6 Common Temu Scams and How to Avoid Them
Temu, the ultra-affordable online marketplace taking social media by storm, is having a huge moment. But while it’s become the go-to spot for incredible deals, the retail site is also a magnet for scammers looking to cash in on the buzz.
These Temu scams are sneaky and can catch you off guard. They include everything from fake promo codes and too-good-to-be-true offers to clever identity theft schemes.
Here’s a rundown of the most common scams you may encounter on the e-commerce site, along with essential tips for a safe shopping experience.
What Is Temu?
Temu is a massive online retailer that offers a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods and more. The platform is known for its competitive pricing, with many products available at significant discounts.
Temu is often advertised on social media platforms like TikTok, contributing to its rapid popularity growth. It operates under a parent company, PDD Holdings, that sources products directly from manufacturers. This direct sourcing model allows Temu to offer its products at very low prices, attracting budget-conscious shoppers.
However, as with any online megastore, the quality and reliability of products can vary depending on the seller.
Launched in 2022, the retailer is relatively new, and some users have raised concerns about product quality, shipping times and unresponsive customer service. While customers can often find good deals, it’s important to exercise caution, read reviews and verify seller reputations to ensure a safe shopping experience.
App vs. Website
Consumers can access the marketplace through a website or app. The Temu website typically offers a broader view with more detailed information displayed on a single page. This makes it easier for users to compare products side by side, especially on larger screens like desktops and laptops.
On the other hand, the Temu app is optimized for mobile devices, offering a more streamlined and touch-friendly interface. With just a tap, users can quickly access the app, which includes features like push notifications for real-time updates on sales, new arrivals and shipping status.
The app also offers exclusive deals and promotions, such as opportunities to earn credits through in-app games and other activities. These credits can be applied during checkout to score free products.
Better Business Bureau Accreditation
The company lacks accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which may raise concerns for some shoppers. This accreditation often signifies reliability and a commitment to resolving customer complaints, giving consumers peace of mind.
Additionally, the company currently holds a B- rating with a 2.45 out of 5 rating on the BBB website, which further highlights potential issues in customer satisfaction and service quality.
To address potential concerns, Temu offers a protection program that provides safeguards for customers, such as refunds for damaged or misrepresented items.
6 Common Temu Scams
When shopping on Temu, the allure of low prices and great deals can sometimes overshadow the risks. However, the growing popularity of this online marketplace has also made it a prime target for scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Here are some scams to be aware of.
1. Fake Promo Codes
Scammers exploit Temu’s referral rewards system by creating misleading TikTok videos that urge viewers to "enter code" (meaning a referral code) without providing context.
These videos, often featuring enticing images like cash or luxury items, are designed to trick people into using the creator’s referral code when downloading Temu, which earns the scammer more points and rewards.
The people behind this scam are typically regular TikTok users looking to make money through deceptive means, not to gain followers or fame.
2. Free Gift Card or Free Merch
Be cautious of Temu gift scams where individuals claim to offer free merchandise or gift cards. These scammers often trick you into revealing personal information or making payments to claim these fake gifts.
While Temu does offer legitimate free gifts in exchange for referring others to the site, the retailer doesn't typically give away gift cards. When claiming free gifts on Temu, be extra careful with your information and avoid sharing details with unverified sources.
3. Customer Service Impersonators
Be cautious of scammers posing as Temu customer service representatives to access your account or personal details. This tactic is commonly used by scammers targeting banks and other retailers, where they impersonate customer service to steal sensitive information.
Legitimate customer service will never ask for personal details through unsolicited messages or calls.
Always interact with customer support through official channels, and if you suspect someone is misrepresenting their identity, use people search tools to verify who you're dealing with. This vigilance helps protect your information from potential fraud.
4. Counterfeit Products
Some products on Temu, especially those promoted by TikTok users, may be counterfeit. This issue is common on sites that permit third-party sales, where some items may have significantly lower quality and fail to meet the advertised descriptions, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential safety hazards.
For example, in 2023, Temu was found to be selling counterfeit Air Jordans for under $50, with listings including multiple fake versions of the popular Nike shoe, which typically retails for over $100.
To avoid this bait-and-switch, stick to well-known sellers with positive feedback, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they often indicate fake or low-quality items.
5. Identity Theft
In 2023, experts began raising concerns about the TEMU shopping app, which collects extensive personal information from users, including social media and banking data. Tom Johnson of the Better Business Bureau told NBC Chicago:
"According to cyber security experts, if they infiltrate your phone and operating system, they can get to other apps and applications you’re using. They’re concerned they can even get your contacts too and get that information. So people have to be really careful because your information is a gold mine. And if it ever falls into the wrong hands, that makes it so easy for identity theft."
However, Temu has been working with the BBB to address consumer complaints. For the latest information and resources on safe online shopping, users are encouraged to check the BBB Business Profile on Temu, which offers updated insights into the company’s efforts to resolve these issues.
6. Storefront Cloning
Like Amazon, Temu hosts products from third-party sellers, which are individuals or companies selling their goods through these platforms. However, some Amazon sellers — who have dedicated "storefronts" showcasing their brands — have accused Temu sellers of "cloning" their storefronts and duplicating their products without permission.
Consumers should take several precautions to avoid falling victim to storefront cloning scams on platforms like Temu, Amazon and other online retailers. First, verify the seller's authenticity by checking reviews, ratings and the seller's history on the platform. Look for inconsistencies in product descriptions or unusually low prices, which can be red flags.
Additionally, consider purchasing directly from well-known or official brand websites when possible, and use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.
6 Ways to Safely Shop With Temu
When you know how to safely shop on Temu and ensure a secure online shopping experience, your money (and identity) will be a lot safer.
Use a strong password. Ensure your account is protected with a unique and complex password that is hard to guess. This helps safeguard your personal and payment information.
Look for positive reviews. Before purchasing, check the reviews from other Temu customers. Positive feedback can indicate reliable sellers and quality products.
Exercise caution with steep discounts. While Temu is known for offering significant discounts, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Compare prices with other major retailers to verify the legitimacy of the offer.
Verify secure payments. Ensure the website uses secure connections by looking for "https" in the URL (not just "http") and a padlock icon in the browser's address bar.
Contact the Better Business Bureau. If you have concerns or encounter issues, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if other customers have reported similar complaints or issues.
Engage with other Temu customers. Connect with other shoppers on forums or social media to get advice or share experiences, which can help you make more informed decisions.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: 6 Common Temu Scams and How to Avoid Them
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