Temu is a Chinese online marketplace that has become widely popular for its low prices, constant clearance sales, and heavily discounted goods. However, the company has faced public criticism for allegedly stealing user information and hacking bank accounts.
If you’re considering shopping on this platform, you might be wondering—is it hacking people’s bank accounts? Follow along as we answer your question, discuss the company-related controversies, and offer tips for preventing a Temu bank account hack.
Does Temu Hack Your Bank Account?
No, Temu is an online marketplace that can’t directly “hack” into anyone’s bank account. That said, there have been serious safety concerns about some of the platform’s data-gathering practices.
If you’re thinking about shopping on Temu, here are some alleged safety issues you should stay informed about:
- While Temu is a legitimate company and a functioning shopping platform, it hasn’t been accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This is unusual for most major retailers and can be viewed as a security red flag
- The safety of using Temu is still unclear. Temu has been accused of being a “malware site” and a “data-theft business” on multiple occasions, even though the company has denied all such allegations
- Many customers have accused the platform of selling poor quality or fake items. However, this doesn’t make Temu a scam website
If these accusations are true, using Temu might put your financial data at risk. This can make you more vulnerable to hackers, phishing attacks, and fraudulent schemes run by scammers.
Keeping that in mind, it’s a good idea to proceed with caution when placing an order on Temu.
What Data Does Temu Collect From Users?
When you sign up on Temu or download the app, you must agree to share some personal data with the company.
Most of the data that Temu collects is similar to that of any other online retailer. However, it’s important to know about the personal data and device privileges the app accesses.
Here’s a list of the data points Temu typically collects from users:
| Data Type | Information Collected | Purpose |
| Personal information | Name, email address, home address, and phone number | Required to use the app and make purchases |
| Payment details | Credit/debit card information | Required for completing purchases |
| Purchase history | Previous orders, shopping cart, cancellations, etc. | Essential for app functionality |
| Photos and videos | Media stored on your phone | Optional but may be needed for some features |
| Crash logs & diagnostics | Data on app performance and issues | Optional for troubleshooting and app improvement |
Most of this data is needed for app functionality and is listed as optional by Temu. However, to run the app and make purchases, you’ll inevitably have to agree to share this data.
Temu asserts it doesn’t sell user information to external companies. However, the app does share user information with third-party partners, including shipping companies, marketing firms, consumer research companies, and advertising partners.
There’s nothing inherently unusual about the data Temu collects, but it’s important to be aware of its handling practices as the platform has a history of privacy concerns. You should review Temu’s privacy policy carefully to understand how its data is managed and protected.
Why Is Temu Controversial?
Since its launch in 2022, Temu has been involved in many controversies. The three most serious accusations levied against the platform are:
- Data stealing concerns
- Involvement in forced labor
- Malware
Data-Stealing Concerns
Temu has faced serious accusations related to data privacy, most notably by the Arkansas attorney general, who filed a class action lawsuit against PPD Holdings Inc. and WhaleCo Inc., Temu’s parent companies.
The lawsuit alleges that the app:
- Engages in “malicious” data collection practices
- Collects unauthorized data without proper user consent
- Contains extensive tools designed to extract all private data from users’ devices
- Accesses sensitive information, such as private messages, phone settings, and even biometric data like facial features and fingerprints
Temu has denied all allegations, and it remains unclear whether the accusations are true.
Involvement in Forced Labor
In addition to privacy issues, Temu has been scrutinized for potential involvement in forced labor.
A Congressional report published in June 2023 suggested an “extremely high risk” that Temu’s supply chains include products manufactured using forced labor, particularly from China’s Xinjiang region.
Temu has responded by stating it doesn’t conduct audits to ensure its suppliers comply with anti-forced labor regulations, raising concerns about ethical sourcing.
Malware
Temu’s parent company, Pinduoduo, a Chinese online retailer, has also been linked to security issues in the past.
The American government raised alarms about data risks associated with Temu, especially after Google removed Pinduoduo from its app store due to malware concerns.
While these allegations remain unproven, you should keep these concerns in mind when deciding whether to use the platform.
How To Safely Shop on Temu
There’s still no definitive answer to whether Temu is safe for shopping. In the meantime, consider taking these seven precautions to shop safely on the platform:
- Use the web browser
- Hide your email address
- Check user reviews
- Avoid making large purchases
- Protect your account
- Stay informed about Temu’s practices
- Make secure payments
Use the Web Browser
If you’re concerned about your data being sold by Temu but still want to make purchases on the platform, use the web browser rather than downloading the app.
Accusations of data phishing and malware have been directed towards the Temu app, so the website is the safer alternative.
Hide Your Email Address
If you’re an iPhone user, take advantage of the “Hide My Email” feature when creating a Temu account.
This feature provides a unique, random email address that forwards messages to your iCloud account. This way, your real email address remains private, and if the hidden email address starts receiving excessive spam, you can easily deactivate it.
Non-iPhone users should consider creating a temporary disposable email. Most email providers allow you to create email aliases that can protect you against scam emails and spam.
Check User Reviews
If a Temu vendor has only a few reviews, avoid making a purchase, no matter how positive the reviews seem.
For a safe purchasing experience, prioritize vendors with a large number of genuine, positive reviews.
Avoid Making Large Purchases
When you first sign up on Temu, avoid making large purchases or buying high-ticket items like electronics or expensive gadgets. Consider smaller, inexpensive items to assess the quality and safety experience.
Protect Your Account
As with any online account, make sure your Temu account is protected with a strong and unique password. Your password should be at least ten characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Don’t forget to change your password regularly and use additional features like two-factor authentication to keep your account even safer.
Stay Informed About Temu’s Practices
Temu is a new company that’s already been involved in serious controversies regarding safety and data collection.
With this in mind, make sure to stay informed about Temu’s practices, changes in security policies, or any controversies and lawsuits the platform is involved in.
Make Secure Payments
You don’t need to give your payment details to Temu to be able to use the site.
Instead of entering your credit/debit card details on Temu, consider using trusted payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. These platforms offer an additional layer of security by handling the payment process without exposing your card information directly to Temu.
Alternatively, you can apply for a virtual debit card if your bank offers it. This is a one-time use card number that helps prevent excessive damage in case your details are compromised.
For additional protection against apps like Temu, consider moving a part of your savings or cash reserves to a high-security banking platform like FortKnox. FortKnox by Austin Capital Bank is an online banking platform with a single focus—account security and fraud protection.
To ensure your funds remain protected, FortKnox maintains and updates a list of controversial or blacklisted companies like Temu. It doesn’t allow transactions to or from such businesses, ensuring your data remains safe.
