Myth # 1
It applies to all consumers, that is, all individuals in the U.S.
"The term 'Consumer Report' means any written, oral, or other communication
of any information by a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) bearing on a
consumer's credit worthiness, credit standing, credit capacity, character,
general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living which is
used or expected to be used or collected in whole or in part for the purpose
of serving as a factor in establishing the consumer's eligibility for:
 
Credit; or insurance to be used primarily for personal,
family or household purposes;
Employment purposes; or
Any other purpose authorized under Section 604."
Section 604 spells out the permissible purposes of Consumer Reports.
"The term 'Consumer Reporting Agency' means any person (or organization) which,
for monetary fees, dues, or on a cooperative nonprofit basis, regularly engages
in whole or in part in the practice of assembling or evaluating consumer credit
information or other information on consumers for the purpose of furnishing
consumer reports to third parties, and which uses any means or facility of
interstate commerce for the purpose of preparing or furnishing consumer reports."
Because of this, as an individual, if a report reflects upon you and it was
paid for, the FCRA does apply.
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