21世纪经济报道·2025-08-16 09:12Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the hidden financial mechanisms behind mobile operators' promotional offers, such as "free phones" or "0 yuan purchase," which are essentially disguised installment loans that can impact consumers' credit scores if not managed properly [1][6]. Group 1: Operators' Strategies - Mobile operators often present promotional offers as free gifts, but they are actually tied to installment contracts that require monthly payments, effectively functioning as loans [1][2]. - The sales staff at mobile operator outlets are incentivized through commissions, making the promotion of these installment plans a key part of their sales strategy [2][5]. - The complexity of the financial arrangements between operators and financial institutions creates a convoluted system that is difficult for consumers to navigate [2][4]. Group 2: Financial Institutions' Role - Operators like China Telecom and China Unicom have established partnerships with financial institutions to facilitate these installment plans, with some financial entities being wholly owned by the operators [2][5]. - The relationship between operators and financial institutions is tightly interwoven, with funds being transferred between accounts to manage repayments for the loans disguised as service contracts [2][4]. - Regulatory oversight is fragmented, with financial institutions being monitored separately from the operators, leading to a lack of accountability in sales practices at retail outlets [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer Awareness and Risks - Many consumers, particularly the elderly and those with limited financial literacy, may unknowingly enter into these installment agreements without fully understanding the implications [3][4]. - The article highlights the potential for negative impacts on consumers' credit scores if they fail to meet the payment obligations tied to these promotional offers [1][3]. - The notion that "there is no free lunch" is emphasized, suggesting that consumers should be cautious of seemingly beneficial offers from mobile operators [6].