21世纪经济报道·2025-08-13 04:10Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversial practices surrounding the "Orange Installment" program by Chinese telecom operators, highlighting consumer complaints about deceptive sales tactics that bind customers to long-term loans disguised as promotional offers [1][2][12]. Group 1: Consumer Experiences - Many consumers, including a comic artist, reported being misled into signing contracts for installment loans under the guise of receiving free electronic products [1][4]. - Complaints about the "Orange Installment" program have surged, with 5,850 complaints reported by Black Cat Complaints as of August 5 [1]. - Consumers often receive unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be telecom employees, leading to confusion and unintentional contract signings [1][10]. Group 2: Sales Practices - Telecom sales representatives frequently use phrases like "free gift" or "0 yuan purchase" without clearly disclosing the installment nature of the agreements [11][12]. - The pressure on sales staff to meet performance targets leads to a lack of transparency in explaining the financial implications of the contracts [11][12]. - The sales process often involves misleading tactics, such as emphasizing that the agreement is not a loan, which confuses consumers [10][11]. Group 3: Regulatory Challenges - The regulatory environment complicates oversight, as telecom operators and financial institutions fall under different regulatory bodies, making it difficult to enforce compliance [1][15]. - Experts suggest that a joint effort between financial and market regulators is necessary to address the issues stemming from the collaboration between telecom operators and financial institutions [2][15]. - The article emphasizes the need for clearer communication and better regulatory frameworks to protect consumers from deceptive practices [15][17]. Group 4: Financial Implications - The "Orange Installment" program ties monthly phone bills to loan repayments, creating a risk of negative credit impacts if payments are missed [12][13]. - Consumers may face significant financial consequences, including potential damage to their credit scores, if they fail to meet payment obligations [13][17]. - The article highlights the importance of consumer education regarding financial products to mitigate misunderstandings and potential exploitation [10][17].