair process. You're never in the dark about your progress.

Hispanic-Owned and Community-Focused: As a Hispanic-owned business, we understand the unique challenges facing underserved communities and are committed to providing accessible, trustworthy service.

Legal Compliance: We operate strictly within the confines of the Credit Repair Organizations Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule. We never ask clients to lie, never sell CPNs, and never make promises we can't keep.

Our approach is educational, not just transactional. We want you to understand your credit, understand your rights, and develop the knowledge you need to maintain good credit for life. That's why these blog posts exist—not to sell you services, but to empower you with accurate information.

Understanding Your Rights Under Federal Law

As a consumer seeking credit repair services, you have extensive protections under federal law. The Credit Repair Organizations Act guarantees you several critical rights:

No Upfront Payments: Credit repair companies cannot charge you before they perform services. Any company asking for payment before doing work is breaking federal law.

Written Contracts: You must receive a written contract detailing the services to be performed, how long it will take, and the total cost. You have three days after signing to cancel without penalty.

Clear Disclosures: Companies must inform you that you can dispute credit report information yourself for free and that they cannot promise to remove accurate negative information.

No False Claims: It's illegal for credit repair companies to make misleading statements about their services or guarantee specific results.

Understanding these rights helps you identify legitimate companies and avoid scams. If any company violates these provisions, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission and may have grounds for legal action.

A Critical Warning About Phone-Based Credit Repair

Here's something many consumers don't know: under the Telemarketing Sales Rule, any credit repair company that sells you services over the phone must wait six months before they can legally charge you. This is a federal requirement designed to protect consumers from high-pressure phone sales tactics.

This is exactly why Credlocity does not take clients over the phone. We only accept enrollments through our website, where you can carefully review all information, terms, and pricing without pressure. This protects both you and us, ensuring complete compliance with federal regulations.

If any credit repair company charges you for services immediately after a phone consultation, they're violating federal law. You should report them to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov immediately.

The Impact of Technology on CPN Scams

One concerning trend I've observed in my fraud investigations is how technology has made CPN scams more sophisticated and widespread. The Federal Reserve notes that synthetic identity creation has increased dramatically as technology has evolved, with the rise of artificial intelligence and social media making it easier to create and market CPNs.

Social media platforms, in particular, have become breeding grounds for misinformation about CPNs. False claims about legal CPN use spread rapidly through Facebook groups, Instagram posts, and TikTok videos, reaching vulnerable consumers who might not otherwise encounter these scams.

Scammers also use technology to create more convincing fake documentation, build professional-looking websites, and automate their operations to target more victims. This makes vigilance more important than ever.

Protecting Others From CPN Scams

If you've been targeted by a CPN scam or know someone who might be vulnerable, here's how you can help protect your community:

Share Information: Forward articles like this to friends and family members who might be struggling with credit issues. Education is the best defense against fraud.

Report Suspicious Activity: When you encounter companies advertising CPNs, report them to the FTC, your state attorney general, and the platform they're advertising on.

Support Legislation: Advocate for stronger consumer protections and more aggressive prosecution of credit repair fraud.

Speak Out: If you've been a victim of CPN fraud, consider sharing your story to warn others. Your experience could prevent someone else from making the same mistake.

Verify Before You Trust: Before working with any credit repair company, research them thoroughly. Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau, read online reviews, and verify their licensing and credentials.

The Psychology Behind Why CPN Scams Work

Understanding why people fall for CPN scams helps us combat them more effectively. These scams prey on several psychological vulnerabilities:

Desperation: When you're denied loans, turned down for apartments, or facing financial hardship because of bad credit, the promise of a quick fix is incredibly appealing.

Shame: Many people feel embarrassed about their credit problems and are reluctant to discuss them openly or seek legitimate help. Scammers exploit this by offering a "private" solution.

Complexity: The credit system is genuinely confusing for many people. Scammers use this confusion to their advantage, using official-sounding terminology and fabricated legal justifications.

Hope: Everyone wants to believe they've found a secret loophole that will solve their problems. CPN scammers sell hope, even though it's false hope.

Distrust of Institutions: Some people are skeptical of banks and credit bureaus, making them more receptive to "alternative" solutions that claim to outsmart the system.

Recognizing these psychological factors doesn't mean you're weak or foolish if you've been tempted by a CPN scam. It means you're human, and scammers are very good at what they do. The solution is education and support from legitimate professionals.

