Which of the following is NOT a permissible purpose for accessing consumer reports?

• A. Credit underwriting
• B. Employment decisions
• C. Using the report to verify identity with improper authorization.
• D. Tenant screening

Answer: (C)

Access to consumer reports is allowed only for specific permissible purposes and with proper authorization. This framework exists to protect privacy and prevent misuse of sensitive information. The scenario that uses a report to verify identity when there is improper authorization is not allowed because you don’t have a legitimate, consent-based purpose to access the report, and there’s no proper basis under the FCRA to justify that access. In contrast, credit underwriting, employment decisions (with the required consent), and tenant screening are considered permissible purposes when conducted in accordance with the law and with the proper disclosures and authorizations. So the actions that involve verifying identity without proper authorization fall outside what is allowed.