Credit Basics
Can I create a new credit file with a new social security number?
Federal law has made it illegal to use an alternative social security number when applying for credit. By using another social security number and new identification you cause the credit bureaus to generate another report for a person that does not really exist, and then use that new report to obtain credit. One of the problems with this technique is that it requires that you lie on applications for credit, which in most states is a criminal offense.
What is home equity?
Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you have paid towards that value.
What is a credit score?
A lender figures your credit score (FICO score) by taking your credit history and measuring it against a database of habits in the general borrowing population. That, in turn, determines whether your tendencies match those of borrowers who default on debt, declare bankruptcy or find themselves in various types of financial difficulties.
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