(c) The term “investigative consumer report” means a consumer report in which information on a consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through any means.
If communication does not fall within the definition of 'Consumer Report,' however, it will not be an 'Investigative Consumer Report. '” What's critical to the definition of an Investigative Consumer Report is that information must be obtained through a “personal interview.”
Employment background checks also are known as consumer reports. They can include information from a variety of sources, including credit reports and criminal records.
Examples of consumer reports include criminal background checks and credit reports. To request a consumer report about someone, the requester must follow the procedures in the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Except as otherwise provided in section 1681k of this title, a consumer reporting agency shall not furnish an investigative consumer report that includes information that is a matter of public record and that relates to an arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien, or outstanding judgment, unless ...