Viral TikTok Scam Uses Fake Celebrity Leaks to Promote Temu
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
TikTok is being flooded with fake celebrity photo and video leak videos aimed at driving user downloads and Temu referral code signups. These videos pretentiously offer access to scandalous and explicit photos and videos of various celebrities if users download the Temu shopping app and enter the referrer’s promo code.
This article will provide an in-depth look at this emerging scam on TikTok, how it works, the potential risks, and most importantly, what you should do if you encounter one of these fake celebrity leak videos.
This article contains:
Overview of the TikTok fake celebrity photo leak scam
Temu is a new online shopping platform that offers extremely low prices on millions of products shipped directly from China.
The site allows customers to create custom referral codes and links to share with friends and on social media. For each referral signup, both the referrer and referee get Temu Points redeemable for store credit and other rewards.
To promote referral code shares, Temu utilizes a multi-level marketing style rewards system. This system lets you play mini games and complete tasks to earn Temu Points for cash rewards or to spend on site products.
The problem is that this referral rewards system is now being abused by TikTok users.
They are creating and sharing fake celebrity photo and video leak videos that entice viewers with the promise of accessing scandalous content.
The videos tell viewers to download the Temu app and enter the referrer’s promo code to unlock the leaked photos or videos. But of course, there is no actual leaked content, only a referral code signup.
Examples of fake leak videos for Temu referrals
Here are some examples of the types of fake celebrity leaks being propagated on TikTok to get app downloads and promo code signups:
“Olivia Rodrigo nudes leaked!! Download T3mu and use code _ to see them all!”
“Jenna Ortega sex tape just leaked! Get it on T3mu with referral code _ before its taken down”
“Leaked Brooke Monk photos showing everything! Download now and enter _ to see!”
“OMG Hailie Deegan’s private photos got leaked! Download T3mu and enter code _ to see them all before they get deleted!”
The videos typically contain suggestive imagery and captions like “I can’t believe she did this!” or “I thought she was innocent” to entice viewers. Most have a caption overlay prompting Temu download and code entry.
How the TikTok fake leak and Temu referral scam works
The fraudsters behind these fake leak videos are leveraging the appeal of celebrity gossip and scandal to drive app downloads and promo code signups.
While deceptive, the scam process is quite simple:
The scammer creates a fake celebrity photo or video leak video for TikTok. This uses suggestive imagery and captions claiming a famous person’s intimate photos or videos got leaked.
The video instructs viewers to download the Temu app and enter the scammer’s referral code. This is presented as necessary to gain access to the fake leaked content.
Users who install Temu and enter the code help the scammer earn free Temu Points.
The scammer accumulates Temu Points from their referrals to get store credit and cash rewards.
Users who installed the app and entered the code find there is no real leaked celebrity content. It was just a ploy to get app downloads and referrals.
So while not malicious per se, the scam relies on tricking TikTok users with the lure of celebrity scandal and explicit content. The fakery and deception help the scammers earn rewards through their referral program.
Dangers and risks
While not directly malicious, the fake celebrity leak videos for Temu referrals still pose some risks and concerns users should be aware of.
Wasting time and effort
First, the videos simply waste a person’s time and effort under false pretenses. Viewers are deceived into downloading the app and entering codes thinking they will access scandalous celebrity material.
When none exists, it leads to frustration at best or outrage at worst for being manipulated.
Data harvesting
There’s also the standard privacy issues that come with new app installs. Temu requires access to contacts, files, location and more.
Users must scrutinize the permissions requested and be wary of what data is collected and shared from their device.
Normalizing deception
In addition, the proliferation of fake leak videos helps normalize deception and social engineering on social media platforms.
The more these manipulative tactics succeed, the more they will be used for potentially more nefarious purposes by others.
Slippery slope
There is a slippery slope effect here too. While fake celebrity leaks for Temu referrals seem relatively harmless now, this tactic could easily evolve into more dangerous scams or ways to distribute malware.
What to do if you encounter a fake celebrity photo leak video
If you come across one of these fake videos on TikTok, YouTube, or elsewhere, here are some tips:
Don’t download any apps or enter any referral codes. The promised leaked content does not exist.
Flag and report the video in the app you find it. Alert the platform so they can remove it.
Warn others by commenting that it’s a scam in the video. Spread awareness about the deceptive tactic.
Check permissions before downloading any app. Only install from official app stores like Google Play.
Use antivirus software and keep devices updated to catch any potential malware.
Avoid “too good to be true content” on social media tied to taking a desired action like app installs or code entry.
Never enter personal information to access supposed leaked or explicit content online.
Consult reputable news and media sources for confirmation before believing any supposed “leaked” materials.
