QuickBooks Fraud Alert: Protect Your Business and Clients

We recently received an important warning from Intuit regarding fraudulent activities targeting QuickBooks users. This public service announcement is intended to help our clients—many of whom rely on QuickBooks for their accounting needs—stay vigilant against scams and protect both their financial and customer data.

What’s Happening?

Fraudsters are impersonating Intuit Sales & Support Agents and unauthorized QuickBooks resellers. Their deceptive practices include selling fraudulent versions of QuickBooks Desktop software and reaching out with unsolicited technical support. According to the FTC, imposter scams have resulted in reported losses of $2.7 billion annually. This stark statistic underscores the importance of being proactive about your business security.

Beware of Fake QuickBooks Software

• Unauthorized Sales: Intuit no longer offers new subscriptions for QuickBooks Desktop Plus or Desktop Enhanced Payroll. Additionally, non-subscription versions (often known as Lifetime or perpetual licenses) of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, and Mac are no longer available through Intuit.
• Fraudulent Products: Any listing offering these discontinued products—whether on platforms like Amazon or via search engine results—is unauthorized and potentially dangerous. Fraudulent software may expose your business to security vulnerabilities, unfulfilled orders, and fraudulent charges.
• Stay Secure: If you encounter such offers, do not purchase these unauthorized products. Instead, refer to official channels for any QuickBooks software needs.

Recognize and Avoid Technical Support Scams

• Unsolicited Contact: Intuit will never contact you unexpectedly to resolve an issue. Any unprompted phone calls or emails claiming to represent Intuit should be treated with suspicion.
• Pressure for Payment: Be cautious if you receive urgent requests for payment for services you did not request. Scammers may pressure you into immediate transactions, often pushing for long-term subscriptions or direct computer access.
• Verification is Key: Always use the official Intuit support page or contact numbers to verify any communication. Fraudsters often use unofficial contact details to lure unsuspecting users.

What You Can Do

• Verify Sources: Always confirm that any QuickBooks software or support communication is from an authorized Intuit channel.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across unauthorized offers or fraudulent contact attempts, report them immediately to Intuit at 1-800-4-INTUIT.
• Educate Your Team: Ensure that all employees are aware of these scams and understand the importance of verifying any unexpected communications regarding QuickBooks.
• Need Help? Contact CDML: If you have concerns or need assistance with your QuickBooks account, our team at CDML is here to help. We offer expert guidance and support to ensure your financial data remains secure and your software is authentic and up-to-date.

Final Thoughts

Your security is our priority. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your business from fraudulent practices. We encourage you to use official channels when dealing with QuickBooks-related issues and to reach out to us at CDML Computer Services if you have any questions or need further assistance.

Stay safe, remain vigilant, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with your QuickBooks concerns.