How to shop safely on Temu. [Holiday Shopping Tips from an IT support provider: 2023]

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology

Too good to be true? Are Temu's deals legit or a scam?

This holiday season, a new player will be competing for your wallet's attention—Temu. Defined by cheap products and nearly unbelievable discounts, the Chinese shopping site will certainly appear near the top of your search results throughout the 2023 holiday shopping season with nearly irresistible bargains.


In a short time, Temu has captured a vocal and enthusiastic fan base, however, the site has also garnered some unwanted attention due to subpar quality products, possible human right violations, knockoff goods, and a dubious delivery record. To make matters worse, early in 2023 its sister company Pinduoduo was found to be using aggressive malware to spy on its users, casting a dark shadow over the bright fun of Temu’s home page.


Though intense scrutiny from the US government may allay the fears of some users, many IT professionals remain concerned about the possibility of data mining due to the number of permissions requested by the app - not to mention its corporate connection to a known data-privacy violator. 


Temu is clearly aware of its reputation, a prominent “Temu keeps you safe” banner at the top of the page currently emphasizes “Safe Payments, Secure logistics, Secure privacy, and Purchase protection”. Clicking the banner takes shoppers to a page that feigns to answer “How is Temu able to offer lower prices than others?” This is a question that has been taken up by others… who have arrived at notably different conclusions.


Regardless of these concerns, many shoppers will be unable to resist the opportunity to “Save up to $100” for “End of Season Clearance,” or “Save up to 90%”  on must-have items like a $12.59 Smart Watch, a roll of $0.98 Nanometer Magic Tape, a $17.78 Shark Blanket for Adults, or a $1.61 Running Rat cat toy.


Is it safe to shop on Temu?

Temu and its sister companies have been accused of a wide variety of security and ethics violations, including data mining, unsafe apps, fake goods, false advertising, and even human rights violations. The jury is still out by most cybersecurity professionals, so if you decide to go ahead and shop on Temu during this holiday season, be careful and keep your expectations reasonable!


Tips for Safe Shopping on Temu


If you decide that you want to take the plunge and try Temu for the first time, here is what we recommend.


1. Do not download the Temu App. Most of the privacy concerns surrounding Temu’s partner companies are related to apps. Even if the app is currently available in the App Store and Play Store, we recommend sticking to the main website.


2. Do not reuse an important password for your Temu login. Temu is undoubtedly already a target for hackers, simply due to its number of users. Couple that fact with Temu’s doubtful security profile, and you have a strong reason to be very careful with private information like passwords that can be stolen and used to access your other account. Better yet, NEVER reuse a password anywhere!


3. Only access Temu by navigating to it through your browser. Do not click on ads, email links, or social media posts to access Temu. Such links could easily be phishing attempts that can redirect you to an insecure or spoofed version of the site. The main Temu site is https://www.temu.com. Any other root site in your navigation bar indicates that you are on a suspicious site.


4. Maintain reasonable expectations about the quality and legitimacy of the goods you purchase on Temu. Although many happy customers may be posting about how they shopped like a billionaire on Temu and received an awesome haul at their doorstep, many others have been disappointed by what they pulled out of the orange bag.


5. Do your research. Earlier this year, we took a deeper look into the allegations behind Temu in order to answer the question plaguing the internet—is Temu legit? Read our post to learn what you might be getting into if you decide to shop on Temu this holiday season.



Tech upgrades that will boost employee safety in sheltered workshops
By Jon Lober April 15, 2025
At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
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