10 Common Temu Scams and How to Avoid Them

Temu has exploded in popularity with its ultra-low prices and constant promotions, but with that rise has come a wave of scams targeting everyday shoppers. From fake discount codes to phishing links disguised as delivery updates, scammers are using Temu’s name to trick people into handing over personal information, payment details, or even money.

If you’re wondering whether those tempting Temu deals are real or a trap, you’re not the only one. Temu itself is legit, but the scams around it are becoming more common and more convincing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common Temu scams, how to spot them instantly, and what you can do to protect yourself while shopping online.

10 Temu Scams You Should Know About

Here are the most common Temu scams that you are most likely to encounter. Knowing how each one works can help you avoid falling victim to them:

Promo Code Scams

Scammers often post “exclusive Temu promo codes” on TikTok, Facebook groups, or random websites, claiming you’ll unlock huge discounts if you share your personal details or sign up through their link. Once you do, the code either doesn’t work at all or never existed, but the scammer now has your email, phone number, or even payment info to misuse later.

Some also push referral-style scams by telling followers to download the Temu app and enter a special promo code to claim bonuses or discounts. In reality, the shopper gets nothing and the code only helps the scammer earn rewards or credit through Temu’s referral system.

How to avoid: Skip promo codes circulating on social media or third-party sites. Stick to promotions found directly on the official Temu app or website.  

Customer Support Scams

Fraudsters sometimes pose as Temu customer service reps and reach out through text, email, or even phone calls, claiming there’s an issue with your order or account. They then pressure you to “confirm” your personal details, payment information, or login credentials, all under the guise of fixing the problem. 

These messages are designed to create urgency so you act quickly without questioning whether the contact is legitimate. However, Temu doesn’t randomly call customers asking for sensitive information, and genuine support issues are handled within the official app or website.

How to avoid: Ignore unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from Temu. Always contact Temu’s customer support through official channels to verify the issue yourself.

Fake Website Scams

Some scammers build fake websites that look almost identical to Temu’s real site, hoping shoppers won’t notice small differences in the URL or layout. These fake pages usually appear through phishing emails, text messages, or ads, and are designed to trick you into entering your Temu login details or payment information. 

Once you submit anything, scammers can use that data for unauthorized purchases or identity theft. These imitation sites often have subtle red flags, including unusual domain names, spelling mistakes, poor design quality, or missing security indicators like HTTPS.

How to avoid: Double-check the URL carefully and make sure the site uses HTTPS before entering any personal or payment information.

Counterfeit Product Scams

Since Temu hosts many third-party sellers, some listings may advertise branded or high-value items that turn out to be fake or lower quality than promised. Fraudsters use tempting prices, polished photos, and inflated reviews to make counterfeit products look legitimate, but what arrives can be poorly made, unsafe, or completely different from what was shown online.

Counterfeit product scams usually happen in categories where fake items are already very common online. For instance, things such as electronics, branded goods, beauty items, or kids’ products.

How to avoid: Check seller ratings, reviews, and verification badges before buying. Be cautious of prices that seem unrealistically low, and avoid sellers with limited history.

Fake Job Scams

Scammers sometimes post fake Temu job openings online using attractive salaries, remote-work promises, or fast hiring processes to draw people in. Once you apply, they may ask for personal details like your name, address, and even banking information under the pretense of processing your application. 

Victims can also receive unsolicited messages pretending to be from Temu recruiters, directing them to contact a WhatsApp number or fill out forms on non-official sites. These scams have nothing to do with Temu, as fraudsters misuse the company’s name because it’s trusted.

How to avoid: Only apply for Temu jobs through the official Temu careers page or the company’s verified LinkedIn profile. 

Brushing Scams

A brushing scam happens when you receive a Temu package you never ordered. It might look harmless, even like a random freebie, but it’s actually a tactic used by dishonest sellers to boost their ratings. They send low-value items to real addresses so they can mark the order as “verified” and post fake positive reviews under your name. 

While you didn’t pay for the item, the real problem is that someone used your name and mailing address without your consent. It may also indicate that your Temu account or another online account has been accessed or scraped for information.

How to avoid: Update your Temu password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and monitor your accounts for any unfamiliar activity if you receive a package you didn’t order.

Order Tracking Scams

Scammers send fake text messages or emails pretending to be Temu, claiming there’s an update on your recent order and urging you to click a tracking link. The link doesn’t lead to Temu at all and takes you to a phishing page that asks you to “verify your identity” or “confirm your order” by entering personal or payment details.

These scams work particularly well when shoppers actually are waiting for a package, making the message look believable. Because the texts often use Temu branding or familiar wording, it can be difficult to spot a fake at first glance.

How to avoid: Always check your order status directly inside the official Temu app or website. Avoid clicking tracking links sent through text messages or unsolicited emails.

