3 Introduction For decades, people the world over have lived in fear of their credit scores. This mysterious number decides whether you get a mortgage, a business loan, sometimes even a decent cellphone contract. It’s hurting customers — and lenders. These old-fashioned credit scores are notoriously inaccurate and easily manipulated. Shady companies abound that claim to help people change their scores using “hacks” and tricks that claim to game the system, rather than proving genuine fiscal responsibility or ability to repay a loan. People who deserve credit are o!en turned down, while unreliable borrowers slip through the cracks. At the same time, no one really knows how these companies work out their scores, given how secretive and convoluted the formulae and criteria are. It’

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