QuickBooks Online Scam Alert: What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
At Premium Consultancy Services Limited (PCS), we stay alert to financial risks and threats that can affect small businesses. Recently, we became aware of a troubling QuickBooks Online (QBO) scam that targeted a business owner. Because many of our readers and clients use QuickBooks to manage their accounting, we believe it’s important to share this story with you as a warning.
What Happened in This QuickBooks Scam
The business owner did what most of us would consider safe—they used the Help menu inside QuickBooks Online to contact support. Unfortunately, the call was routed outside of Intuit’s secure system and straight into the hands of scammers.
Here’s how the fraud unfolded:
- The owner was connected to someone posing as a QuickBooks support representative.
- The scammers provided callback numbers and claimed there was a problem with the subscription.
- An invoice email was sent, demanding immediate payment.
- When the owner entered credit card information through the fraudulent payment link, the charges didn’t seem to process. Pressing submit multiple times resulted in multiple payments.
Intuit’s Security Operations team is now investigating. But this incident highlights how quickly accounting fraud can happen—even when business owners are simply trying to resolve what looks like a legitimate issue.
How to Protect Your Business from QuickBooks Scams
1. Verify invoices directly
If you receive an unexpected QuickBooks invoice or email link, log in at quickbooks.intuit.com to confirm before making any payments.
2. Be careful with phone transfers
Even if a call starts from the QuickBooks Help menu, that doesn’t guarantee safety. Hang up and dial the official Intuit QuickBooks support number yourself.
3. Know the red flags
- Unusual fees
- High-pressure demands for immediate payment
- Subscription invoices sent via email rather than through your QBO account
These are all signs of a QuickBooks support scam.
4. Consult your accountant
If something doesn’t look right, check with your accountant first. At PCS, we regularly help business owners review invoices, charges, and subscription notices.
5. Trust your instincts
If an email or phone call feels pushy or suspicious, pause before acting. Scammers often rely on urgency to trap their victims.
Extra Protection: Secure Your QuickBooks Online Account
Fraud is becoming more advanced, so securing your QuickBooks account is essential. We strongly recommend enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in QuickBooks Online. This simple step adds a second layer of protection, making it harder for scammers to gain access to your data.
Need help? Read our blog: Why Multi-Factor Authentication Matters in QuickBooks Online.
Final Thoughts for Small Business Owners
Unfortunately, scams like this are becoming more common, and QuickBooks users are a frequent target. By staying alert and taking proactive steps, you can protect your finances and avoid costly mistakes.
To make your business safer, keeping accurate books helps you spot unusual charges and fraud faster [download our free Clean Books Checklist].
At PCS, our mission is not only to support your bookkeeping and taxes but also to safeguard your business against financial risks. If you’re ever uncertain about a QuickBooks invoice, subscription notice, or support call—reach out to us. We’ll help you separate fact from fraud.