Temu has made a big splash in online shopping since it launched in late 2022. The numbers alone are impressive: the app boasts over 167 million monthly active users worldwide. But with popularity comes an unfortunate side effect: scammers. Like any major platform (Amazon, eBay, or otherwise), Temu has attracted fraudsters hoping to cash in on unsuspecting shoppers.
The good news is that most issues are avoidable if you know the common pitfalls. Below are seven scams frequently reported by users, along with practical advice on how to dodge them.
Table of Contents
7 Common Temu scams you should know about
Scam #1: Fake Temu emails
Scam #2: Fake Temu gift cards
Scam #3: Temu affiliate link scams
Scam #4: Counterfeit products on Temu
Scam #5: The newer Temu Xbox scams
Scam #6: Temu customer service impersonators
Scam #7: Cloned storefronts
In conclusion
FAQs about Temu scams
1. Is Temu a scam?
2. Is it safe to buy in Temu?
3. Is Temu giving free products, or is it just a scam?
7 Common Temu scams you should know about
Scam #1: Fake Temu emails
Email scams are classic methods scammers use to obtain information from unsuspecting people, and Temu is no exception. They might also lure you with “too good to be true” deals, telling you to click a link to redeem a massive discount or a gift in exchange for filling out a survey, paying a “small” shipping fee, or providing personal information.
But these emails are after your details (like your credit card details). Some fake emails even carry attachments that hide spyware or viruses so that they can infect you with malware. The trickiest part is that these emails often mimic Temu’s branding so convincingly that even eagle-eyed shoppers might take the bait.
How to avoid getting scammed by fake emails
Verify the Sender’s Address
Check whether the email comes from a legitimate “@temuemail.com” domain or a suspicious look-alike (e.g., “temu-offers.com”). Scammers often tweak domains in hopes that recipients won’t notice.
Never log in through email links.
Pause if an email directs you to “log in for your discount,” then open a separate browser tab or the Temu app and sign in there to be safe.
Use protective tools
Good antivirus software or browser security extensions can help catch malicious links before they harm.
Be wary of urgent language.
Phrases like “Act now! Your account is at risk!” are often used to push you towards making rash clicks. Temu’s genuine emails usually aren’t that dramatic.
Scam #2: Fake Temu gift cards
Scrolling through social media, you might spot posts proclaiming, “Free $100 Temu Gift Card—No Strings Attached!” While you might hope it’s your lucky day, there’s a good chance you’ll click and land on a site asking for personal info or leading you through endless forms.
Sometimes, you’re asked to install an app or complete tasks (like signing up for trial services) that can take weeks to unlock your “reward.” In many cases, the reward never existed. When you realize no gift card, fraudsters have pocketed your email address, phone number, payment details, or other sensitive information.
How to avoid falling for fake Temu gift cards
1. Steer clear of “free money” claims
It’s rare that any brand just hands out large gift cards with no strings attached. So, if the pitch feels too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Stay on official channels
Real savings do exist in Temu. Go to their official app or website, and you’ll see genuine promotions on the homepage or in verified social media announcements.
3. Guard your info
Back away If a random site demands banking details for a “gift card.” You shouldn’t have to share sensitive info for a simple promo.
4. Use a throwaway email
If you can’t shake off your curiosity and want to see if the offer is legit, consider using a secondary email. That way, you can distance your primary inbox from potential spam or phishing.
Scam #3: Temu affiliate link scams
Affiliate and referral links are common ways for brands to reward people who bring in new customers. Temu offers such programs, but scammers exploit them to push people into sketchy sign-up pages that might skim personal info. You might see enticing claims like, “I earned $500 this week from Temu—here’s how you can too!”
The post usually includes a link that tricks you into using the scammer’s referral code when signing up or attaching their affiliate code to your account. Unfortunately, that means they will get rewards from Temu at your expense.
How to avoid falling for Temu affiliate link scams
1. Keep a close eye on the URL
Links shortened by bit.ly or other services aren’t always nefarious, but be cautious when you can’t see the real destination URL, especially when Temu “affiliates” ask you to click.
2. Rely on Temu’s official site or friends you trust
If you genuinely want to join an affiliate program, going through Temu’s site and asking a friend for their code is safer. Don’t blindly trust random social media posts.
3. Beware of overblown promises
“Easiest $500 You’ll Ever Make!” is usually a gimmick. Legitimate affiliate earnings require real marketing or referrals, not magical shortcuts.
4. Scan for multiple redirects
If you click a link and your browser flips through several URLs, close it. That’s often a sign that something fishy is happening in the background.
