Dummy CUSIP Number

Okay, insert the word "dummy" in front of everything. And just See: CUSIP Number for deets.

But a dummy CUSIP number exists as a placeholder for another number that then becomes the real CUSIP number.

Why would a company do this? Well, often there are glitches in trading or the prices or commission attributed to a given financial transaction—so it needs a dummy.

Think: Congress.