Why are Background Checks Important in Today's Society? How Do They Help Prevent Fraud and Protect Public Safety?

Background checks are becoming increasingly important in today's society. They help prevent fraud and protect public safety by providing employers and other organizations with a clear understanding of an individual’s criminal and credit history. A background check is an investigation into an individual’s past that may provide information on their criminal record, employment history, educational background, and other relevant data points. In this article, we seek to explore the nuance behind background checks and explain why they are so critical in maintaining a safe and just society.

The rise of the gig economy has led to increased background checks in recent years. Companies like Uber and Lyft require their drivers to undergo a background check before they can work for the platform. As a result, ride-sharing services are one of the safest modes of transportation available today. While it may seem like a small detail, having drivers undergo a background check allows passengers to feel safe and secure while using the service. By requiring such checks, employers protect both themselves and their customers from potential harm.

Background checks serve a similar purpose for employers in other industries as well. For instance, a bank may want to perform a background check to make sure that potential employees are adequately qualified for their respective roles. Additionally, background checks ensure that the bank is not hiring someone who may have a criminal history that could pose a risk to customers, shareholders, or the company itself. Furthermore, companies in the healthcare industry require background checks on their employees to avoid any potential risks to patients.

Fraud Prevention

Background checks are also crucial in preventing fraud. The process can reveal any discrepancies that may exist on an individual’s resume or job application, including falsified employment records or inaccurate educational credentials. Such data points can be especially critical in high-security industries such as finance, where hiring individuals with fraudulent experience could lead to losses in the millions.

Background checks can also prevent fraud in other industries. For example, if you are hiring someone to work in shipping and logistics, you can ensure that they have a legitimate driver’s license, no history of drug or substance abuse, and a clean driving record. Integrating such steps can make transit and shipment safer and less prone to fraud and misrepresentation.

Protection of Public Safety

Background checks help protect the public by ensuring that individuals who have a history of criminal activity are not placed in any position that poses a risk to society as a whole. For example, a background check may reveal that an individual is a registered sex offender, has a history of theft, or has been involved in violent criminal activity. Keeping such individuals out of positions that they may use to cause harm to others’ welfare protects public safety.

Additionally, background checks can be an essential tool used by landlords when screening potential tenants. By performing a background check, landlords can verify that an applicant has not been evicted in the past or has a history of non-payment of rent. This can help ensure that the potential tenant will be responsible with rent payments, not damage the property and be a good neighbor to other households.

A Story of Organized Crime

Perhaps the ultimate example of why background checks are necessary comes in the form of organized crime. Organized crime groups are known to infiltrate legitimate organizations to launder money, steal confidential data, and commit other illegal activities. Without background checks, it’s easier for these groups to place individuals in positions of power to carry out their nefarious activities.

An excellent example of this comes from the 2013 hit movie, The Wolf of Wall Street. The film follows the career of Jordan Belfort, who defrauded his clients out of millions of dollars through a massive stock manipulation scheme. In the movie, Belfort hires a new employee, Donnie Azoff, who is dealing with a criminal history involving fraud and drug possession. Belfort learns that his new hire was recruited by the FBI and makes him wear a wiretap to record any potential incriminating activities. Because of the FBI's involvement, Azoff was able to take down Belfort’s criminal organization from the inside. The drama showcases the importance of background checks and highlights how they can be used to protect public safety and prevent criminal activities.

Conclusion

Background checks are essential because they help prevent fraud and protect public safety. The gig economy is a perfect example of how background checks ensure that customers are safe when using a service. In other industries, background checks protect employers, shareholders, and, most importantly, patients who will have to trust medical practitioners. While it may seem like a minor detail, background checks play a vital role in maintaining a just and secure society. So, when we hear about an employer’s request to undergo a background check, let’s remember that it’s for everyone's safety.