Why are Background Checks Important in Today's Society?

When we think about background checks, we often associate them with job applications or potential romantic partners. However, background checks serve a much larger purpose in today's society. They help prevent fraud, protect public safety, and ensure that individuals are who they claim to be. In this article, we will delve into why background checks are essential, how they protect public safety, and provide real-life examples of how they have prevented fraud.

What are Background Checks?

A background check is a comprehensive review of an individual's criminal, financial, and personal records. It can include a criminal history check, employment verification, education verification, and credit reports. Additionally, some background checks can include medical records, driving records, and drug testing.

Background checks can be performed for a variety of reasons. Employers use them to verify the education and employment history of a job applicant and to ensure a safe working environment. Rental property owners use them to screen potential tenants and ensure they will be reliable renters. Background checks are also performed for security clearance purposes, adoption and foster care placement, and for gun purchases.

How Do Background Checks Prevent Fraud?

Background checks serve as a critical tool in preventing fraud. They are an essential aspect of identity verification and ensure that individuals are who they say they are. For example, a background check can reveal if an individual has used a false identity to commit fraudulent acts.

Background checks also protect businesses from financial fraud. They help verify an individual's education and employment history, ensuring that they have the necessary qualifications to perform the job. Additionally, background checks can reveal any prior convictions for financial fraud or embezzlement, making it easier for businesses to weed out any potentially fraudulent employees.

Real-Life Examples of Background Checks Preventing Fraud

- In 2017, a Florida man was arrested for posing as a licensed doctor and performing a surgical procedure on a patient, resulting in complications. The man had no medical license and used a false identity to gain the necessary credentials. A background check would have revealed this fraudulent activity and prevented the harm caused to the patient.

- In 2020, a former Tesla employee was arrested for an attempted hack of the company's computer systems. The employee had been fired previously for poor job performance and then created a fake identity to regain employment. A background check could have uncovered this fraudulent activity and prevented the attempted hack.

How Do Background Checks Protect Public Safety?

Background checks are an essential aspect of ensuring public safety. They prevent individuals with a history of criminal activity and violent behavior from being allowed to purchase firearms. They also help prevent people with a history of drug abuse or other criminal activity from being entrusted with sensitive information or high-security clearance.

Background checks also help protect vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Individuals who have prior convictions for child abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence are prevented from gaining employment in fields that involve working with these populations. This protects the vulnerable from further abuse or harm.

Real-Life Examples of Background Checks Protecting Public Safety

- In 2018, a man opened fire at a Florida high school, killing 17 people. The shooter had a history of mental illness and violent behavior, making him ineligible to purchase firearms. However, due to a lack of proper background checks, he was able to obtain firearms and carry out the shooting.

- In 2020, a former nursing home employee was arrested for the sexual assault of a resident. The employee had a prior conviction for sexual assault, which should have prevented him from being employed in a position that involved caring for vulnerable populations. Proper background checks would have revealed his history and prevented him from being employed in this position.

Conclusion

In conclusion, background checks are essential in today's society. They serve as a critical tool in preventing fraud, protecting public safety, and ensuring that individuals are who they claim to be. Real-life examples demonstrate how they have prevented harm caused by fraudulent activity and protected vulnerable populations from further abuse. Background checks may seem like a nuisance, but they serve a much larger purpose in protecting our society.