Platforms like Shein and Temu have gained massive popularity for their affordability and reasonable quality, offering shoppers the ability to buy clothes, toys, and shoes without breaking their budget. However, a recent discovery by a woman who found a tracking device sewn into a pair of overalls purchased from Shein has raised serious privacy and security concerns among shoppers.
The Shocking Discovery.
However, shopping on Shein might come with unexpected risks. In a now-viral TikTok, a shopper shared a shocking discovery: a tracking device sewn into a pair of overalls she bought from Shein. The device was completely hidden, stitched into the fabric.
This raises unsettling questions: why would a Shein order include a tracker? And even more troubling, why was it concealed? Let’s dive into the details to uncover what’s really happening.
This woman shared that she discovered a tracking device hidden in a pair of overalls she ordered from Shein.
What Was the Device?
Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@bandanabixch14/
On October 29, 2024, TikToker @bandanabixch14 shared a chilling and bizarre experience after ordering a pair of overalls from Shein. Her video, which has since gone viral with nearly 14 million views, starts with the startling text: “So I found a tracker in my overalls from Shein.” As someone who also shops at Shein, I couldn’t help but dive deeper into her story.
In the video, she begins by explaining that she noticed something unusual in the back of the overalls she’d just received. The strange spot was located in the mid-back area, just below where the straps cross over the shoulders. Intrigued, she pressed on it, and to her shock, it made a beeping sound—like a button being activated.
How Does It Work?
“Y’all hear that?” she asks her audience, her concern growing. “What the f–k is that?” she exclaims, echoing the same confusion felt by her viewers.
Realizing she hadn’t yet mentioned where the overalls were from, she unbuckles them and flips the tag to reveal the Shein label. Initially, she had given the overalls a positive review but decided to investigate further to uncover what was hiding in the fabric.
Using a steak knife, she carefully cuts into the material. After some effort, she pulls out a small, white, circular device that clicks and beeps when pressed. The device is engraved with the word “Chipolo.” Stunned, she gasps, “What the f–k is this?” and admits, “I’m going to have an anxiety attack.”
The unexpected discovery has left viewers with plenty of questions—and more than a little unease.
She then skips ahead in the video to share what she discovered after Googling the mysterious device: it turned out to be a Bluetooth tracker commonly used to keep track of items like keys. Even more surprising, these trackers, branded as “Chipolo,” are easily available on sites like Amazon. One viewer backed her up in the comments, writing, “That’s a Chipolo. I have one on my keys.”
According to the Chipolo website, the device has a Bluetooth range of up to 200 feet. This means anyone attempting to use it for tracking would need to stay within that distance for it to function.
Some viewers speculated about why the tracker might have been in the overalls. One suggested that Shein could have used it to ensure the package arrived safely, perhaps to prevent false claims of lost deliveries. However, this seems unlikely given the limited range of the tracker, which would make such a strategy ineffective.
The TikTok quickly sparked serious concerns among viewers, while others lightened the mood with a few jokes about the bizarre situation.
The TikTok user reported that, after discovering the tracker, she filed a police report. Surprisingly, the police returned the device to her, which raised further questions about the situation.
Broader Concerns About Shein
This incident adds to existing concerns about Shein. Some users have claimed that the Shein app monitors their activities and even listens to their conversations. For instance, after discussing a random topic, users have noticed related items appearing in their Shein recommendations, despite never searching for them.
While Shein is a legitimate platform with many satisfied customers, these allegations have certainly raised concerns among users.