7 Common Temu Scams That Could Empty Your Wallet!

April 23, 2025 By Michael S. Davis No Comments 8 minutes

Temu scams are on the rise, and one reason why it becomes a prime target for hackers is that it is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce platforms. Every month, millions of users from around the world visit Temu for its amazing deals and vast product selection, all at unbelievably low prices. 

But scammers take advantage of these big discounts. They lure shoppers with fake deals, counterfeit products, and phishing scams. It’s easy to get tricked. From bogus promo codes to unreal discounts and sneaky scams, the risks are everywhere. Here’s how to spot them and shop smarter.

Is Temu a Scam?

Mostly, temu products are not scams. They are real products. However, it is a very large marketplace, and therefore, some fraud people trick users with fake listings or phishing scams. Luckily, Temu has buyer protection, refund, and return facilities to keep your experience secure and safe. Still, it is highly recommended to check the seller before buying. 

Does Temu Steal Your Information?

Temu is a legal platform, and it doesn’t steal your information. However, it collects your personal details, which also include your name, email, address, phone number, payment info, and photos/videos. 

This data is mainly used for app functions and is needed to make purchases. While this is similar to what many online stores collect, it’s important to know that Temu is owned by a Chinese company with past privacy concerns. Before using the app, take a moment to review the data it collects and decide if you’re ok with sharing it. 

The 7 Most Common Temu Scams You Need to Watch Out For

Here are the 7 most common scams on Temu that shoppers should be aware of to protect themselves from falling victim to fraud:

• Fake Promo Code Scam 

One of the most common Temu scams is a fake promo code where fraud people use social media videos to promote fake referral codes. Users try to get these codes, and in return, the scammer earns reward points. This basically wastes your time and helps the content creator earn money with fake referral programs. To stay safe, use promo codes from authentic sources only.

• Temu Email Scams 

In this scam, scammers send emails from illegal sources that look like Temu. In such emails, a scammer shares free product links, deals, or promotions that ultimately ask for your details. Users get attracted and complete a survey for deals or free shipping. In the end, the user often ends up with malware and information theft. Always check the sender’s email address—official Temu emails will come from a “temuemail.com” domain. 

• Temu Xbox Scams

Recently, Xbox Live users have been targeted with spam messages claiming they can get a free $15 Xbox gift card by visiting Temu. These messages, sent from temporary accounts, are designed to trick players into revealing personal information. Avoid clicking on links or engaging with messages offering free rewards. Genuine companies don’t distribute gift cards through random Xbox messages.

• Temu affiliate link scams

Another Temu scam takes place when influencers pretend to be an authentic Temu affiliate and flesh videos with luxury items or cash. This attracts users to click on affiliate links. These fake links redirect you to malicious websites and steal your credentials and personal details. Never click on Temu affiliate links from unverified sources. Scammers can create fake sites that look real.

•  Temu Counterfeits Scam

It is not guaranteed that you always receive genuine products on Temu. The platform mainly depends on third-party sellers. Sometimes they sell fake, or poor-quality products. Although, Temu launced a verification badge to identify trusted sellers, but it is not 100% foolproof. 

Some sellers also misguide users with the wrong product size and quality. It is crucial to choose sellers with a proven track record, positive reviews, and a verification badge. 

• Temu Customer Service Scams

This is also a popular Temu scam where fraudsters pretend to be a Temu official/customer service representative. They make fake calls or messages regarding an issue with your account or order. Later, they ask you for personal details to fix the problem. Once they get your details, they easily access your account. Hence, always contact Temu from its official website or app.

• Fake Gift Card Promotions

Here, scammers use social media platforms to promote fake gift card giveaways. In return, they ask you to download an app, play a game, and sometimes watch ads. These scams are designed to waste your time, and the scammers get rewards for it. So, if you see a promotion that is too good to be true, be mindful because it could be a scam.

How to Shop Safely on Temu

Follow these practises to make your online shopping safe and secure: 

1. Use a Strong, Unique Password

Always use a password that is secure and hard to crack. You can see password guidelines to make a safe password. A strong password protects your account from unauthorized access.

2. Check Seller Reviews and Ratings

It is one of the most important tips that many shoppers overlook. Always check the reviews and ratings of a seller before buying. A reliable seller always has positive feedback and reviews. 

3. Be Wary of Unrealistic Discounts

Many attractive deals are fake. If you see any deal that is too appealing, there are chances that it will be fake. Before buying any product, it is better to compare prices on other platforms to confirm that the deal is legal and not a scam.

4. Only Use Secure Payment Methods

Never make payments outside of Temu’s official payment system. Also, make sure the page is secure by checking for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar.

5. Use Temu with FastestVPN

Using a reliable VPN with Temu doubles up your online safety. A secure VPN just like FastestVPN adds extra layer of protection by encrypting your network. In this way, it keeps your transactions and other details private and unreadable for everyone. Moreover, a VPN also protects you even on unsecured public networks. 

6. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Remember, phishing scams are very common. Hence, you must watch out for suspicious links, messages, and emails that pretend to be Temu and ask for your personal details. To avoid this, ensure that your desired offers/deal is legitimate and belongs to the official Temu website or app.

7. Report Suspicious Activity

Immediate reporting can help you and millions like you. Therefore, if you ever spot anything wrong, or any fake seller try to report quickly to the respective authorities like Temu customer support. Also, visit Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify if there are any past compliants of the seller.

Got Scammed on Temu? Here’s What to Do

If you suspect you’ve been scammed while shopping on Temu, act quickly to protect your money and personal information. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report the Scam to Temu

Reach out to Temu’s customer support via the app or website to report the scam or fake seller. They can assist with resolving the issue or issuing a refund.

2. Contact Your Bank or Payment Provider

If you used a credit or debit card, get in touch with your bank or payment provider immediately. You may be able to dispute the transaction and recover your money.

3. File a Complaint with Consumer Protection Agencies

Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). These organizations monitor fraud and work to prevent future scams.

4. Notify Law Enforcement

If you’ve lost a large sum of money, think about filing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They look into online fraud and may take action against the scammers.

5. Secure Your Accounts and Device

If you click on any suspicious links, change your passwords immediately and run a security scan to check for malware. Acting quickly and reporting the scam can boost your chances of getting your money back and help stop others from falling for similar frauds.

Can You Get Your Money Back if You Were Scammed on Temu?

Yes, you may be able to recover your money if you’ve been scammed on Temu, but acting fast is key. Temu offers a 90-day refund policy for items that are not as described, damaged, or never delivered.

Here’s what you should do to increase your chances of getting a refund:

1. Contact Temu’s Customer Support

Report the issue to Temu right away. If the seller is fraudulent or the product doesn’t match the listing, you may qualify for a refund.

2. Request a Chargeback from Your Bank

If you notice that Temu is not considering your issue, contact your bank or payment provider to resolve the issue. Sometimes, your bank allows refunds/chargebacks for fraud purchases.

3. Report the Scam to Authorities

You can also file a complaint with the FTC or FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center that encourages Temu and your bank account to progress your refund. Reporting quickly to the right authorities improves your chances of getting your money back from a Temu scam.

Conclusion

There comes an end to our guide on Temu scams! Remember, it is a good platform with a bunch of great deals. Having said that, it is also crucial to stay cautious and avoid scams. You must verify sellers and check reviews and feedback to make informed buying decisions on Temu. This will possibly help you avoid Temu scams.

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