Gift Card Scams

Free gift cards are another common Temu scam. Scammers ask people to complete surveys, download apps, or make a small payment to earn your reward, but these steps are simply bait designed to collect your personal information or credit card details. The promised gift card never arrives, and the scammer walks away with data they can use for fraud.

How to avoid: Never enter your payment details or personal info on third-party websites and only trust offers inside the official Temu app or website.

Affiliate Link Scams

Did you know that some fraudsters exploit affiliate links to promote fake giveaways, discounts, or cash rewards? They’ll urge people to click their link to “claim” the offer, but the only person who benefits is the scammer earning affiliate commission. In more serious cases, these links redirect to phishing pages designed to steal Temu login details and other personal info.

How to avoid: Don’t enter any personal or payment details on sites you reach through random affiliate links. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is a scam.

Pallet Scams

In this type of Temu scam, scammers offer bulk boxes of Temu items at heavily discounted prices, often marketed as liquidation, mystery pallets, or clearance deals on Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, or third-party sites. They ask for upfront payment and promise high-value products, but what arrives is usually a box of cheap, unrelated items or nothing at all. 

How to avoid: Temu does not sell pallets through third-party sites or social pages. Make sure to only purchase directly through the official Temu app or site.

How to Identify a Temu Scam

Most Temu scams share similar red flags, and once you know them, they’re easier to spot. Here’s what you need to stay in the lookout for:

• Deals that seem impossibly good: Extremely low prices, guaranteed rewards, or “free gifts” in exchange for small tasks are classic scam tactics. If the offer feels unrealistic, it probably is.

• Messages that create urgency: Scammers try to pressure you into acting fast with messaging like “your order is on hold,” “your account needs verification,” or “limited-time reward.” Slow down and verify before clicking anything.

• Unsolicited communication: Random texts, emails, WhatsApp messages, or social media DMs claiming to be from Temu should be treated with suspicion. Temu does not contact users out of the blue for personal info.

• Downloads from non-official sources: Avoid installing any Temu-related apps, extensions, or coupon generators from third-party sites. Scammers use these downloads to hide malware or steal account information.

• Suspicious links or third-party sites: Fake Temu sites often mimic the real one but use odd URLs, missing HTTPS, or slightly altered spelling. Never enter login or payment details on unfamiliar pages.

• Unverified sellers and strange product listings: If a deal looks unusually cheap or the seller has no history, inconsistent reviews, or unclear product descriptions, it’s worth avoiding.

• Requests for personal or financial information: Temu will never ask for your password, banking details, or verification codes via text or email.

• Payment required for “free” rewards: Any promo, gift card, or giveaway asking for upfront payment, deposits, or “processing fees” is a scam.

• Poor spelling or formatting: Many scam messages contain awkward phrasing, spelling mistakes, or inconsistent branding, which is a common sign of phishing.

Tips to Protect Yourself When Shopping on Temu

Shopping on Temu can be 100% safe, but only if you take a few basic precautions to protect yourself. Here’s what every shopper should follow:

• Download the official Temu app only: Always install Temu from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Avoid APK sites and unofficial downloads that may contain malware.

• Verify URLs before logging in: Make sure you’re on temu.com and not a look-alike domain. Only enter payment info on secure HTTPS pages.

• Use strong, unique passwords: Don’t reuse passwords across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to keep login details secure.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

• Avoid clicking links in messages: Don’t open order-tracking, discount, or verification links sent via text, email, or social media. Always check updates directly in the app.

• Check seller reviews and history: Look for consistent feedback, verified purchases, and detailed product descriptions before buying from third-party sellers.

• Be skeptical of unrealistic prices: If the price looks abnormally low compared to other platforms, it could indicate counterfeit or low-quality goods.

• Use secure payment methods: Stick to secure payment options like credit cards or payment services that offer fraud protection. Avoid direct transfers.

• Don’t share personal information unnecessarily: Temu will never ask for your password, banking info, or verification codes via email or text.

What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to a Temu Scam

If you think you’ve fallen for a Temu scam, acting quickly can limit the damage. Here’s what you should do right away:

• Stop all interaction immediately: Don’t reply to messages, click additional links, or provide further information to the scammer.

• Change your Temu password: Update your login details and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your account.

• Check your bank or payment account: Look for unauthorized charges and notify your bank or card provider if you see anything suspicious.

• Report the scam to Temu: Use Temu’s official customer support to report fake messages, suspicious sellers, or unauthorized account activity.

• Scan your device for malware: If you clicked a link or downloaded anything, run a full security scan to detect spyware, adware, or malicious apps.

• Document everything: Keep screenshots of messages, emails, URLs, and transactions. These pieces of information are useful for bank disputes or police reports.

• File a report with your local cybercrime authority: Depending on your region, this may be the FTC, Action Fraud, or your national cybercrime center.

Final Word

Temu itself is a legit platform for online shopping, but scammers often lurk around the platform. With the right precautions and a bit of awareness, you can enjoy the deals without falling for the traps.

Frequently Asked Questions