Background checks have become a crucial aspect of our society, as they play a significant role in protecting public safety and preventing fraud. These checks are essential in today's fast-paced world, where we meet new people every day, some of whom may pose a potential danger to us or our loved ones.
Whether we are handing over our personal information to a potential employer, leasing an apartment, or buying a firearm, a background check is almost always a prerequisite. These checks help to verify the authenticity of the information provided by individuals and organizations, and they provide insight into their criminal history, employment history, financial history, and other crucial aspects of their background.
The Importance of Background Checks
Background checks are crucial in today's society for several reasons, including:
1. Protecting Personal Safety
Most people hardly know anything about strangers they meet, and background checks help to verify the authenticity of the information they provide. This way, we can confirm whether they are viewing them or misrepresenting themselves, and avoid any potential risks that could compromise personal safety.
One example of how background checks help to safeguard personal safety is in child care. Parents know how important it is to leave their children in trustworthy hands, which is why they often conduct background checks on potential caregivers. These checks help to ensure that the caregivers have no criminal history or records of abuse and can provide safe, nurturing care for the children.
2. Preventing Fraud
Background checks help to prevent fraud by confirming the accuracy of the information provided by individuals and organizations. They ensure that credit reports, criminal records, employment history, and other important details are accurate and legitimate.
Fraud is prevalent in today's society, and the best way to prevent it is to conduct thorough background checks. For instance, organizations that hire remote workers must ensure that the credentials provided are authentic, verifying that the individuals are qualified, and have no records of criminal activity or fraudulent behavior.
3. Maintaining a Safe Work Environment
Background checks are essential in today's employment sector, helping employers to hire trustworthy and dependable workers. They help to confirm that job candidates are truthful about their job experience, education, and history, which can impact workplace safety and productivity.
Background checks verify that employees are dependable and pose no risk to the organization, co-workers or clients. For instance, organizations that deal with private security or handle confidential information must ensure the employees have no criminal background or tendencies to use the data unethically.
Real-Life Examples of Background Checks in Action
Background checks have played a critical role in several incidents, some of which illustrate the importance of conducting background checks before making significant decisions. Here are a few examples:
1. The Austin Bomber Incident
In 2018, a string of bombings occurred in Austin, Texas, leaving residents in fear for their lives. The Austin bomber was later identified as a 23-year-old male who had passed a background check to purchase components for the explosives.
The incident highlighted the importance of conducting thorough background checks when purchasing potentially dangerous materials, especially for those that will be used for a criminal act.
2. The Charleston Church Shooting
In 2015, a gunman opened fire in a church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people. The gunman was identified as a young male with a history of drug possession and had been arrested several times for assault and battery.
The incident illustrated the critical role of background checks, especially for those seeking to buy firearms. It raised questions regarding the ease of access to firearms, and the need for a more thorough background check process when purchasing.
3. The Wells Fargo Fraud Scandal
In 2016, Wells Fargo bank was involved in a massive scandal after it was discovered that employees were opening accounts without the customers' knowledge and consent, in order to meet sales targets.
The incident highlighted the need for thorough background checks for potential employees, as the scandal could have been prevented if employees had been properly vetted and hired based on merit, rather than solely on their ability to meet unrealistic sales targets.
The Bottom Line
Background checks are essential in today's society, as they play a significant role in preventing fraud and protecting public safety. Whether we are buying a firearm, leasing an apartment, or hiring employees, a background check is always necessary to ensure that the individuals and organizations we are dealing with are trustworthy and dependable.
Through implementing a more thorough background check process in society, we can prevent potentially dangerous individuals from slipping through the cracks and protect the safety and security of the public.
