People warned against Temu’s ‘free money’ handouts as they share 'horrific' small print
Topics: Money, Social Media, Viral
Emma Rosemurgey
Featured Image Credit: Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Temu
Topics: Money, Social Media, Viral
If you've spent much time on social media this week, the chances are you'll have seen people sharing online marketplace Temu's 'free cash giveaway'.
The scheme, which many people have branded 'too good to be true', sees people sending out invitation codes for others to download the app, with the promise that both the person who shared the invite and the person who uses the link to download the app will both receive $63 (£50) into their PayPal accounts.
The internet is flooded with people who claim they've been successful in receiving the 'free money' from the app, however users are now being warned of some of the 'rules' they are agreeing to when they take part in the giveaway.
Advert
According to the small print, Temu has permission to 'cancel, change, suspend, or modify any aspect of the Program at any time, including, without limitation, the availability of any Rewards or other benefits without notice,' meaning some users could follow all the steps then receive no reward.
The rules also state that users have just 24 hours to get enough people to sign up to receive the money.
And, if you're wondering why Temu is paying the cash into people's PayPal accounts instead of their back accounts, it's because the platform 'reserves the right to substitute a Reward of equal or greater value, e.g. Temu credits, at any time in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, when a Reward is no longer available.'
The most concerning of all, however, is the fact that by signing up to the scheme, users are giving away permission for the platform to use large amounts of your data for advertising or promotional purposes.
The rules read: "Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, participation in the Program and/or receipt or use of Rewards constitutes a Member's consent for Sponsor to use and publish such Member's photo, name likeness, voice, opinions, statements, biographical information, and/or hometown and state for promotional or advertising purposes in any media worldwide, now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity without further review, notification, payment, or consideration."
That essentially means your image and likeness can be used for whatever Temu likes.
Social media users warned people to read the small print, with one writing: "Had a look into that Temu thing going around, best of luck to you all this is f**ked."
Another wrote: "Signing away the right for Temu to use your likeness and voice, worldwide, forever, with no legal protection for £40 is wild."
For some people, the lure of 'free money' might be enough to tempt them into still taking part in the scheme, but it's important people know exactly what they're signing up before, before taking part.
A Temu spokesperson told UNILAD: "Temu gathers user information solely for the purpose of delivering our service and to enhance customer experience. We do not sell user information.
"The terms and conditions highlighted are commonplace in similar promotions held by various companies across different sectors."