What type of report is considered an "investigative consumer report" under the FCRA?

An investigative consumer report, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), involves the collection of information through personal interviews regarding an individual's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living. This typically includes details gathered from sources like previous employers or other acquaintances, which is reflected in the choice that discusses a written summary of a credit reporting agency's interviews of previous employers. Such reports provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's history beyond just their credit and financial data, aligning closely with the FCRA's definition of what constitutes an investigative consumer report.

In contrast, the other options do not fit this definition. A report from a credit reporting agency primarily contains credit and financial information rather than insights drawn from interviews. Results from a drug testing laboratory pertain to a specific testing procedure rather than an evaluation of personal characteristics or reputation. Likewise, a personal credit history is focused solely on financial behavior and does not involve the personal interviews or broader character assessments that qualify as investigative consumer reporting.