Beware of Fake Temu Job Offers: How Scammers Target Nigerians with “Easy Remote Work”
In recent months, many Nigerians have been receiving suspicious WhatsApp, Telegram, and SMS messages claiming to offer remote jobs with Temu, the popular global e-commerce platform. These messages often promise easy tasks, high daily earnings, and flexible hours. But behind the attractive words lies a dangerous scam.
This post will walk you through one such conversation, highlight the red flags, and explain why you should be very cautious whenever you encounter similar offers.
The Fake Temu Job Pitch
Here’s how one of these messages begins:
“Hello, this is Callia. I’m reaching out on behalf of Temu, a trusted global e-commerce platform. We are running an official program to strengthen our online visibility and are inviting individuals to participate in simple engagement tasks. This is a legitimate, flexible part-time opportunity — no registration or hidden fees. You start with ₦1,500 on your very first day… and with consistent participation, your daily earnings can grow to ₦80,000–₦270,000.”
At first glance, it sounds tempting: no experience needed, quick tasks, and very high pay. But if you pause and think, there are already warning signs.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
-
Unsolicited Contact
Legitimate employers do not reach out randomly on WhatsApp or SMS. If you did not apply through a verified job board or the official careers page, the message is suspicious. -
Unrealistic Earnings
Promising ₦270,000 in a single day for “engagement tasks” is simply too good to be true. No reputable company pays that kind of money for liking posts or writing reviews. -
Vague Job Description
The scammer talks about “engagement tasks” but never explains what the actual work is. Real companies describe roles, responsibilities, and required skills clearly. -
Psychological Traps
They start small (“₦1,500 on the first day”) to make it sound believable. Once you’re comfortable, they gradually introduce higher “levels” that require deposits or fees from you.
The Next Stage of the Scam
If you keep chatting with them, the story escalates. Here’s another sample message:
“We got your number from various establishments surveys… We are abroad-based staff from various countries, working online to support e-commerce platforms in increasing their sales. Your job is simple: you will help increase product reviews and boost engagement for items on Temu. Before we continue, may I know your age? Do you have a Telegram account? You will receive your salary after completing tasks — please download Telegram now so we can proceed.”
This version of the scam tries to sound even more “official.” They mention PDD Holdings Inc. (Temu’s real parent company) and even list a Cayman Islands office address. But this is just copy-paste information designed to trick you into trusting them.
Why Telegram (or WhatsApp)?
Scammers prefer Telegram and WhatsApp because these apps are private, encrypted, and outside company oversight. Once you join their group, they control the environment. There, they will:
- Give you “small tasks” and sometimes send tiny payments to gain trust.
- Introduce the idea of “investing” in higher tasks to earn bigger rewards.
- Request sensitive information like your bank account or ID.
Ultimately, you either lose money through deposits, or your personal information is stolen and misused.
How Real Companies Hire
It’s important to contrast this with how Temu or any legitimate multinational hires staff:
- Job applications are listed on official career sites (e.g., careers.temu.com or PDD Holdings’ HR page).
- No company asks for Telegram chats or upfront deposits.
- Roles are specific: software engineer, customer service representative, logistics coordinator, etc.
- Hiring follows a process: application, screening, interview, offer and onboarding.
Temu does have an affiliate/influencer program where individuals earn commissions by promoting products, but that is different from “remote jobs” and is run transparently on their official website.
Why Nigerians Are Targeted
Nigeria has a large youth population eager for remote opportunities, especially since platforms like Temu, Shein, and Jumia are becoming household names. Scammers know this and exploit the high unemployment rate by dangling fake opportunities.
They also use local currency amounts (₦1,500, ₦270,000) to make the scam feel authentic. By promising easy money in naira, they tap into the hope of young job seekers.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive such offers, here are steps you should take:
- Do not click or download anything. Especially avoid Telegram groups or APK files they send.
- Do not share personal information. Never give your age, ID, bank account, or BVN to strangers online.
- Check the source. Verify if the job posting is on the official Temu careers page or a trusted job board like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Jobberman.
- Trust your instincts. If the pay sounds too good to be true, it almost always is.
- Report and block. Use WhatsApp or Telegram’s built-in report tools to flag the scammer.
Final Thoughts
The rise of e-commerce platforms like Temu has created new opportunities — but also new risks. Scammers are exploiting Temu’s brand recognition to trick unsuspecting job seekers into fake “remote work” schemes.
Remember:
- Temu is not recruiting random people via WhatsApp or Telegram in Nigeria.
- The so-called “engagement task jobs” are a front for task fraud scams.
- If you want to work with Temu legitimately, check their official careers website or affiliate program.
Your safety is more important than any promise of quick money. Stay alert, share this knowledge with friends and family, and help reduce the number of victims falling into such traps.
✅Have you received one of these fake Temu job offers? Share your experience in the comments below — your story could save someone else from losing their hard-earned money