FAKO Score

FAKO score is...well...kind what it sounds like: a “fake-o score.”

A FAKO score is a not-so-nice term for credit scores that aren’t from official FICO score lenders. FAKO scores can even be misleading, since their scales are often similar to (but not the same as) actual FICO scores (which are the in 300 to 850 range).

Who provides FAKO scores? Popular sites like Credit Karma and Credit Sesame. When you’re applying for a loan (mortgage, credit card, student loan, etc.), lenders will look at your FICO score, not your FAKO score. Because of U.S. law, Americans are all entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three official credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion...so maybe request that instead of getting a FAKO. Nobody likes a fake-o.