Credit Repair Glossary

• Fake-O Credit Score

  The term “Fake-O” credit score (or FAKO credit score) is sometimes used by folks “in the know” to refer to the “PLUS Score” available from Experian.  The PLUS Score is unique to Experian (and often comes with their credit reports).  Unfortunately, it’s not the score you should base your credit on (because lenders don’t use it).  The score you need to refer to is the “FICO” score.  Experian admits that the PLUS Score is a “consumer-focused credit score” and “was created in response to the need for U.S. consumers to improve their knowledge of credit.” This quote from Experian sums it up: “The PLUS Score is derived from information based on a credit report, using a similar formula to those used by lenders.”  It’s called “Fake-O” because it’s not a real “FICO” score.