If you have ever applied for a job or rented an apartment, you've probably encountered the dreaded background check. While the process of submitting personal information for examination can be stressful, the reality is that background checks are imperative in today's society. Not only do they help prevent fraud, but they also protect the public's safety.
The Importance of Background Checks
Before we get into the specifics of how background checks help prevent fraud and protect public safety, it's essential to understand why they're so crucial. Simply put, background checks allow employers, landlords, and others to verify the accuracy of the information provided by candidates. They also help screen out individuals who may not be suitable for certain positions or housing situations.
For example, if an employer is hiring someone to work with children, they want to ensure that the candidate has a clean criminal record and is not a risk to the safety of the children. Similarly, if a landlord is renting to a new tenant, they want to know that the person will pay their rent on time and not cause any damage to the property.
How Background Checks Help Prevent Fraud
Fraudulent activity is prevalent in today's society, with identity theft and other scams on the rise. Background checks can help prevent fraud by verifying the identity of candidates. Employers and others can use information from credit reports, criminal records checks, and other sources to confirm that the information provided is accurate.
For example, a potential employee may exaggerate their qualifications on their resume or application. A thorough background check can confirm their educational history, work experience, and other qualifications.
In addition, background checks can uncover red flags that may indicate that a candidate has engaged in fraudulent activity in the past. For example, if a person has a history of financial fraud, it may indicate that they are not trustworthy and could engage in similar behavior in the future.
The Importance of Background Checks in Protecting Public Safety
While preventing fraud is important, protecting public safety is perhaps the most critical role that background checks play in today's society. As mentioned earlier, employers and others can use background checks to verify that candidates have a clean criminal record. This is especially important in industries that require employees to work with vulnerable populations, such as children or the elderly.
In addition, background checks can help prevent workplace accidents and other safety-related incidents. For example, an employee may have a history of substance abuse, which could make them a safety risk if they were to operate heavy machinery or perform other tasks that require sound judgment and coordination.
Real-Life Examples
To better understand how background checks are important in today's society, let's look at some real-life examples.
In September 2020, the Department of Justice charged 57 people with fraud related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The PPP was designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. However, the DOJ alleges that many of the individuals charged in the fraud scheme used fake identities and other fraudulent means to obtain funds. A thorough background check could have potentially uncovered the inconsistencies in the loan applications and prevented the fraudulent activity.
Another example comes from the healthcare industry. In 2015, a nurse named Charlie Cullen was charged with killing multiple patients over the course of his career. Cullen had a history of mental health issues and had been fired from multiple hospitals for poor performance. However, he was still able to find work as a nurse due to a lack of communication between hospitals regarding his employment history. A more thorough background check could have potentially prevented the tragic deaths of the patients he cared for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks are important in today's society for several reasons. They help prevent fraud, protect public safety, and allow employers and others to make informed decisions about candidates. While the process of submitting personal information for examination may be stressful, the benefits of background checks far outweigh the potential drawbacks. By ensuring that the individuals we entrust with our safety and financial stability are trustworthy and qualified, background checks play a critical role in maintaining a functioning and safe society.
