Can You Go To Jail For Using A CPN To Get An Apartment?

Can you go to jail for using a CPN to get an Apartment? Possibly! CPNs or credit privacy numbers are often marketed as an easy replacement for Social Security numbers, promising a fresh start for those with bad credit.

It sounds tempting, doesn’t it? But if you’re hearing alarm bells, you’re right to be cautious.

Can You Go To Jail For Using A CPN To Get An Apartment?

Using a CPN to mask your real SSN is a federal crime. You’re not only opening yourself up to fraud charges; if the CPN is a stolen social security number, you could also be looking at identity theft charges.

What happens if you use a CPN on a rental application? Rental applications are legal documents, forming the basis for your contract with the landlord.

Misrepresenting your Social Security number could backfire if the landlord reports this to authorities—and yes, that could land you in serious trouble.

What Are Credit Privacy Numbers?

Also known as credit protection numbers, consumer profile numbers, or credit profile numbers, CPNs are 9-digit numbers that look just like Social Security numbers.

However, the Federal Trade Commission warns that CPNs are commonly used in credit repair scams, with sellers using stolen Social Security numbers or randomly generated numbers.

Some scammers even suggest applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) as an alternative “credit number.”

Don’t do this! While EINs are legitimate for business use, they can’t legally replace your SSN on credit or rental applications.

In reality, the only true, legal “CPNs” are new SSNs issued by the government in specific cases—none of which include credit repair.

For more information on how CPNs work in fraud schemes, take a look at this resource on identity fraud: https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/synthetic-vs-true-identity-fraud/.

Common Myths About CPNs

There’s plenty of misinformation out there portraying CPNs as a “legal loophole” or an “alternative credit option.” Unfortunately, CPNs have no legal standing with landlords, creditors, banks, or government agencies.

Another myth is that “everyone is doing it” or that “celebrities use CPNs.” While this makes CPNs sound more legitimate, it’s completely false.

High-profile individuals protect their privacy by carefully managing their credit and working with lawyers—they don’t use CPNs.

CPN Apartment Meaning

The term “CPN Apartment” refers to the mistaken idea that you can use a credit privacy number in place of a Social Security number when applying for an apartment.

Some believe that a CPN will hide a poor credit history, evictions, or criminal records from landlords.

In reality, CPNs aren’t legally recognized for rental applications, and trying to use one can lead to a rejected application or, worse, fraud charges.

CPN Friendly Apartments

If you’re still thinking about trying to hide your credit history, and wondering how to get approved for an apartment using a CPN, the truth is, a CPN probably won’t help you.

Landlords and background check agencies use more than just your SSN to confirm your identity.

Your name, birth date, and previous addresses all connect to your actual credit history, meaning a background check will likely reveal the mismatch between your CPN and your real SSN.

This discrepancy alone can raise suspicions and put a red flag on your application.

Are There Apartments That Accept CPN Near Me?

Many people search for “how to get a cpn apartment” hoping to find rentals that will happily accept a CPN without asking awkward questions. However, no apartment complexes officially accept CPNs in place of a Social Security number.

Landlords and property managers aren’t stupid. If you tell them you’re using a CPN to keep your information private, they’ll tell you they need to access that private information to determine if you’re eligible for an apartment!

Attempting to use a CPN might seem like a quick fix, but it’s actually misleading, and could easily lead to legal trouble. Even if a CPN makes it past the initial check, many apartments run more in-depth screenings that will uncover the truth.

Instead of searching for “apartments that accept CPN near me,” look for second-chance apartments and places that accept lower credit scores.

You might be able to improve your chances by being upfront about your situation, offering a higher security deposit, using a co-signer, or approaching private landlords who can be more flexible in their requirements.

Using A CPN Is A Bad Idea

Ultimately, using a CPN won’t fix the background issues you’re hoping to hide. It’s far safer (and smarter) to tackle credit issues head-on. Real credit repair takes time, but it’s risk-free and leaves you in a better position to build your future.

A CPN, on the other hand, will only make things harder. You could face legal consequences, and it may even complicate securing housing or finance in the future.

Read Also: What Charges Can Stop You From Getting An Apartment?