What to do if you already entered a Temu referral code from a fake video
If you already fell for one of these fake celebrity photo leak videos, here’s what to do next:
Uninstall Temu if not needed
If you have no use for Temu, uninstall it. This will stop any data collection and reverse any permissions granted during install.
On an iPhone, delete the app just as you would any other.
On Android, go to Settings -> Apps -> Temu and tap Uninstall.
Reset advertising ID
Apps use your advertising ID to track activity across apps and websites. Reset your ad ID after removing Temu so your actions are no longer tied together.
On iPhone, go to Settings -> Privacy -> Tracking -> Reset Advertising Identifier.
On Android, go to Settings -> Google -> Ads -> Reset advertising ID.
Revoke app permissions
While uninstalling Temu will remove its access to contacts, storage, location, etc., resetting permissions can act as an extra precaution.
On iPhone:
Settings -> Privacy -> Contacts -> Temu -> toggle off
Settings -> Privacy -> Photos -> Temu -> toggle off
Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services -> Temu -> toggle off
On Android:
Settings -> Apps -> Temu -> Permissions -> toggle off for Contacts, Storage, Location, etc.
Monitor accounts and credit cards
Keep an eye out for any suspicious charges or activity in your online accounts tied to your mobile number or payment methods.
While highly unlikely in this scam, monitoring statements is always advised when inputting data into new apps.
Change passwords as a precaution
Consider changing passwords for your main accounts like email, Amazon, social media, and financial accounts in case of a worst case data breach.
Again highly unlikely but changing passwords regularly is just good security practice.
Run antivirus scans
Run full system scans using updated and trusted antivirus software like Malwarebytes, ESET, etc. This will detect and remove any adware, spyware or other threats that may have hitched a ride with the app install.
Catching and removing any threats promptly can prevent bigger issues down the line.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
What are these fake celebrity photo and video leaks on TikTok?
People are creating and sharing videos that pretend to offer access to scandalous or explicit photos and videos of celebrities. However, it’s completely fake. The videos tell you to download the Temu shopping app and enter the video creator’s referral code to access the supposed leaked content. But there is no actual leaked content, it’s just a ploy to get app downloads and referral code signups.
Why are people making these fake leak videos?
To get referral codes entered into Temu. For each referral signup, the person who created the code gets points towards Temu store credit, cash rewards, and other incentives.
What happens when you enter one of the referral codes in Temu?
The person who created the code and video gets credit for referring you. You will not actually gain access to any real leaked photos or videos of celebrities. There are no actual nude celebrity leaks, it’s all clickbait deception.
Can these videos spread malware?
Potentially yes. While these current videos are not designed to spread malware, opening apps from unknown sources carries inherent malware risks. Stick to downloading apps only from official app stores like Google Play and the App Store.
Is Temu itself dangerous or malicious?
There is no evidence that Temu is malicious software or a scam itself. But users should be cautious with any app that requests access to a lot of data, contacts, and phone functionality. Scrutinize permissions and data access.
Can children be exposed to these videos?
Yes. TikTok bans adult content but these videos stay up until reported and reviewed. Adult supervision is highly advised when children use TikTok and social media. Talk to them about media literacy and safe app install practices.
What should I do if I see one of these fake leak videos?
Do not download the app or input any codes. Flag and report the video to get it removed. Comment to warn others it’s fake. And avoid “too good to be true” content tied to specific app installs or code entry.
What if I already downloaded Temu and entered a code?
If you installed Temu, uninstall it and reset your ad ID and permissions. Monitor accounts and devices closely for any suspicious activity and run antivirus scans. See the full article for more tips.
Who makes the videos and why haven’t they been removed?
Individual users create the videos to earn Temu referral rewards, often using clickbait tactics. Social platforms like TikTok rely on user reporting to catch policy-violating content. Report any fake leak videos you see.
Conclusion
The flood of fake celebrity photo and video leak videos on TikTok and elsewhere to gain Temu app installs and referral codes highlights the evolving threats on social media.
What may seem like a harmless ploy for store credit can normalize bigger risks like malware distribution and access fraud.
The key takeaways are:
Avoid downloading apps or entering codes tied to “too good to be true” leaked content offers.
Report and spread awareness about fake videos to get them removed.
Scrutinize app permissions and install only from official stores.
Monitor accounts and devices and run antivirus scans if you installed a suspicious app.
Reset ad IDs and revoke permissions to protect data and privacy.
Staying vigilant for manipulative social media scams and moving quickly if encountered can help limit any risks or damages. But prevention is always best – don’t feed into hyped content tied to specific actions, and exercise caution sharing any personal data needed to access supposed leaked materials.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
