A consumer report as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is any written, oral or other communication by a consumer reporting agency bearing on a consumer’s credit worthiness, credit standing…general reputation, or character that is used or expected to be used in whole or in part for the purpose of establish a consumer’s eligibility for credit…or employment. In short a background check report is a consumer report. Under the FCRA, First Advantage is called a consumer reporting agency providing this consumer report—and individuals who are subjects of this report are called “consumers”  While this feels like a lot of government jargon—the FCRA is in place to protect individuals who are the subject of these reports. This law gives you rights to get a copy and where needed, time to identify and address report errors.  A consumer report may contain information from public record sources, creditors, and other data furnishers, which prospective housing providers and employers use to evaluate a candidate. A consumer report may also show whether or not a person has been sued, filed for bankruptcy, or has a criminal or civil court record.