Final answer:
Investigative consumer reports are unique compared to consumer reports because they involve gathering information from the customer's associates, friends, and neighbors, without the customer's knowledge. They also provide additional information about a particular risk from an outside source.
Step-by-step explanation:
Investigative consumer reports have a unique characteristic compared to consumer reports. While consumer reports generally provide information about a customer's character and reputation, investigative consumer reports involve gathering information from the customer's associates, friends, and neighbors. This means that the customer has no knowledge of this action, making it an additional characteristic of investigative consumer reports.
On the other hand, investigative consumer reports also provide additional information from an outside source about a particular risk. This could include information about a customer's creditworthiness, personal habits, lifestyle, or criminal background. Unlike consumer reports, investigative consumer reports delve deeper into a customer's background, going beyond basic information.