If a job applicant refuses to authorize an employer to obtain a consumer report, what may the employer do?

The correct choice highlights a permissible action an employer can take when a job applicant refuses to authorize the procurement of a consumer report. When a candidate declines to give consent for a consumer report—often a prerequisite for certain employment positions—the employer retains the ability to independently verify aspects of the applicant's background.

Conducting a criminal records search by sending an employee to the courthouse is permissible because it does not constitute obtaining a consumer report, which typically requires the applicant’s consent. This action allows the employer to safeguard its interests, ensuring that they’re making informed hiring decisions while also adhering to legal boundaries regarding privacy and consent.

The other options present either requirements that do not align with an employer's rights in this scenario or misunderstandings of the regulatory framework surrounding consumer reports. For example, while an employer must still consider the applicant's qualifications for the position, they are not obligated to move forward with the hiring process if essential background checks cannot be conducted.