Warning: Credit Profile Numbers Illegal

You have probably already seen Credit Profile Numbers all over the internet. Be forewarned about it nonetheless. Any "credit profile number" you provide to creditor which isn't your social security number (notwithstanding business credit applications which ask for EIN's explicitly) can get you into trouble.

Cutting to the chase, these "credit profile numbers" are illegal. Companies or scam artists presenting themselves as reputable businesses state that the 1974 Social Security Number Privacy Act allows you to avoid giving out your social security number. That provision was never enacted by Legislature. Moreover, the Act certainly doesn't allow you to provide a fictious credit profile number that will lead a creditor to a false report inadvertantely created by the credit reporting agencies. All these so called companies do is charge you for taking your name and an address you've never lived at and then, have someone pull your credit. When that happens, the credit reporting agencies must assign a number to the file that is created by virtue of the inquiry. Even worse, some criminals just assign to you a deceased persons number or even real ssn's. That folks . . . can be construed as conspiracy to committ identity theft.

In short, creating a credit profile number is file segregation for any Credit Service Organization. For a consumer, it could lead to criminal implications.

Don't do it.

There are ways to improve your credit legally through the FCRA, FDCPA, FCBA, state laws such as the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, and if need be, litigation. You can do it yourself or hire a reputable Credit Services Organization which is a Better Business Bureau member and follows the CROA. Or, some law firms such as Barnette Law Offices, LLC {http://barnettelawoffices.com) will help you if don't have the time or have actionable claims.

However, a credit profile number is not the answer. Your credit wasn't ruined overnight and can't be made perfect overnight either.