The Importance of Background Checks in Today's Society
In today's fast-paced society, everything is done in a hurry. People trust easily and often overlook important details when dealing with others. However, when it comes to business transactions or personal relationships, it is vital to conduct a background check to ensure that a person or an entity is trustworthy. Background checks are essential in preventing fraud and protecting public safety.
Background checks are usually conducted to obtain a comprehensive report that details a person's past criminal convictions, aliases, and other pertinent information. Employers and credit companies use these checks to verify a candidate's credentials and assess their eligibility for employment or credit. Similarly, landlords use these checks to evaluate a tenant's suitability to rent a property. These reports are valuable in decision-making processes, and their importance cannot be overstated.
The Need for Background Checks
In today's world, it is impossible to rely solely on personal references when evaluating people or entities. According to a 2018 report by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), businesses in the United States lose an estimated $4 trillion every year to fraudulent activities. These losses are a result of the failure to conduct adequate background checks on employees, contractors, and vendors.
Background checks can effectively prevent fraud by providing critical information that can be used to evaluate a candidate's eligibility for employment or contract work. For example, conducting a criminal record check can help identify any past convictions or misdemeanors that may be relevant to a candidate's suitability. Similarly, credit checks can be used to assess an individual's financial health, which is valuable information when considering a hire or contract bid.
Protecting Public Safety
Background checks are not limited to identifying potential fraud; they are also useful in protecting public safety. According to the Department of Justice, one out of every eight background checks conducted on gun buyers in 2018 resulted in the rejection of a potential purchase. This rejection was due to previous criminal convictions, drug use, or domestic violence charges.
Similarly, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all commercial truck drivers to undergo regular background checks. These checks are used to verify a driver's credentials and assess their safety record for compliance with the department's safety regulations. This requirement ensures that only qualified and safe drivers operate commercial vehicles on the road.
Real-Life Examples
Background checks are not only necessary for businesses and government agencies; they are also essential in personal relationships. In a 2019 survey by Social Catfish, an online platform that specializes in reverse lookups, 57% of respondents admitted to using background checks to verify the identity of someone they met online before they agreed to meet them in person.
Similarly, in August 2020, a USA Today report highlighted the need for thorough background checks on nursing home employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report states that facilities that conducted rigorous background checks on their employees were less likely to have staff members test positive for the virus.
Conclusion
Background checks are an essential component of modern society. They provide valuable information that can be used to prevent fraud and protect public safety. In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to overlook critical details when dealing with others. However, the consequences of neglecting this crucial element can be severe on both personal and professional fronts. Businesses, government agencies, and individuals must conduct thorough background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves, their employees, and the public.
