An important subset of “consumer reports” are so called “investigative consumer reports.” This subgroup includes consumer reports or portions of such reports in which information on a consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with ...
A consumer report may contain information such as a person's credit characteristics, rental history, or criminal history. These reports are covered by the FCRA.
A consumer reporting agency must also include a summary of consumer rights with the disclosure to the consumer. This ensures the consumer is informed about their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Details such as the firm's name and address, and privacy policies are also typically included.
Consumer reports may include information about a person's credit history, medical conditions, driving record, criminal activity, and even their participation in dangerous sports.
The FTC does clarify that obtaining information from a former employer beyond “fact-checking” could constitute an interview and be considered an Investigative Consumer Report. This could include, but is not limited to, asking a candidate's former employer about: Discipline actions against the candidate.
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 ...
Investigative consumer reports contain information on an individual that is not in their credit report, including their "character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living" and are most often used by employers to check on job applicants.
These obligations include giving written notice that you may request or have requested an investigative consumer report, and giving a statement that the person has a right to request additional disclosures and a summary of the scope and substance of the report. (See 15 U.S.C.
Section 1681a of the Fair Credit Reporting Act defines an “investigative consumer report” as “a consumer report or portion thereof in which information on a consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living is obtained through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or ...