Is Temu legit? Everything to know before you place your first order (2024)

All e-commerce apps collect data when you create an account and visit the app's home page. This data can include your precise physical location, address, and device ID, as well as your search history, payment information, and contacts.

Some apps use this data to track you across apps and websites, to understand performance, and to target you with ads.

Some of this data is linked to your identity, and some isn't -- the connection depends on the app you're using. In recent years, people have been increasingly concerned about how their data is being stored and are wary specifically of data storage by Chinese-based apps.

Also: Is Temu safe? Why its single-layer security should be a red flag to shoppers

According to Temu's privacy policy, the company does not "sell" your data -- for money, at least. However, Temu does share your information with shipping affiliates, marketing providers, and consumer research companies, which in turn generates revenue for Temu.

Temu also "shares" your data with third-party advertising, marketing, and analytics companies to target you with ads. In its privacy policy, Temu acknowledges that this transfer of data can be considered "selling" your data under applicable laws.

Although concerns about sharing your data with Temu might be valid, it's important to remember that apps can and do collect and store your data with few limits. US citizens' user data is not federally protected under asingle law, so data collection remains unregulated in most states.

Because American user data remains federally unregulated, Temu might access your credit history, Walmart might collect your biometric information (fingerprints, face geometry, and retina imagery), and Amazon might collect your voice recordings when you speak to Alexa.

As Americans' user data is not wholly protected, it's up to the individual to decide how much of their data they want to relinquish -- and which platforms they want to give it to.

Remember, when you sign up for an account on any platform, you agree to the company's privacy policy. So, Temu is not "stealing" your data if you willingly sign up and purchase items.

The bottom line is that if you don't consent to this kind of data collection, stay away from Temu.

Is Temu legit? Everything to know before you place your first order (2024)

FAQs

Is Temu legit? Everything to know before you place your first order? ›

It has plenty of negative ones, too, but it's safe to say that Temu is not a scam. In fact, it looks just like any other online retailer in 2023, complete with its Temu Credits loyalty and referral scheme. If you order from Temu, it's likely you'll get what you paid for.

Is it safe to order from Temu? ›

Temu is a legitimate company and a functioning e-commerce site, but it lacks accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is the standard for major retailers. Many of the tech items being sold on the site look like those manufactured by major companies like Dell or HP, but they're not authentic.

Can I trust Temu with my credit card? ›

Conclusion. Based on the security measures implemented by Temu, including HTTPS encryption, reputable payment processors, and a Purchase Protection Program, it can be considered relatively safe to use your credit card on the platform.

What is the warning about Temu? ›

Jake Moore, Global Cyber Security Advisor at ESET, warns that the cash is 'not free' and giving away your data for money can be 'very dangerous down the line'. He explained: 'This app is effectively offering money, not for free, but it's offering money in exchange for personal data and device data.

What's the deal with Temu? ›

Temu is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an average rating of two-and-a-half out of five stars. Many recent complaints about Temu on the BBB website say that items never arrived or took weeks or even months to arrive.

Is Temu a security risk? ›

A cybersecurity concern, that is. Temu is now the target of several class action lawsuits, one of them claiming that once the Temu app is downloaded, it has access to nearly everything on a user's phone.

What not to buy on Temu? ›

Consider Skipping High-End Electronics and Brand Name Dupes

Also, while Temu is legit and safe to use, it's wise to skip on brand name dupes. These items might look like the real deal, but they usually can't match the quality of the genuine brand.

Is there currently a lawsuit against Temu? ›

Two class-action lawsuits related to privacy have been filed against Temu claiming Temu "gains access to literally everything on your phone" and the app is "loaded with tools to execute virulent and dangerous malware and spyware activities."

Should I delete the Temu app? ›

Key Takeaways

Say goodbye to junk products and wasted money by deleting your Temu account today. Avoid data privacy concerns and deceptive advertising tactics by removing yourself from Temu's platform. Take control of your personal information and avoid Temu's shady schemes and false promises.

Why is Temu taking money out of my account? ›

Understanding Charges from Temu

Another reason could be the subscription or membership fees. While Temu is free to use, it offers premium features for a more personalized shopping experience. These features might require a small fee that could be the cause of the unexpected charges.

Does Temu track your phone? ›

Is Temu Spying On You? It is 100% true that the Temu app uses data collection to track your phone usage habits including your name, address, and phone number as well as any details about you such as your birthday, photo, and social media profiles.

What are the toxic chemicals in Temu? ›

Beyond the visible environmental impact lies another hidden health danger: chemicals. Reports reveal elevated levels of lead, PFAS, and phthalates in fast fashion items. Temu's products, like those of its peers, harbor these toxins.

Is it ethical to buy from Temu? ›

They share many of the environmentally and socially damaging practices that make Temu a fast fashion company. Both maintain shockingly low prices of items while selling vast amounts of items, at low quality, through the use of exploited or forced labor.

How long does Temu take to deliver? ›

How long TEMU takes to ship depends on the shipping method you choose when you place an order. TEMU provides Standard Shipping and Express Shipping. Standard Shipping typically takes 6 - 22 days to deliver an order, while you will receive your orders within 4 - 11 days when you choose Express Shipping.

Does Temu sell your data? ›

While Temu shares your personal information for the purposes of targeted advertising, which may be considered a “sale” under applicable U.S. state privacy laws, as described further in the US Privacy Notice Addendum for US Residents. Temu does not “sell” personal information in the traditional sense.

Where does Temu ship from? ›

Where Does Temu Ship from? Most of the products you see on Temu are directly shipped from Chinese suppliers and factories, while some can be shipped within the US.

Where are Temu orders shipped from? ›

Where Does Temu Ship from? Most of the products you see on Temu are directly shipped from Chinese suppliers and factories, while some can be shipped within the US.

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