Screengrabs via @Rosee_20, @User2076972014, and @ShopTemu on TikTok

Is ‘Temu’ safe? The shopping app that advertises everywhere, explained

Is it a score or a scam?

Temu is the newest affordable shopping site that is going viral all over TikTok. The company advertises popular products for unbelievably low prices. The company claims to connect customers directly to sellers and manufacturers around the world. The company was founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2022.

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Offerings like $13 AirPods and $8 smartwatches leave customers questioning whether Temu is a reliable site for bargain shopping. Many TikTokers have been sharing their Temu hauls, although many of them are also in partnership with Temu, which makes it harder to gauge the situation.

@rosee_20

Love my outfits from @Temu!! The quality is beyond & shipping is super fast! Use Code [sale7858] for $9.09 cargo pants and up to 90% off!!! Link in bio🤍 temu tryonhaul fyp foryou

♬ 281dom Red Ruby Jersey Club Remix – obirieze 🇳🇬

Other creators are posting warnings not to shop on the website. Some are comparing the advertised products to what they received, one creator claims that the website stole her work, and another creator says the products made her break out in hives.

https://www.tiktok.com/@passioknit_goods/video/7221977824595299630?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Some people are even making heavier claims that Temu has been stealing people’s money and their data. The website may even be in some legal trouble as well, according to TikToker Michael Miller.

@_thatguymichael

Temu is under INVESTIGATION by the GOVERNMENT… #fyf #temu #drama #usgoverment #cybersecurity

♬ Trap Mafia – Lastra

Despite scam claims and potential legal issues, people all over the internet seem to be enamored with the low prices and shipping costs. It also helps that the company does a free item promotional for new customers.

Many users have likened the company to online shops like Shein and Wish, both of whose quality is overlooked due to the prices. Whether you’re skeptical about the quality or excited about the deals, TikTok seems to conclude shopping at Temu is buying at your own risk.


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Author
Jensen Bird
Jensen is a Freelance Writer at We Got This Covered. She specializes in TikTok and social media content. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Journalism at Columbia University and has a degree in Foreign Language & Communications Media. Jensen spends way too much time scrolling on TikTok and is grateful for a position that lets her write about it.