If an employer plans to take adverse action based on a consumer report, what is the consumer entitled to?

When an employer intends to take adverse action based on a consumer report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires that the consumer be provided with a copy of the report. This right is crucial for consumers because it allows them to understand what information the employer is using to make their decision and to verify its accuracy.

Providing a copy of the report helps ensure transparency and allows the consumer to address any potential inaccuracies that may affect the employer's decision. Additionally, consumers are protected under the FCRA when they are negatively impacted by information contained in such reports, which reinforces their right to access this information.

Other options listed, while they may seem relevant, do not align with the specific rights granted by the FCRA in this context. For instance, consumers are not automatically entitled to compensation simply because an adverse action is taken, nor are they guaranteed a written explanation of the decision or access to all their records. The key entitlement is that they must receive a copy of the report used in making the adverse decision.