Which of the following is permissible for obtaining a consumer report?

• A. Written instructions from consumer
• B. To monitor social media activity
• C. For general advertising
• D. To obtain credit scores for marketing purposes

Answer: (A)

Access to a consumer report is allowed only when there is a valid purpose and the consumer has given explicit permission. The option involving written instructions from the consumer shows exactly that authorization, which satisfies the requirement for a permissible purpose. With consent in writing, a lender, employer, landlord, or other permitted entity may obtain the report to evaluate an application or ongoing relationship.

The other scenarios don’t fit. Monitoring social media activity isn’t a legitimate basis for pulling a consumer report under the applicable rules, and using reports for general advertising or to obtain credit scores for marketing purposes is not allowed, since those uses aren’t considered permissible purposes for consumer reports.