Background checks have become an integral part of our society, especially when it comes to creating a safe environment for people. They are crucial both for employers and individuals, as they provide a way to assess the credibility and reliability of the people that we interact with.
In today's society, there is a growing need for background checks due to a rise in fraud and criminal activities. The internet has made it increasingly easy to deceive and manipulate people, and background checks can provide a necessary barrier against such activities. With the right background check, people can make informed decisions about who they interact with, and employers can make hiring decisions with more confidence, knowing that they are minimizing the risk of any future problems.
Background checks have two primary purposes. The first is to prevent fraud, and the second is to protect public safety. Let's explore how background checks help achieve these objectives.
Preventing Fraud
Fraud costs the United States over $50 billion annually, and it's a growing problem for both individuals and businesses. Background checks serve a valuable purpose in preventing fraud by identifying people who are likely to engage in fraudulent activities. Such checks look into a person's financial history, business relationships, and past behavior, helping to determine their level of honesty and credibility.
There are numerous examples of how background checks have helped prevent fraud. For instance, in March 2021, the FBI arrested several people in a $30 million investment fraud case. The investment firm involved had been conducting background checks on its employees and clients, but there were still fraudulent activities taking place. However, the background checks provided valuable information that helped in the identification of the individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme.
Another example is that of the check-cashing industry, which is highly susceptible to fraud. The industry has become more vigilant in recent years, with many check-cashing businesses now requiring customers to undergo background checks before they can cash their checks. These checks help identify individuals who may be attempting to defraud the business or the bank issuing the check.
Protecting Public Safety
Background checks can also play a significant role in protecting public safety. Employers and organizations need to ensure that the people they hire or interact with are trustworthy and do not pose a risk to the public or their company. Background checks can provide valuable information on an individual's criminal history, driving record, and other relevant details that may affect their suitability for a particular job or role.
One example of background checks being used to protect public safety is in the aviation industry. All people who work in aviation undergo thorough background checks to ensure that they do not pose a risk to public safety. Pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew must all pass background checks before they can work in the aviation industry. These checks cover criminal history, previous employment, and any other relevant information.
Another example is in the education sector, where background checks are required for teachers, coaches, and other school staff. The checks help protect children from potential harm and ensure that school staff do not pose a threat to the students.
Conclusion
Background checks are critical in today's society, assisting in preventing fraud and protecting public safety. Employers use background checks to minimize the risk of hiring someone who may have a history of fraudulent behavior or a criminal background. Individuals use background checks to make informed decisions about who they interact with, while law enforcement agencies use them to apprehend wanted criminals.
The world will continue to change, and technology will continue to advance, making background checks increasingly important. However, we should remember that background checks are not perfect, and there will always be gaps in the system. Nevertheless, we must strive to make background checks as exhaustive as possible, as they play a crucial role in creating a safer society for everyone.
