07/22/2026
🚨 Think fraudsters are going after six-figure bank wires? Think again.
Modern cybercriminals aren't trying to breach bank vaults—they’re target-locking accounting firms and payroll platforms.
Why? Because ACH direct deposits look inherently legitimate, and most platforms (Gusto, Intuit, ADP, Paychex) grant new accounts a default $20,000 to $30,000 net ACH limit.
Fraudsters know this limit inside and out. They setup fake payrolls, push ~$24,000 to money mule accounts, drain the funds in minutes, and vanish before the employer debit returns.
When a new lead pushes for a fast turnaround on their first run, asking "Are their books clean?" isn't enough anymore. You need to ask: "Is this business real?"
In our latest guide, we break down:
🔹 The $25k "Sweet Spot": Why fraudsters don't swing for the fences on Day 1.
🔹 Controlled Urgency: How bad actors manipulate empathy to bypass checks.
🔹 Money Mule Mechanics: How payroll direct deposits are used for money laundering.
🔹 4 Mandatory Intake Steps every firm should implement before clicking "Approve."
Protect your practice and your platform. Read the full guide below 👇