In recent years, Ukrainians, Americans, and Europeans have increasingly turned to Chinese online stores, where goods are sold at prices that seem almost too good to be true. Clothing, accessories, household appliances, toys — all are offered at a fraction of the cost compared to Ukrainian shops. The Temu app, in particular, has skyrocketed in popularity, bursting onto the market with promises of massive discounts and speedy delivery. Yet, behind the flashy banners and bold advertising slogans, a darker side of these bargain deals is becoming harder to ignore.
Customers drawn in by Temu’s attractive offers are increasingly reporting serious issues. The most common complaint? Money disappearing from bank cards after registering or placing an order on the platform. According to victims, funds are withdrawn without their knowledge, and attempts to resolve the issue with customer support often lead nowhere.
“I ordered children’s clothing on Temu for 500 hryvnias. A few days after the payment, another 2,000 hryvnias vanished from my card. Customer support told me it wasn’t their problem and suggested I contact my bank,” says Olena, a Kyiv resident and one of the affected customers.
Such stories are far from isolated. Journalists across various media outlets have documented numerous cases where Temu shoppers face financial losses. Cybersecurity experts warn that the platform may lack adequate security, leaving the door open for fraudsters to steal card details or gain access to bank accounts.
Beyond financial losses, Temu users are encountering other troubling issues. Personal data leaks pose another significant threat. When registering on the platform, customers enter their names, addresses, phone numbers, and, of course, bank card details. Weak protections on the website or app can allow this sensitive information to fall into the hands of cybercriminals.
“After shopping on Temu, I started getting strange calls from unknown numbers. Someone even knew my name and address. I’m certain it’s tied to a data leak,” shares Maria, a Lviv resident.
Adding to the frustration, returning goods or securing refunds on Temu often feels like an impossible task. Customers complain of receiving defective products, with return processes dragging on for weeks or even months. In some cases, sellers simply ignore requests, leaving buyers empty-handed.
Despite the risks, Temu’s popularity in Ukraine is soaring. The reason is clear: unbeatable prices. For instance, a T-shirt that costs 500 hryvnias in a Ukrainian store might go for just 100–150 hryvnias on Temu. Small electronics, like earphones or chargers, are also exponentially cheaper. In times of economic instability and rising prices, such deals are drawing in more and more shoppers.
But experts urge caution. “A low price isn’t always a win. You might save a few hryvnias only to lose thousands to fraud or data breaches,” says Ihor Kravets, a cybersecurity expert.
If you still choose to shop on Temu or similar Chinese platforms, follow these simple steps to minimize risks:
1. Use a virtual card for payments. This lets you limit the funds available and avoid significant losses.
2. Don’t save card details on the app or website. Delete payment information after each purchase.
3. Carefully review return policies and the seller’s reputation.
4. Install antivirus software and regularly scan your device for malware.
5. Be cautious with personal data. Share only what’s absolutely necessary for the purchase.
Temu and similar platforms offer tempting opportunities to save money, but the true cost of these savings can be steep. Disappearing funds, data leaks, defective goods, and unresponsive support are realities that thousands of Ukrainians have already faced. Journalists and experts are urging caution: before clicking “Buy,” consider whether a cheap item is worth risking your security and peace of mind.
We warn you: shopping on Chinese online marketplaces can be dangerous. Protect your money and data — caution is the best way to avoid trouble.