Temu’s bargain finds have made it a viral hit — but is it too good to be true? With prices that seem almost unreal, it’s no surprise that shoppers are questioning the risks. In this article, we break down what you need to know before making a purchase — and how BSA GROUP can help protect you from shopping scams and unreliable sellers.
Sites like Wish and AliExpress have long attracted shoppers with ultra-low prices on items we may — or may not — actually need. But what about Temu? Since its launch in 2022, Temu has skyrocketed in popularity, surpassing 80 million active users by September 2023 and even overtaking Wish, despite being a relative newcomer in the ecommerce space.
Yet, this explosive growth has not come without controversy. Concerns have been raised over Temu’s data collection practices, possible indirect links to forced labor, and accusations of counterfeit goods. These issues have left many consumers questioning whether the platform can truly be trusted.
Is Temu Legit ? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Temu’s rise, the risks you should be aware of, and practical steps to protect yourself when shopping online.
What is Temu?
Temu is a fast-growing digital marketplace that offers a vast range of products — from electronics and clothing to household essentials. Many of its items are unbranded and shipped directly from manufacturers, enabling prices that are often significantly lower than those found on platforms like Amazon.
The marketplace is owned by PDD Holdings, the parent company of Pinduoduo, and is headquartered in China. This structure allows Temu to take advantage of lower production costs and economies of scale. Combined with its extensive logistics network, the company is able to ship products worldwide while keeping prices highly competitive.
Is Temu safe to buy from?
Temu is generally considered safe for online shopping, offering authentic products, competitive pricing, and a wide selection of inventory. However, because the platform relies heavily on third-party sellers, the shopping experience can involve certain risks. Product quality is often inconsistent, and in some cases, listings may even turn out to be scams.
Some customers, for example, have reported receiving counterfeit or substandard items. In March 2025, experts flagged fake car seats being sold on both Temu and Amazon that failed to meet U.S. safety standards. These products were made with inferior materials, posing serious risks to consumers.
Beyond product-related issues, Temu’s data handling practices have also raised concerns. A lawsuit alleges that its parent company, Pinduoduo, deliberately embedded malware and spyware into its apps. While the legal proceedings remain ongoing, the allegations have heightened skepticism about the platform’s security and trustworthiness.
National security worries have further intensified scrutiny. In 2024, 21 U.S. attorneys general called for a formal investigation into Temu’s operations and its potential ties to the Chinese government. Their inquiries produced an interim report outlining several unresolved risks and concerns.
What data does Temu collect about you?
Temu’s privacy policy makes clear that the platform collects data from multiple sources, including your device, user profile, and communications. If you register using a third-party service such as Google, Temu can also access information from that account.
Here’s a summary of the types of data Temu gathers:
Although Temu states that it does not sell your personal data like a traditional data broker, it does share information with affiliates, subsidiaries, service providers, and third-party advertising partners. Understanding the scope of data collection—and how this information is used—can help you make an informed decision about whether you’re comfortable using the app.
What are the risks of shopping on Temu?
Poor customer service
Temu holds a Trustpilot score of 2.5 out of 5 stars, which is considered below average and points to widespread customer dissatisfaction. Many reviewers complain about the platform’s automated customer service, describing it as unhelpful and dismissive. Others highlight ongoing frustrations with the reliability of Temu’s support team, frequently citing delayed responses and unresolved issues.
Product quality and safety
Some customers have raised concerns about the quality, accuracy, and safety of products on Temu, casting doubt on the platform’s reputation. Items are often described as flimsy or poorly constructed, with some breaking after just one use. Others mention cases of misleading advertising, where products arrive missing key features or functions promised in the listing.
Frequent complaints also highlight products arriving damaged, often due to insufficient packaging. While some have compared this experience to brushing scams—where low-value items are sent unsolicited to boost seller ratings—the issues on Temu appear to result more from weak quality control than intentional fraud.
Shipping times and delays
Since Temu ships orders from China, delivery usually takes about two weeks. However, extended delays are not uncommon, with some customers reporting wait times stretching into several months. There are also complaints that Temu adjusts the estimated delivery dates after an order is placed, leaving shoppers frustrated and uncertain about when their items will actually arrive.
9 tips on how to shop on Temu safely
To shop more safely on Temu, be strategic with your purchases — check product ratings and customer reviews carefully to steer clear of unreliable sellers. It’s also wise to strengthen your account security by using a strong, unique password, registering with a private email address, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Here are some additional tips to help you shop safely on Temu, AliExpress, and other e-commerce sites:
1.Rely on customer reviews: While some reviews on Temu may be fake, many are from genuine shoppers. Look for detailed reviews that include specific use cases and real examples to help gauge product quality.
2.Avoid “fake-looking” products: Counterfeit items often feature blurry images, unusual edits, abnormally high ratings, or poor attention to detail. Exercise caution if a product page displays any of these red flags.
3.Be cautious with electronics: Electronics can be especially risky if quality controls are lacking. It’s best to avoid purchasing essential electronics on Temu, as not all third-party sellers adhere to proper quality standards.
4.Limit larger purchases: Expensive items with quality issues may tie up your funds in Temu’s refund process until the problem is resolved. Stick to smaller, less critical purchases to minimize potential loss or inconvenience.
5.Avoid new sellers: Newly registered sellers are more likely to be unreliable or even fraudulent, as they haven’t been fully vetted. You can check a seller’s track record by clicking their shop icon next to the number of products sold.
6.Use a strong password: A strong, unique, and random password helps protect your account from takeover attempts and unauthorized access.
7.Use a private email: To limit the information Temu can collect, consider using a dedicated email account without personal identifiers, such as a Gmail account with no profile picture.
8.Consider using a VPN: A VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, adding an extra layer of security. This protects sensitive information from hackers and reduces third-party tracking.
9.Stay informed: Temu is currently facing multiple lawsuits and investigations. Staying up-to-date on these developments can help you make informed decisions and better understand the platform’s data collection practices and overall reliability.
Stay safe from shopping scams
Temu’s ultra-low prices can be tempting, but it’s important not to compromise your safety while shopping. BSA GROUP offers protection against online threats with advanced AI-powered scam detection, malware protection, and a secure VPN to keep your connection private. Additional features include a password manager and dark web monitoring, alerting you if your personal information appears where it shouldn’t.
FAQs
Are the products on Temu real?
Many products on Temu are genuine, though delivery can take a few weeks since items are shipped from overseas. However, some sellers have been accused of offering counterfeit items, using brand names and logos from popular products to boost sales.
How do I order from Temu?
To order from Temu, simply select the product you want and add it to your cart. During checkout, you can enter your shipping address, choose a payment method, and select between standard or express shipping.
Is Temu affected by tariffs?
Many Temu products are impacted by various 2025 tariffs. Additionally, the previous “de minimis” exception—which allowed goods under $800 to be shipped duty-free—has been closed. However, recent U.S. federal court rulings blocking several tariffs have created some uncertainty regarding the current situation.
Why is Temu so cheap?
Temu’s low prices result from its direct-to-consumer model, which eliminates traditional retail markups. By bypassing physical stores, Temu avoids extra costs retailers add to increase profits. Coupled with low production costs in the countries where it operates and the advantages of economies of scale, this model allows Temu to offer products at remarkably low prices.
Do you need a phone number for Temu?
You can sign up and log in using only an email address, though providing a phone number can be helpful for order updates or account notifications, offering an extra layer of communication if issues arise.
Is it safe to use your credit card on Temu?
Using a credit card on Temu is generally considered safe, as the platform claims to comply with International Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards. These standards require robust measures to protect users’ payment information.
