Are Background Checks and Criminal Checks Ethical?

Many people search the Internet for ways toperson to handle money, such as in the banking
perform a background check or a criminal checkindustry, the employer will run a credit report on
on someone they know. However, for somethe candidate. The reason? They do not want to
people, the ethics of doing such a thing seemsallow somebody who has a horrible credit report
underhanded and perhaps not so befitting of goodto touch money; they could not and would not
human being.trust such a person. A bad credit report spells
Well, in the business world, technically speaking,trouble.
this sort of thing is common practice. Think aboutTurning to the government employers, no matter
it. When somebody applies for a position with aat what level, be it city, county, state or federal,
company, even menial jobs, the applicant ispotential government employees must pass a
required to reveal all sorts of personal information.drug test and pass a criminal check and a
Standard includes the applicant's social securitybackground check before they can be officially
number, address, phone number, and a fullhired, and credit checks are not out of the
disclosure of past employers. Beyond all of that,question, depending on the position. Sure, the
the applicant is also required to offer up at leastgovernment runs background checks, too.
three references, among other information. All ofPrivate citizens, however, do not operate like
this information is then thoroughly examinedbusinesses and government entities. In the world
before a job is offered. The bottom line is that itof everyday life people make new friends and
is highly doubtful that a wanted felon is going toform new relationships left and right. Trust is
be able to obtain any sort of reputablenever in short supply and is given out freely like
employment, not when all employers screen theirwater from flowing down from a natural waterfall.
applicants very well; employers run backgroundWhen we hear of the recent scandal where
checks and criminal checks on their applicants.billions were scammed from trusting investors,
The question then becomes this: do companiesthis is a perfect example of unconditional trust in
feel guilty about asking for personal informationthe world of private citizens. People get burned all
and then checking up on their applicants?the time. Do yourself a favor. If you are
Absolutely not! It is smart business and it isconsidering performing a background check or a
standard procedure in the working world.criminal check on someone you know, just do it.
Businesses run background checks and criminalFight that instinct and you will be taking a
checks all the time!potentially huge risk.
But that is not all. For positions that require the