Which of the following does the Fair Credit Reporting Act require from users of consumer reports?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes specific requirements for users of consumer reports, primarily aimed at enhancing consumer rights concerning their credit information. When a user, such as a lender or employer, makes a decision based on a consumer report—like denying credit or employment—they are obligated to inform the consumer of this fact. This notification is critical as it allows consumers to understand why their application may have been negatively impacted and offers them a chance to review their credit report for any inaccuracies or errors.

This requirement aims to promote transparency and gives consumers the opportunity to address any issues that may arise from the information contained in their credit reports. It thus empowers individuals to take control of their financial well-being.

The other choices do not align with the specific requirements of the FCRA. For instance, while consumers can obtain free reports under certain circumstances, such as through annual free requests, the FCRA does not mandate users of reports to provide free credit reports to consumers. Confidentiality is addressed in the act regarding how reports are shared, but it is not an explicit requirement imposed on users that resembles supporting consumer notification duties. The act does not require any users to actively work on improving consumers' credit scores.