Why are background checks important in today's society? How do they help prevent fraud and protect public safety?

We live in an era where background checks are becoming increasingly important as more people are looking for ways to protect their interests and ensure their safety. Whether you are a business owner looking to hire new employees or someone trying to rent an apartment, background checks have become a vital tool in making sure that the people you are dealing with are trustworthy and reliable.

In this article, we will explore why background checks are becoming more important in today's society and how they help to prevent fraud and protect public safety.

What are Background Checks?

Background checks are a process where someone's criminal record, employment history, and financial history are evaluated. It is a process that is used to provide a detailed and accurate report on an individual. Background checks are performed by many different types of entities, including employers, landlords, schools, and government agencies.

The Importance of Background Checks in Today's Society

In today's society, where the internet has made it easier to get information, background checks are becoming increasingly important. They help to prevent fraud, protect public safety, and ensure that only the best candidates are chosen for a job or other opportunity.

Preventing Fraud

Background checks play a vital role in preventing fraud, which has become a significant problem in many industries. A 2019 report by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found that the average organization loses about 5% of its revenue due to fraudulent activities.

Background checks help to prevent fraud by verifying the information that a person has provided, including their employment history, education, and criminal background. By doing so, businesses can identify individuals who have a history of fraud or misrepresentation. This can help prevent future fraudulent activities and save the company from significant losses.

Protecting Public Safety

Background checks also play a crucial role in protecting public safety. Employers, landlords, and schools perform background checks to ensure that the people they are hiring or admitting do not pose a threat to the public. By checking an individual's criminal record, employers can identify any red flags that may suggest a person has a history of violent or criminal behavior.

For example, a background check could prevent a violent criminal from working in a care home or a school. It could also prevent someone with a history of substance abuse from working in a pharmacy or medical facility. Background checks can help to protect the public from individuals who may cause harm to others.

Ensuring the Best Candidates are Chosen

Background checks also help to ensure that only the best candidates are chosen for a job or other opportunity. Employers use background checks to verify a candidate's education, employment history, and references. This helps to ensure that the candidate has not misrepresented themselves or their abilities.

For example, a background check might reveal that a candidate has a history of lying about their previous work experience. This could suggest that they may not be suitable for the job they are applying for. Conversely, background checks can also help to identify candidates who have been overlooked due to a lack of experience or who have been misjudged based on other factors.

Real-Life Examples of Background Checks in Action

The importance of background checks can be seen in the following real-life examples:

- In 2017, a Pennsylvania trucking company was ordered to pay $3.5 million in restitution after being found guilty of falsifying driver background checks. The company had been knowingly hiring drivers with criminal records and false identities.

- In 2018, an airline pilot's background check revealed that he had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. He was immediately removed from duty, and the airline notified the FAA.

- In 2019, it was reported that a Seattle-based daycare center had hired a convicted child molester as a teacher. A background check would have shown that the teacher had a criminal record and prevented them from being hired.

Conclusion

In today's society, background checks have become an essential tool for preventing fraud, protecting public safety, and ensuring that the best candidates are chosen for a job or opportunity. By evaluating a person's criminal record, employment history, and financial history, businesses and organizations can identify potential red flags and take steps to mitigate any risks. In doing so, they can protect their interests and ensure the safety of the public.