Why Background Checks are Important in Today's Society

In today’s world, we are living in a very dangerous and vulnerable society where crime rates are skyrocketing. From terrorism to identity theft, fraud to violence, these risks are becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. All of these issues can be detrimental to the peace, safety, and well-being of people. Moreover, this growing concern has made it mandatory to conduct background checks on any individual or organization before any interactions.

There are many reasons why background checks are important in today's society, but the primary reason is to prevent fraud and protect public safety. Fraud can take many forms, including identity theft, corporate fraud, investment scams, and more. For example, an employer may want to conduct a background check on a prospective employee before hiring them to ensure that they are who they say they are. The same goes for landlords who rent a property to tenants and for financial institutions who lend money to individuals.

It’s becoming increasingly common for employers to conduct background checks on potential hires. In fact, a study by HireRight states that 85% of organizations conduct background checks on their employees. This practice is becoming the norm because it can help cut down on employee theft, violence, and accidental negligence. It can also help to prevent lawsuits, reduce worker’s compensation claims, and enhance workplace safety.

In addition to preventing fraud, background checks can also protect public safety. Public safety is the primary concern of governments. Governments are responsible for ensuring the well-being of citizens. However, governments are not the only ones who can conduct background checks; private individuals and organizations also have the power to conduct these checks. For example, a person hiring a live in nanny can conduct a background check to ensure that they hire someone who is trustworthy and has the required skills to take care of their children.

Background checks help avoid or limit risks associated with different people or organizations. Here are some of how they can reduce risks:

1. Criminal Check: A criminal background check is probably the most common type of background check used today. It can reveal details about an individual's past criminal history. Criminal background checks may identify criminal charges, convictions, and other related information. Knowing this information can help employers make more informed decisions about who they hire.

2. Employment History: An employment history check is another type of background check that can reveal a significant amount of information about an individual. This type of check can help employers verify job titles, responsibilities, and company tenure.

3. Education Check: Educational records are another area where background checks can be useful. This type of check is ordinarily conducted to ensure that a person's claimed educational qualifications are in fact legitimate. Employers may also carry out this type of check on prospective employees to ensure they have the necessary qualifications to carry out their job.

4. Financial History: Financial background checks can be requested by employers, lenders, or landlords. This type of background check can reveal information on an individual's credit history, bankruptcy proceedings, or lawsuits. Conducting this type of check can help prevent fraud, and help to avoid problematic tenants or borrowers.

One example of the importance of conducting thorough background checks is that of the terrorists who were involved in the devastating 9/11 tragedy in the United States. Four of the terrorists entered the country using fraudulent passports and visas. If proper background checks had been carried out, it could have prevented the tragedy. Furthermore, various corporate scandals have highlighted the importance of background checks on employees.

In conclusion, background checks are essential in today's society because they help and prevent fraudulent activities while protecting the public. Background checks can also provide peace of mind for those conducting the checks and for those who interact with background-checked individuals. Background checks have become essential because of the risks associated with various people and organizations. In the end, background checks serve as a safety net that provides an additional layer of trust and security in a vulnerable and ever-changing world.