Holiday hype or hazard? The truth behind TEMU's deals
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses the possible pitfalls of using the popular TEMU app, including online security and privacy risks.
The shopping app TEMU likes to show off its cheap deals, hot steals, and huge discounts. But how reliable are these offers?
The app, which is based in China, has topped the charts on both Google Play Store and App Store, but it also raises plenty of security issues.
TEMU calls itself a "one-stop destination for affordable items, perfect for home decor, electronics, pet supplies, sports and toy selections." TEMU is an acronym for The Everything Marketplace Unlimited.
It is a Chinese e-commerce company that operates mainly in the United States, Canada and Australia. The platform features cheap items for low prices – with deals on everything from cookware, hats and even replacement razor blade heads.
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A risky shopping app that may compromise your data and privacy
TEMU has been accused of selling counterfeit goods, violating intellectual property rights and engaging in deceptive marketing practices.
So, your purchase might come with some add-on red flags. The Better Business Bureau already has more than 1,300 customer complaints reported at the time of publishing, and some of those complaints involve stolen data.
A class-action lawsuit filed in New York even claims the app knowingly steals personal information. It even argues that TEMU fails to properly protect people who use its app.
One reader emailed us just this week about TEMU, asking,
"Can you please tell me how to delete an app and especially my credit card info that they have on that app I am referring to TEMU. It's a Chinese app actually - based in China anyway. I need to not use it anymore, but I'm worried that they kept my credit card information on file (I was not given a choice on this when I first ordered from them). Can you help me, please??"
Helping is what we do best. First, let's start off with deleting your credit card data.
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To remove your credit card information from the app, you can follow these steps:
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Chinese-based apps pose security and privacy risks
I would recommend avoiding downloading the TEMU app. If, for some reason, you do have it on your phone, delete it immediately. There is a possibility that it may collect and share personal information with the Chinese government or other third parties, which could put your sensitive information at risk.
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iPhone
Android
If you’re even slightly considering using the TEMU App (or have already used it), read this:
1) Do not use your personal or financial information on the app. TEMU may collect, store, and share your data without your consent or knowledge. It may also sell your data to third-party advertisers or hackers.
2) If you have already used your credit card or other payment methods on the app, you monitor your bank statements for any suspicious transactions and potentially cancel these cards altogether.
3) You should also change your passwords and security questions for any online accounts that may be linked to the app. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
4) Do not trust the reviews or ratings on the app. TEMU may manipulate or fabricate the reviews and ratings of its products and services to deceive customers and boost its reputation. It may also delete or censor negative or critical feedback from users.
5) You should always do your own research and check other sources of information before making a purchase on the app.
6) Do not fall for the too-good-to-be-true offers on the app. TEMU may lure customers with low prices, free shipping, and huge discounts, but these offers may come with hidden costs, risks, and scams. You may receive counterfeit, damaged, or defective products, or you may not receive anything at all. You may also face difficulties in returning, exchanging, or refunding your orders, or you may be charged additional fees or taxes.
7) You should always read the terms and conditions, policies, and fine print of any offer before accepting it.
8) You should also be wary of any unsolicited emails, messages, or calls from TEMU or its affiliates asking for your personal or financial information or offering you rewards, prizes, or vouchers. These may be phishing attempts to steal your identity or money.
9) Do not keep the app on your device. TEMU may access, modify, or delete your files, photos, contacts, or other data on your device without your permission.
10) Our overall advice is for you to uninstall the app as soon as possible and scan your device for any potential threats. You should also update your device’s software.
11) Use antivirus software on all your devices to avoid falling victim to scammers or hackers targeting you as a result of shopping on the TEMU app or site. Having good antivirus software running on your devices will protect you from accidentally clicking malicious links and will remove any malware from your devices. Get my picks for the best 2023 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
12) Use identity theft protection services if you have downloaded the TEMU app or entered your personal information on its app or website. Identity theft protection companies can monitor your personal information (home title, Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, email address) and alert you in the event they become breached. It can also alert you if any of these are being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
TEMU, like many apps based overseas, has plenty to be concerned about. Those concerns grow exponentially when your credit card is attached. The best practice here is to avoid apps that seem too good to be true. If you're getting massive discounts, countless coupons and hefty deals – alarm bells should start ringing in your head.
Have you heard of this suspicious TEMU app before now? Do you think it is worth the risk of using it for a good deal? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
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