Background checks are an essential part of today's society for various reasons. They help in preventing fraud and protecting public safety by verifying an individual's history and background. In the United States, the use of background checks is prevalent, with many employers, businesses, and even individuals adopting this practice to reduce the risk of hiring or partnering with someone who may pose a threat to their safety or business.

Why are background checks important in today's society?

Background checks are essential in today's society for several reasons. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why:

1. Preventing fraud

Background checks help in preventing fraud by verifying an individual's identity, employment history, education level, and criminal history. This is particularly important in high-risk areas like finance, healthcare, and government. A recent study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners revealed that companies that conduct background checks are less likely to suffer from fraud by employees than those that do not.

2. Protecting vulnerable populations

Background checks are essential in protecting vulnerable populations like children, elderly, and disabled. Individuals who work with vulnerable populations like teachers, caregivers, and healthcare workers must undergo background checks to ensure they do not pose a threat to the individuals they are working with. These checks are critical in preventing abuse, neglect, and other forms of harm.

3. Improving workplace safety

Background checks can also help in improving workplace safety by minimizing the risk of violence or other dangerous behaviors. These screenings look into an individual's criminal history, past employment, and education verification, among other things, to determine if they are a fit for the job and pose no risks to other employees.

4. Verifying qualifications

Background checks are also an essential part of verifying an individual's qualifications for a specific job. This screening can include checking an individual's employment history, reviewing their education credentials, and contacting references to ensure they are qualified for the job. The use of background checks also helps in preventing individuals from misrepresenting their qualifications.

How do background checks help prevent fraud and protect public safety?

Background checks help prevent fraud and protect public safety by providing a comprehensive review of an individual's history and background. By verifying an individual's identity, employment history, education level, and criminal history, employers and businesses can make informed decisions about who they invite into their organizations.

Here are some of the ways background checks can help prevent fraud and protect public safety:

1. Reducing the risk of theft

Background checks help in reducing the risk of theft by identifying individuals with a history of fraudulent behavior. This screening can look into an individual's credit history, employment history, and criminal history to determine if they have a pattern of dishonesty or theft.

2. Identifying individuals with a history of violence

Background checks can help in identifying individuals with a history of violence or other dangerous behaviors. This screening looks into an individual's criminal history to determine if they have a pattern of violent or aggressive behavior. This information is essential in preventing workplace violence, abuse, and other forms of harm.

3. Verifying an individual's qualifications

Background checks are critical in verifying an individual's qualifications for a specific job or role. This screening can include checking an individual's education credentials, reviewing their employment history, and contacting references to ensure they are qualified for the job. This helps in preventing individuals from misrepresenting their qualifications and reduces the risk of hiring someone who is not qualified for the job.

4. Reducing the risk of liability

Background checks can help in reducing the risk of liability for businesses and employers. By conducting background checks, businesses can demonstrate due diligence in ensuring they are not hiring individuals who may pose a threat to their employees or customers. This information can also be used to defend against lawsuits or other legal claims related to an employee's conduct.

Real-life examples of the importance of background checks

The importance of background checks cannot be overstated. Here are some real-life examples of how background checks have helped in preventing fraud and protecting public safety:

1. Uber and Lyft

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft require drivers to undergo background checks to ensure their safety. In 2017, it was discovered that Uber had failed to conduct proper background checks on their drivers, leading to the hiring of drivers with criminal records that included murder, assault, and other serious crimes. This revelation led to changes in Uber's background check policies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

2. San Bernardino shooting

The San Bernardino shooting in 2015 is a tragic example that illustrates the importance of background checks. The two shooters, who killed 14 people and injured 22 others, had gone through a background check that failed to uncover their radicalized beliefs and ties to terrorist groups.

3. Wells Fargo

In 2016, it was discovered that Wells Fargo employees had opened millions of fake accounts in their customers' names. The discovery was made after an investigation that included a review of employee's employment history and other background information. The investigation revealed that employees had been encouraged to open fake accounts to meet sales targets, indicating there were no proper background checks in place.

Conclusion

Background checks are essential to preventing fraud and protecting public safety. They provide a comprehensive review of an individual's history and background, enabling employers and businesses to make informed decisions about who they invite into their organizations. Despite the prevalence of background checks, there are still instances where organizations fail to conduct proper checks, leading to disastrous consequences. It is essential that proper background checks are conducted to prevent such incidents from occurring.