Scam #4: Counterfeit products on Temu
Counterfeits are a huge issue in online marketplaces, and Temu is no different. Since Temu connects you to third-party sellers, some scammers may try selling fake products while advertising them as top-tier products.
In other scenarios, you’ll see listings with stellar (and possibly faked) reviews, making it look real. They may also ship something smaller than advertised, or the item may never appear. Unfortunately, Temu works with various sellers, so not all will follow the same rules or ethics.
How to avoid falling for counterfeit products in Temu
1. Check seller ratings thoroughly
Look beyond the star average. Read the comments to see if reviews sound authentic, especially those with specific details about sizing, materials, or shipping times—they feel more trustworthy than generic praise.
2. Look for verification badges
Temu sometimes marks reputable shops with a special badge. While it’s not a guarantee, it’s one layer of reassurance when combined with solid reviews.
3. Compare pricing
Don’t fall for heavily discounted “luxury” items. While a moderate discount could be legit, a 90% price cut is often a red flag.
Scam #5: The newer Temu Xbox scams
This relatively newer scam involves scammers reaching gamers through Xbox Live. Random accounts message players about “free Temu gift cards,” hoping some might be tempted enough to click. Sometimes, the link directs you to a site that tricks you into sharing personal details.
Remember that these come from disposable or hastily made profiles, so the account might already be gone when you report them. The goal is to capitalize on the well-known desire for gaming gift cards—Temu is simply the vehicle they use in these messages.
How to avoid failing for Temu Xbox scams
1. Ignore DMs from unknown gamers
Treat it like spam if someone messages you about a giveaway or gift card. Remember that genuine deals won’t pop up out of the blue.
2. Lock down privacy settings
Adjust who can send you messages on Xbox Live. A narrower list of contacts lessens your odds of encountering shady offers.
3. Report and move on
Flag the message or user as spam. This helps the platform identify patterns and possibly remove the scammers quickly.
Scam #6: Temu customer service impersonators
Pretending to be customer service is a timeless scam. Fraudsters will call, text, or message you on social media, claiming to represent Temu. They’ll say your order is on hold or your account has unusual activity. Next, they’ll ask for personal data—passwords, credit card info, maybe even your address—under the pretense of “verification.”
Some are advanced enough to know partial details about an order you placed, which makes them sound legitimate. They might read off the date you purchased something or the name of an item. Once they get enough info, they can hijack your account, make fraudulent charges, or worse.
How to avoid falling for Temu customer service impersonators
1. Contact Temu directly
If you feel uneasy about a call or message (maybe it feels suspicious), it’s best to hang up or exit the chat. Then, log into your Temu app or website and reach out through official support channels.
2. Never share sensitive details
Real customer service representatives may ask you to confirm certain basics, but they won’t demand your full credit card number, security code, or full password.
3. Ask for a reference number
Scammers often stumble if you request an official case or reference number. They’re likely not legitimate if they can’t provide it or act evasive.
4. Don’t be pressured
Genuine support staff won’t bully or rush you into giving information. If the tone feels panicky, you’re probably dealing with a scam.
Scam #7: Cloned storefronts
Many Amazon sellers have complained that Temu sellers are copying their store designs and products without permission. While these scams won’t steal your info, you will buy from intellectual property thieves if you purchase from them on Temu—and you’ll most likely get a counterfeit.
How to avoid falling for cloned storefronts
You should be cautious to avoid getting scammed by fake storefronts. Start by checking the seller’s reviews, ratings, and how long they’ve been active on Temu. Always look if something feels off or too good to be true.
In conclusion
Temu has undeniably won over millions of deal-hungry shoppers, and it’s easy to see the appeal—who doesn’t like snagging bargains on everyday items? Yet, rapid growth can also bring in scam artists eager to exploit any chance to trick people out of their money or personal information. By knowing the basics of what these criminals do, from fake emails and gift card deals to phony websites and suspicious affiliate links, you’re far less likely to fall prey.
FAQs about Temu scams
1. Is Temu a scam?
Temu itself isn’t a scam. It’s a legitimate marketplace owned by PDD Holdings, connecting customers with a wide range of sellers, mostly based in China. Also, most products on the platform are real, though they’ll be unbranded unless you buy from blue checkmark sellers.
2. Is it safe to buy on Temu?
Temu is as safe to buy from as many other online stores. The platform has many policies and measures that help create a safer shopping environment. However, you should always be careful, especially how the platform collects personal data.
3. Why is Temu so cheap?
Using China’s unmatched manufacturing ecosystem, Temu is cheap because it offers bulk products from factories and ships directly to buyers, thus removing the middleman from the supply chain. There are no fancy packages that require unwanted costs.
