What is an "investigative consumer report"?

An investigative consumer report is a comprehensive assessment that includes information about a consumer's character, general reputation, personal habits, and lifestyle. This type of report often involves interviews with individuals who are familiar with the consumer’s background, such as neighbors, friends, or colleagues. The goal is to gather detailed insights into the individual's behavior and personal attributes, which may be relevant for purposes such as employment, credit, or insurance applications.

This form of reporting contrasts with other types of reports that focus mainly on financial aspects or public records. For example, reports detailing financial transactions focus on economic behaviors, while summaries of credit scores provide numerical assessments of creditworthiness based primarily on financial history. A report of public records typically includes items such as bankruptcies or liens rather than personal character assessments. Thus, the correct understanding of an investigative consumer report hinges on its comprehensive nature regarding character and personal habits.