“职业背债”，馅饼还是陷阱？

Core Viewpoint - The recent crackdown on a new type of contract fraud in Shanghai has highlighted the issues of "professional debtors" and "professional store closers," raising societal concerns about these practices and the legal implications surrounding them [1][2]. Group 1: Fraud Mechanisms - The phenomenon of businesses, such as gyms and training institutions, abruptly closing and evading debts has been observed, often facilitated by "professional store closers" who manipulate asset transfers and change business entities to avoid legal responsibilities [1][2]. - "Professional debtors" are individuals who sell their personal credit to assume debts for others in exchange for significant financial rewards, often targeting individuals from less educated backgrounds or those lacking stable income sources [1][2]. Group 2: Legal Implications - Both "professional store closers" and "professional debtors" face civil and criminal liabilities, regardless of their roles in the fraud [2][3]. - The Supreme People's Court's interpretation regarding prepayment consumption disputes, effective from May 2025, aims to regulate the fraudulent closure of prepayment businesses, imposing punitive compensation for businesses that fail to refund consumers after ceasing operations [3]. - Criminal charges for "professional store closers" may include loan fraud and contract fraud, with specific legal definitions and penalties outlined in the criminal law [4]. Group 3: Penalties and Consequences - The penalties for "professional debtors" can be severe, with potential prison sentences exceeding ten years or even life imprisonment for significant fraud amounts [4]. - Engaging in these fraudulent activities not only jeopardizes personal credit records but also exposes individuals to harsh legal repercussions [4].