交1800元即可清偿百万债务? 起底“众筹还债”：靠邀请下载App，有参与者初衷并非还债

Core Viewpoint - A new crowdfunding debt repayment scheme named "Hope Light" has emerged online, promoting the idea that participants can clear significant debts by contributing a small amount, which raises concerns about its legitimacy and potential classification as a pyramid scheme [1][3][10]. Group 1: Scheme Overview - The "Hope Light" app claims that participants can clear debts of up to one million yuan by paying an initial fee of 1,800 yuan, which is presented as a donation to nine individuals [1][3]. - The scheme operates by recruiting new members who pay an "activation fee," which is then distributed among existing members, creating a structure reminiscent of a pyramid scheme [6][10]. - Participants are encouraged to view their involvement as a charitable act, which obscures the underlying financial mechanics of the scheme [7][9]. Group 2: Recruitment and Operations - The app utilizes a referral system for new members, requiring them to be invited by existing participants, which fosters a hierarchical structure [8][9]. - Members are trained to promote the scheme through various channels, including social media and in-person events, often under the guise of community support and financial relief [9][10]. - The scheme's promotional language includes terms like "helping others" and "community wealth," which mislead participants about its true nature [7][9]. Group 3: Legal and Ethical Concerns - Legal experts have classified the "Hope Light" model as a typical pyramid scheme, emphasizing that it relies on the recruitment of new members rather than legitimate business activities [10][11]. - The structure of the scheme, with multiple levels of recruitment and financial incentives for existing members, raises significant legal issues under existing anti-pyramid scheme regulations [11][12]. - The potential for criminal charges against organizers and leaders of the scheme is highlighted, particularly if the number of participants exceeds certain thresholds [11][12].