Which type of information is prohibited from being included in consumer reports?

In the context of consumer reports, certain types of information are regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Specifically, bankruptcies are a significant aspect of a consumer's credit history, but the law stipulates that bankruptcies can only be reported for a limited time. A bankruptcy that is over 10 years old should not be included in consumer reports, as it is considered outdated and not relevant for assessing an individual’s current creditworthiness. This limitation is designed to protect consumers from the long-term negative impacts of financial events that have been resolved or are no longer relevant to their current situation.

The inclusion of other types of information, such as employment history, credit card balances, and Social Security numbers, is permissible and necessary for a full understanding of a consumer's financial behavior and identity. Employment history helps lenders gauge a consumer's job stability, credit card balances reflect their current financial obligations, and Social Security numbers are essential for accurately identifying consumers and preventing fraud. Thus, the correct answer highlights the specific regulation regarding the reporting timeframe for bankruptcies.