Why Are Background Checks Important in Today's Society?

We live in a time where the world seems to be getting smaller by the day, and the advancement of technology has made it easy for people to cross borders and establish connections with others. While this has opened up incredible opportunities for growth and advancement, it has also given rise to a slew of issues related to fraud and public safety. Background checks have become increasingly important in today's society, not only due to the increasing cases of fraud but also the rampant occurrences of crime. Companies, organizations, and even individuals are using background checks to vet the people who they interact with or do business with.

What is a Background Check?

A background check is an investigation into an individual's past, generally with the objective of evaluating whether the person poses any risk to public safety or the employer's interests. Background checks often involve reviewing a person's criminal records, financial records, driving records, educational qualifications, past employment records, and even social media profiles. There are several background check services available today that can scour through various databases to collect information about a person from various sources.

How are Background Checks Useful?

Background checks have become an essential tool in several areas of modern society. Here are just a few of the most common uses:

1. Employment Screening: Employers use background checks to verify the credentials of job applicants and ensure that they do not have a criminal record that makes them unsuitable for the job.

2. Tenant Screening: Landlords use background checks to screen potential tenants to see if they have any red flags that could make them problematic as renters.

3. Volunteer Screening: Volunteer organizations use background checks to ensure that volunteers do not have criminal backgrounds that could put the organization at risk.

4. Professional License Verification: Professional licensing bodies use background checks to verify the credentials of people who are seeking licenses to practice in certain professions.

5. Identification Verification: Government agencies use background checks to verify the identity of people who apply for government services like passports or social security benefits.

6. Online Dating Check: People who date online use background checks to verify the identity of potential partners and ensure that they are not con artists.

Benefits of Background Checks

1. Reducing the Risk of Fraud - With more cybercriminals and sophisticated internet scams coming up, background checks go a long way to protect people from falling victims to fraudulent activities such as phishing, identity theft, and other forms of scams.

2. Protecting Public Safety - Background checks screen out people who have a record of violent crime or other criminal matters, providing a level of safety for your workplace or household. This is helpful for companies that require their clients to sign non-disclosure agreements or companies that work with sensitive personal data.

3. Legal Compliance - Some industries must conduct background checks by law as they are required to keep the public safe, such as schools or healthcare facilities. Background checks meet compliance requirements and avoid any potential legal or liabilities.

Real-Life Cases

Here are some recent examples of how background checks have helped protect people and safeguard their interests:

1. Financial fraud by employees - A wireless carrier company was defrauded of over $200,000 by an employee who created fake purchase orders and misused a company's credit card. After a background check was conducted, it was discovered she had a criminal record for fraud, but this information was not disclosed during her hiring.

2. Crime Prevention - In 2020 in Plainfield, New Jersey, a woman who underwent a background check was found to have outstanding warrants for theft, and she was arrested for the offences.

3. Protected Customers From Abuse - A gym instructor at a facility was charged with sexual assault after being identified by a victim. Later examination proved the gym instructor had committed multiple crimes and had a history of sexual misconduct.

Interpretation

Background checks have become the norm for companies who want to reduce the risk of fraud, protect public safety and ensure legal compliance. They have become an essential component of our society's protection, with their significant benefits. As shown in the several real-life examples, a background check can prevent crimes, fraud and avoid liabilities. Their implementation is integral for industries to ensure the safety of their customers and sustaining a secure work ecosystem.