In today's society, background checks have become an essential tool in preventing fraud and protecting public safety. From pre-employment screenings to tenant background checks, the use of background checks has become ubiquitous across a variety of industries. In this article, we will explore the importance of background checks, and how they help in preventing fraud and protecting public safety.
## The Importance of Background Checks
Background checks provide a glimpse into a person's history, giving employers or property managers an idea of who they may be dealing with. This information can be used to make informed decisions about a person's employment eligibility, creditworthiness, or potential danger to themselves or others.
The importance of background checks is evidenced by the fact that most employers in today's job market require some form of background check for prospective employees. In fact, according to a survey by HireRight, 74% of employers conduct pre-employment background checks on all candidates. This is a staggering number, highlighting the importance of background checks in today's society.
Additionally, background checks are now required by law for certain professions such as healthcare workers, daycare providers, and even Uber drivers. These requirements ensure that people who may have access to vulnerable populations undergo rigorous screening to ensure that they are trustworthy.
## Preventing Fraud
Background checks are also crucial in preventing fraud. By verifying a person's identity and employment history, background checks can help prevent identity theft, fraudulent claims, and embezzlement.
For example, in the financial industry, background checks can help prevent fraud by uncovering past criminal activity or associations with known criminals. In the medical industry, background checks can help identify physicians who may have had their licenses revoked in other states for malpractice or other violations.
In addition to preventing fraud, background checks can also help businesses avoid potential legal and financial liabilities. By conducting thorough background checks, businesses can avoid hiring individuals with a history of theft or fraud, reducing the likelihood of litigation or financial loss.
## Protecting Public Safety
Perhaps the most significant benefit of background checks is their ability to protect public safety. By uncovering past criminal activity, substance abuse, or domestic violence, background checks can help prevent potentially dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms, working in jobs that involve close contact with children or the elderly, or driving commercial vehicles.
In 2018, the FBI reported that they conducted over 25 million background checks for gun purchases. While not all purchases were denied, the number of denials due to felony convictions, drug use, and domestic violence highlight the importance of background checks in keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
Similarly, in the transportation industry, background checks are mandatory for commercial driver's license applicants. This screening ensures that individuals with a history of DUI, reckless driving, or other violations are not allowed to operate commercial vehicles on public roads or highways.
## Real-Life Examples
There are countless examples of the importance of background checks. One such example is the story of Amanda Hawkins, who lives in Florida. In 2018, Hawkins shared her story on social media, highlighting how a background check saved her life.
Hawkins had been dating a man for several months and was planning on moving in with him. However, after running a background check, she discovered that he had a history of domestic violence and had been arrested for kidnapping and stalking.
Hawkins decided to break off the relationship, but her ex-boyfriend did not take it well. Several days later, he showed up at her home with a gun, threatening to kill her. Luckily, Hawkins had already contacted the police, and they were able to apprehend the man before he could harm her or anyone else.
This story highlights the importance of background checks in preventing potential violence and protecting public safety.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks play a vital role in today's society, helping to prevent fraud and protect public safety. By uncovering past criminal activity, substance abuse, or domestic violence, background checks can help keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals, prevent fraud and theft, and avoid potential legal and financial liabilities.
Employers, landlords, and other businesses that deal with the public have a responsibility to conduct thorough background checks to ensure the safety of their customers and employees. Whether it's a pre-employment screening or a tenant background check, the use of background checks is an essential tool in today's society, and we must continue to utilize this tool to prevent fraud and protect public safety.
