Can a CRA provide a consumer report in response to a subpoena?

A Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) can indeed provide a consumer report in response to a subpoena because responding to a subpoena is considered a permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA allows specific conditions under which consumer reports can be disclosed, and one of those acceptable conditions includes compliance with judicial orders, such as subpoenas.

When a CRA receives a subpoena, it is required to evaluate the legal document carefully. If the subpoena is valid and appropriately issued, the CRA has the legal authority to release the consumer report. This aspect is crucial in contexts such as legal proceedings or investigations, where a consumer’s credit information may be necessary to resolve issues in court.

It's important to note that while the other options might imply certain conditions or restrictions on the release of consumer reports, the situation with subpoenas under the FCRA is straightforward—they are understood to authorize the release when legally justified. This allows for the necessary information to be made available in legal contexts while still adhering to privacy laws set forth by the FCRA.