What is an investigative consumer report?

An investigative consumer report is a specific type of consumer report that involves gathering information not just from public records or databases, but also through direct communication, often involving personal interviews. This type of report is detailed and may provide insights about a consumer’s character, reputation, and lifestyle, which can be critical for decision-making by businesses.

The key components that make the statements about the investigative consumer report accurate are based on the nature of how information is collected. Information obtained through telephone interviews with the consumer's friends and associates forms a core aspect of an investigative consumer report, as it emphasizes the depth and personal context gathered through these interviews.

Additionally, an investigative consumer report can indeed include criminal history information, but this inclusion is contingent upon it being part of the broader context of personal interviews and character assessments. This allows for a more comprehensive view rather than just a raw data collection, fulfilling the criteria set out by regulations governing these reports.

Therefore, the correct choice accurately reflects both the personal interview aspect and the potential inclusion of various types of data, including criminal history, making the combined option the most comprehensive and appropriate description of what an investigative consumer report entails.