In today's society, background checks have become an essential part of the hiring process. Employers, landlords, and even individuals are becoming more conscious of the people they associate with, and for good reason.
Background checks refer to the process of verifying and investigating an individual's history, including criminal records, employment, education, credit reports, and more. It may seem invasive, but conducting a background check is beneficial as it helps prevent fraud and protect public safety.
In this article, we shall explore the importance of background checks and how they help prevent fraud and protect public safety.
Preventing Fraud
Fraud is a significant issue in today's society. It involves the use of deception to gain financially or otherwise exploit an individual or an organization. Fraud can take many forms, including identity theft, credit card fraud, and embezzlement.
A background check helps prevent fraud by verifying an individual's identity, work history, and financial standing. It allows employers to confirm that an applicant is who they claim to be and that they have not falsified any records. This is important as fraudsters may use fake identities or jobs to gain access to sensitive information or steal money.
Furthermore, background checks help prevent fraud by exposing any criminal activity. A history of criminal activity can indicate that an individual is more likely to commit fraud. For example, an individual with embezzlement charges in the past is more likely to do the same in future jobs. By conducting a background check, employers can avoid hiring people with a history of fraud and minimize the risks associated with it.
Protecting Public Safety
Background checks also help protect public safety by preventing the hiring of individuals who pose a threat to society. For example, schools may conduct background checks before hiring teachers to ensure that they are not a threat to students. Hospitals and care homes may also conduct background checks before hiring caregivers to ensure that vulnerable patients will be safe in their care.
Background checks go beyond criminal history. Employers can also use them to check an individual's driving record, drug history, and credit history. These additional checks help ensure that the individual is responsible and trustworthy. For example, an individual with a history of drug abuse may not be fit to work in certain jobs that require a clear mind.
In some cases, background checks can save lives. For example, Uber's background check policy may have prevented the murder of Australian tourist, Brittney White. The suspect, who was an Uber driver, had a history of violence and was awaiting trial for his fourth felony offense when he picked up White. If Uber had conducted a background check, they would have known about his past and would have been able to prevent the tragedy.
Background checks not only protect public safety but also protect the reputation of a business or individual. Hiring an individual with a history of criminal activity or substance abuse could damage the reputation of a business. Similarly, an individual who has been involved in a series of scandals can harm the reputation of an individual or an organization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks are important in today's society to prevent fraud and protect public safety. They give employers, landlords, and individuals the necessary information to make informed decisions about the people they associate with. The importance of background checks cannot be overlooked, and companies that do not conduct them risk being victims of fraud or hiring individuals who pose a threat to society. With the rise of technology, background checks are becoming more comfortable and faster to conduct, making them an essential part of hiring and risk management.
