Is Temu Legit?

Temu is a new online shopping app full of fantastic offers that promise cheap goods when you download an app or share your details. But, before you get excited, ask yourself: is Temu safe? Why are they so desperate for my personal details? And what should I do if I’ve already shared them?

In this article, we’ll look at what the Temu app is, discuss some of the risks, and explain what to do if you’re worried about having shared your details.

Before we start:

 

If you buy from potentially dangerous websites like Temu, you’re putting your personal details at risk. Your data could already be stolen and available to hackers. Fortunately, MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard can help to see if your details have been leaked and take action.

 

How to use MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard:

1. Download MacKeeper and install it.
2. Open MacKeeper and select ID Theft Guard.
3. Enter your email address and choose Start Scan.
4. If ID Theft Guard finds your details in any data breaches, follow the on-screen instructions to take action.

What is the Temu app?

The Temu app is an e-commerce platform. You’ve probably seen it advertised online–whether you play mobile games, use social media, or watch influencer videos, Temu’s adverts are everywhere.

The Temu app is owned by PDD Holdings and is based in Shanghai, China. It launched in 2022.

Interesting fact: 

 

The Temu app was the most downloaded shopping app worldwide in 2023.

Is Temu a scam?

I’ve been tempted by the low clothing prices, particularly on the Temu website. But such low prices make me wonder if Temu is fake or a scam.

While many users seem to receive their orders, 41% of the company’s reviews on Trustpilot are only one star.

Many of the reviews contain complaints such as:

• Items aren’t described
• Deliveries arrive late or don’t arrive at all
• Users aren’t able to get refunds
• Users struggle to leave negative reviews on the Temu website
• Users received lots of spam emails after signing up—a possible sign of a data breach or sold data

Is Temu a reliable way to buy online? It doesn’t look like it.

Our expert’s tip: 

 

If you downloaded the Temu app from the App Store, you may want to read about whether all apps on the App Store are safe.

What are the risks of the Temu website?

There are a few risks that come with shopping on the Temu app or website, including:

• Purchasing poor quality or counterfeit products. It’s a common theme of online reviews. One investigation found that electric heaters bought in the UK from Temu were dangerous and not legally sold in the UK.
• Purchasing products made with forced labor. A US Select Committee found that Temu is doing “next to nothing” to ensure that its supply chains are free of forced labor.
• Data breaches or personal details being sold. This may include your username and password, address, and even payment information. You may notice an uptick in spam emails, text messages, phone calls, or unusual activity on your credit card.

Is Temu safe?

It’s worrying that the Temu app might be harvesting and selling your data. Hence, let’s look at some security issues with the Temu app. Online research company Grizzly Research has compiled a list of some of the biggest Temu security concerns:

• It requests system logs from your phone. Similar apps such as Shein, eBay, and TikTok don’t do this, so why does the Temu app need to?
• It can install packages itself, meaning that it could install spyware or other malware onto your phone. The app can also compile packages, meaning that it can create new apps while on your phone. There’s no way to know what the company is going to do with these permissions.
• The Temu app requests permissions for your camera, audio recording, and writing to external storage. An e-commerce app shouldn’t need access to any of these things—what is it doing with these permissions?
• It can send your location information back to its own servers. It also requests your MAC address and can send that back to its own servers.

So, based on this, is Temu safe? I certainly wouldn’t want to download it to my phone.

How can I check if the Temu app has leaked my details?

You may have signed up on the Temu app or website and perhaps even made a purchase. And now you’re wondering if Temu is safe because they have your personal details.

Fortunately, MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard can help you determine if your details have been stolen or compromised and, most importantly, help you safeguard your data. To use it:

1. Open MacKeeper and select ID Theft Guard from the sidebar.
2. Enter your email address and click Start Scan.
3. If MacKeeper finds your details in any data breaches, verify your email and follow the on-screen instructions to take action.
4. If your details aren’t included in any data breaches, click Continue and turn on the Data Breach Monitor.

Is Temu real?

Temu is a legitimate website selling a wide variety of products. However, while some people may have a positive experience with the Temu app and website, reviews suggest that it’s not a reliable way to shop online. It can also put your personal details at risk.

If you’ve signed up for Temu or are worried that your personal information might have been leaked, stolen, or sold, MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard can help. It scans databases for password leaks and other data breaches and alerts you if your details are included.