In today's society, it goes without saying that background checks are incredibly important. Whether it is for employment, housing, or even dating, background checks have become a staple in our everyday lives. But, have you ever stopped to think about why background checks are so important? What do they really do? In this article, we'll explore the significance of background checks and how they help prevent fraud and protect public safety.
First, let's establish what a background check is. A background check is a process where an individual's criminal, financial, and educational history is verified. This can include checking criminal records, credit history, employment history, and education records. The purpose of a background check is to ensure that an individual is honest, trustworthy, and safe to be around.
One of the primary reasons why background checks are important in today's society is because they help prevent fraud. Fraud can occur in many forms, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, and employment fraud. Without background checks, these types of fraud would be much easier to commit. For example, an employer may unknowingly hire an individual who has a history of stealing from previous employers. This could result in the employer losing money and valuable assets. However, with a background check, the employer can verify the individual's employment history and look for any red flags.
Background checks also help protect public safety. By checking an individual's criminal and employment history, potential threats to the community can be identified. For example, a background check may reveal that an individual has a history of violent behavior. This information can be used to determine whether the individual is safe to be around others. Similarly, a background check may reveal that an individual has a history of drug use. This information can be used to determine whether the individual is fit to work in a job where drug use is not allowed.
Real-Life Examples of Why Background Checks Matter
To further illustrate the significance of background checks, let's explore some real-life examples. In 2017, a woman named Misty Elam applied for a job at a childcare center in North Carolina. However, her background check revealed that she had previously been convicted of drug offenses and larceny. As a result, the childcare center revoked her employment offer. This is a prime example of how background checks can help prevent potentially dangerous individuals from being put in positions where they can harm others.
Another example is from the world of online dating. In 2018, a man named Jeffrey Marsalis was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting multiple women he met through online dating sites. Marsalis had a history of lying and had falsely claimed to be a doctor, a CIA agent, and a war hero. However, a background check would have revealed that he had falsely claimed to be these things and that he had previously been convicted of multiple sexual assault charges. This is a prime example of how background checks can protect individuals from potential predators.
The Importance of Accuracy in Background Checks
While background checks are incredibly important, it is equally important that they are accurate. A false positive or false negative on a background check can have serious consequences. For example, if an individual is mistakenly identified as having a criminal history, they may be denied employment or housing. On the flip side, if an individual with a criminal history slips through the cracks and is put in a position of trust, it could lead to potentially dangerous situations.
It is also important to note that background checks are not foolproof. While they do provide valuable information, they are not perfect and can sometimes miss important information. For example, if an individual had a criminal record under a different name, their background check may not reveal this information. Additionally, some employers may not conduct thorough background checks, or may be willing to overlook certain red flags in order to fill a position quickly.
Conclusion
In today's society, background checks are incredibly important for preventing fraud and protecting public safety. Whether you are an employer, a landlord, or someone looking to enter the dating world, a background check can provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions. While they are not perfect and can sometimes miss important information, they are an important tool in ensuring that the people we interact with are honest and safe.
