Introduction

In today’s society, background checks have become an essential part of the hiring process. The reason behind this is to ensure that companies are hiring individuals with clean and safe records. Background checks serve as a preventative measure to protect not only the company but also the public. With the increasing cases of fraud and identity theft, background checks have become more important than ever. This article explores the reasons behind the importance of background checks, how they help prevent fraud, and how they come in handy to protect public safety.

Why are background checks important?

Background checks are conducted to ensure that the candidate to be employed has no criminal record or history of dishonesty. It serves as a precautionary measure to prevent potential risks in the workplace. Employers are looking to create a safe work environment for their employees and customers. By running a background check, employers can identify individuals with a history of violence, theft, and fraud. This helps in weeding out people who may pose a threat to the company.

Background checks also help employers in making informed decisions. They provide additional information that may not be available on the candidate’s resume or in the interview. By conducting a background check, employers get to know about the candidate’s education record, past work experience, and any criminal history. This information is essential in determining if the candidate is a good match for the job.

Preventing fraud

Background checks are a critical tool in preventing fraud. With the increasing cases of identity theft, employers are looking for ways to protect their businesses against any fraudulent activities. Background checks help in verifying the identity of the candidate and ensure that the information provided on their resume or application is correct. This helps in preventing any fraudulent activities such as using fake identities to obtain jobs.

Identity theft is a significant issue in our society. People use stolen identities to obtain jobs, credit, healthcare, and even social security benefits. A background check helps identify these people and prevents them from using someone else’s identity for fraudulent activities.

Protecting public safety

The safety of the public is paramount, and companies have a responsibility to ensure that their employees do not pose a threat to society. Background checks help in identifying individuals with a history of violence, drug abuse, and other criminal activities that may pose a danger to the public. A background check is also critical for jobs that require individuals to carry firearms, such as law enforcement officers and security guards. Background checks are conducted to ensure that these individuals are fit for the job and are not a potential threat to the public.

For instance, in 2015, Uber came under intense scrutiny after several passengers reported sexual harassment by Uber drivers. The company was criticized for its lack of background checks on its drivers. Following the incident, the company introduced a policy requiring background checks on all its drivers. This policy made the company more accountable for the safety of its passengers.

Real-life examples

Background checks have been helpful in preventing fraud and protecting public safety in real-life situations. For instance, in 2017, a former Michigan State University doctor, Larry Nassar, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for sexually abusing over 250 patients. The case highlighted the need for background checks amongst employers. In this case, Nassar’s former employers, USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University, were accused of failing to conduct proper background checks on Nassar before hiring him. Had the employers conducted a background check, they may have discovered Nassar’s criminal history and avoided hiring him.

Another example is the case of Frank Abagnale, a former conman who posed as a doctor, lawyer, and airline pilot while stealing millions of dollars. The case became popular after the release of the movie “Catch Me If You Can,” which was based on Abagnale's life. Abagnale was eventually arrested and sentenced to prison. Today, Abagnale works with the FBI to help prevent fraud and identity theft. Abagnale’s case shows how important it is to conduct background checks on individuals to identify potential fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

Background checks are an essential tool in today's society. They help prevent fraud and protect public safety in the workplace and beyond. Employers are looking for ways to create a safe work environment for their employees and customers. By conducting a background check, they can identify individuals who may pose a threat to the company or the public. The increasing cases of fraud and identity theft have made background checks more important than ever. Companies have a responsibility to ensure that their employees do not pose a threat to society, and background checks help them achieve this. In conclusion, background checks are an essential part of the hiring process and should be conducted to create a safe work environment for all.