Bench, a popular online bookkeeping service for small businesses, is facing serious accusations. After shutting down in December 2024 and being acquired by Employer.com, some customers are reporting being billed twice for services they'd already paid for. This has led to anger, confusion, and even legal action.When Bench abruptly closed, many business owners were left scrambling to access their financial records. Employer.com stepped in, promising a smooth transition and assuring customers that pre-paid services would be honored. However, reports quickly surfaced suggesting otherwise. Some customers found themselves locked out of their accounts and told they needed to pay again to access their own financial data. One customer, Qorum, even filed a lawsuit alleging that Employer.com's CEO made false promises about honoring previous payments.Employer.com denies these claims, stating they are honoring all pre-paid services. They argue that some customers may be misunderstanding the new billing system or mistakenly believing they've paid for services they haven't. This conflicting information has left many Bench customers feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do.This situation raises several important questions. First, what happens to customer data when a company shuts down and is acquired? It highlights the importance of having clear agreements and access to your own information. Second, how can customers protect themselves from unexpected charges and billing disputes? Keeping detailed records of your payments and agreements is crucial.This isn't the first time Bench has faced controversy. Before the shutdown, the company relied heavily on AI-powered bookkeeping, which some critics argued led to errors and inconsistencies. This latest issue further complicates the situation for former Bench customers, many of whom are small business owners already struggling with complex financial management.What does the future hold for former Bench customers? Employer.com maintains they are working to resolve any billing issues and ensure a smooth transition. However, the ongoing lawsuits and customer complaints suggest a long road ahead. It's crucial for affected customers to keep detailed records of their communications with both Bench and Employer.com and to seek legal advice if necessary. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in business, especially when it comes to handling sensitive financial information.
