Background checks have become ubiquitous in modern society, and for good reason. In a world where it's getting harder to trust the people around us, background checks provide a way for individuals and organizations alike to gain insight into the individuals they encounter, helping to prevent fraud and protect public safety.

But why are background checks so important in today's society? What are the benefits of conducting a background check? How do they help prevent fraud and protect the public from harm?

This article will explore the answers to these questions, and provide real-life examples to demonstrate just how vital background checks are in today's world.

Why Conduct a Background Check?

Before we dive into why background checks are important, let's first define what a background check is.

A background check is a process of investigating someone's history, often for the purpose of determining whether they have a criminal record, verifying their identity, or assessing their qualifications for a position. This can involve looking into someone's criminal history, education and employment history, credit and financial history, and even their social media accounts.

So why conduct a background check? For employers, background checks are often used as part of the hiring process to ensure that the person they're considering for a position is trustworthy and won't become a liability to the company. For landlords, background checks help determine whether a prospective tenant is likely to pay rent on time and take good care of the property.

But it's not just employers and landlords who benefit from background checks. Individuals can conduct background checks on people they meet in their personal lives, such as potential romantic partners or new friends. Law enforcement agencies use background checks to investigate crimes and identify suspects. And government agencies use background checks to verify the identities of people applying for licenses and permits.

Overall, a background check is an essential tool for anyone looking to make an informed decision about the people they interact with.

Preventing Fraud

One of the most significant benefits of conducting a background check is preventing fraud. Background checks can help identify whether someone has a history of stealing or engaging in other fraudulent behaviors, making them less likely to commit fraud in the future.

For example, let's say a small business owner is considering hiring a new bookkeeper. Before making their decision, they run a background check on the candidate and discover that they have a history of embezzlement. Armed with this information, the business owner can avoid hiring someone who may be a significant risk to the company's finances and reputation.

But it's not just businesses that benefit from preventing fraud through background checks. The elderly are often targeted by scammers who try to swindle them out of their savings. By conducting a background check on people offering services to the elderly, such as home healthcare providers or financial advisors, families can avoid falling victim to these types of scams.

Protecting Public Safety

Another critical benefit of conducting a background check is protecting public safety. By identifying people with criminal records or violent tendencies, background checks can prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining positions where they may harm others.

For example, schools and daycare centers conduct background checks on teachers and staff to ensure that they're not putting children in harm's way. Law enforcement agencies rely on background checks to identify individuals with a history of violence or gang affiliation, allowing them to focus on preventing future crimes.

Personal safety is also a primary concern for individuals when conducting background checks. For women, running a background check on a potential romantic partner can help reveal whether they have a history of domestic violence or stalking. For anyone meeting someone online, a background check can help ensure that they're not being duped by a catfish or falling victim to a scammer.

Real-Life Examples

To illustrate just how vital background checks are in today's world, let's look at a few real-life examples.

In 2018, an employee at a Georgia daycare center was arrested for physically assaulting a young child in her care. It was later revealed that the woman had a criminal record that included charges of assault and battery, making her ineligible to work at the daycare. The daycare did not run a background check on the employee and had to pay a significant settlement to the child's family as a result.

In 2020, a former police officer was arrested and charged with the murder of George Floyd. Before joining the police force, the officer had a history of complaints and disciplinary actions, including two instances where he used excessive force. Background checks are a critical component of police hiring processes, and the failure to conduct an adequate check in this instance resulted in a tragedy that sparked nationwide protests.

In a more everyday example, let's say a woman meets a man online who seems charming and desirable. Before agreeing to meet him in person, she runs a background check and discovers that he has a history of stalking and domestic violence. Armed with this information, she's able to avoid putting herself in harm's way and protect her personal safety.

Conclusion

In today's society, background checks are more important than ever. They can prevent fraud, protect public safety, and help individuals make informed decisions about the people they interact with in their personal and professional lives. Whether you're an employer, landlord, or just an individual looking to protect yourself and your loved ones, conducting a background check is an essential step in staying safe and making responsible choices.