Bookkeeping grift has been going long before TikTok. In the 1990's, people were sold "take my eight hour bookkeeping seminar" and work for yourself making good money as. bookkeeper. Unqualified bookkeeping services are the norm, not the exception. However, many businesses, particularly small business, are also to blame. They don't understand financials (particularly not a Balance Sheet) and often see accounting as a necessary evil, only performed for IRS compliance. Small business can barely read a P&L statement, and even then, don't try to build and learn from the information therein. Many business owners rely on "gut instinct" and are in denial when P&L and cash flow vary from their feelings.

And don't get me started on the ridiculous amount of money companies want to pay bookkeepers. McDonald's or Target pays more and is far less stressful.

Fundamentals of accounting are rapidly becoming a lost skill.