Moving Forward: Your Credit Repair Journey

If you're reading this article because you're struggling with credit challenges, I want you to know that your situation is not hopeless. I've worked with clients who've recovered from bankruptcies, foreclosures, medical debt, identity theft, and years of credit mismanagement. Recovery is absolutely possible.

The key is committing to the legitimate path. Yes, it takes longer than a CPN scam promises. But it also doesn't risk federal prison, massive fines, or a permanent criminal record. More importantly, the credit you build through legitimate means is real, lasting, and supports genuine financial health.

Your credit score is not your worth as a person. It's simply a snapshot of your financial behavior at a particular moment in time. You can change that snapshot through consistent, responsible actions over time. Every on-time payment, every reduced balance, every successfully disputed error moves you closer to your goals.

The journey starts with education, continues with action, and ends with financial freedom. Don't let scammers derail that journey by selling you illegal shortcuts that only lead to more problems.

Final Thoughts

Credit privacy numbers represent one of the most pernicious scams in the credit repair industry because they target people at their most vulnerable and put them at risk for serious federal crimes. There is no legitimate use for CPNs, no legal way to obtain them, and no circumstance under which using one won't put you in legal jeopardy.

If you're struggling with bad credit, please reach out to legitimate resources. Work with licensed credit counselors, consult with bankruptcy attorneys if necessary, or partner with ethical credit repair companies that operate within the law. These professionals can help you address your credit challenges without putting your freedom at risk.

Remember, the best credit repair is the kind that doesn't land you in federal prison. Choose the legitimate path, be patient with the process, and commit to building real, lasting financial health. Your future self will thank you.

Legal Disclosures

Not Legal or Financial Advice: This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or credit advice. For specific guidance regarding your individual situation, consult with a licensed attorney or financial advisor.

CROA and TSR Compliance: Credlocity operates strictly within the requirements of the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). We do not take clients over the phone and only accept enrollments through our website to ensure full compliance with federal regulations requiring a six-month waiting period before charges can be assessed for phone-based credit repair services.

Consumer Warning: Any credit repair company that charges you for services immediately after a phone consultation is violating federal law. You are encouraged to report such violations to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Service Limitations: Credlocity can only dispute information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable. We cannot remove accurate negative information from your credit reports, and we never guarantee specific credit score increases or outcomes.

Sources

SentiLink. (2025). "What is a Credit Privacy Number (CPN), and Why Are They Illegal?"
NerdWallet. (2025). "Credit Privacy Number: A CPN Is a Scam, Not a Solution."
Capital One. (2025). "What Is a CPN?"
Experian. (2023). "What Is a Credit Privacy Number (CPN)?"
Lexington Law. (2025). "Is a credit privacy number (CPN) legal?"
Bankrate. (2025). "What Is A Credit Privacy Number? Is It Legal?"
LendingTree. (2025). "What Is A Credit Privacy Number And How To Avoid it in Credit Repair Scams."
Debt.org. (2025). "Credit Privacy Number (CPN): What It Is, Risks & How It Works."
Accounting Insights. (2025). "What Can a CPN Be Used For and Is It Legal?"
Federal Trade Commission. Consumer Protection Resources.
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Research on Synthetic Identity Fraud.
18 U.S. Code § 1014 - False Statements to Financial Institutions
18 U.S. Code § 1341 - Mail Fraud
18 U.S. Code § 1343 - Wire Fraud

About Credlocity

Credlocity is America's most trusted credit repair company, founded in 2008 by Board Certified Credit Consultant Joeziel Vazquez. As a Hispanic-owned business based in Philadelphia, we've helped over 79,000 families navigate credit challenges through ethical, legal credit repair services. We offer a 30-day free trial, 100% money-back guarantee, monthly one-on-one consultations, comprehensive budgeting assistance, and app-based progress tracking. Learn more at www.credlocity.com.

About the Author

Joeziel Vazquez is a Board Certified Credit Consultant (BCCC, CCSC, CCRS) with 17 years of experience in credit repair and financial education. A former credit repair fraud victim himself in 2008, Joeziel founded Credlocity to provide ethical alternatives to predatory credit repair practices. He is also an investigative journalist who has documented seven major credit repair fraud investigations since 2021, resulting in over $3.4 million in regulatory actions and settlements. His work has exposed fraudulent practices at multiple companies and protected countless consumers from financial harm.