Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the deceptive practices in the online training industry, where programs marketed as "free training" often lead to hidden costs and unfulfilled promises of high income and job security [1][2]. Group 1: Deceptive Marketing Practices - Many online courses advertise "zero cost, high income, and job security," but these claims often conceal complex schemes that ultimately result in financial loss for participants [1][2]. - Participants, like a university student named Xiao Cai, are lured by advertisements for "part-time online voice acting" that promise easy earnings without prior experience [3][5][6]. Group 2: Hidden Costs and Contracts - After initial contact, participants are offered "free online training," which primarily focuses on how to monetize voice acting rather than providing substantial training [8]. - The training providers showcase impressive earnings from past students, claiming that participants can earn thousands in just ten days, creating a false sense of security [9][11]. - To access better job opportunities, participants are pressured to enroll in a premium course costing 5,760 yuan, despite initial claims of free training [11][13]. Group 3: Consumer Rights Violations - Participants who wish to withdraw from the courses face high cancellation fees, often leading to financial burdens rather than the promised income [17][19]. - The involved training company, Sichuan Lincheng Feiyao Technology Co., Ltd., has been listed in the business anomaly directory due to its inability to be contacted, indicating potential fraudulent practices [22]. - Consumer rights experts highlight that the contracts used by such training institutions often contain unfair terms that violate consumer protection laws [24]. Group 4: Industry Complaints and Regulatory Actions - The online training sector has seen a surge in complaints, with over 27,884 complaints reported in the past year, primarily concerning false advertising and refusal to refund [25]. - Regulatory bodies are urged to monitor and regulate the "pay after learning" model, which often leads to consumers taking on unnecessary debt [27]. - A recent case involving an AI training company revealed that deceptive marketing tactics, including fabricated success stories and false prize giveaways, were used to entice participants into paying for high-cost courses [30][36]. Group 5: Consequences for Deceptive Practices - The involved AI training company was fined 500,000 yuan for false advertising and was ordered to cease illegal activities [39]. - Authorities emphasize the importance of recognizing that skill acquisition and income generation require time and effort, and there are no shortcuts to easy profits [41].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the deceptive practices of certain skill training institutions that lure consumers with promises of high-paying jobs and flexible payment options, ultimately leading to financial disputes and complaints related to "training loans" [1][5][12]. Group 1: Consumer Complaints and Trends - In the first half of 2025, consumer complaints received by national consumer associations totaled 995,971, marking a year-on-year increase of 27.23% [2]. - The financial services category saw a significant rise in complaints, with 7,564 cases reported, up from 1,882 in the same period of 2024, indicating a shift in consumer concerns [4][5]. - The education and training services category accounted for 44,126 complaints, representing 4.43% of total complaints, an increase from 3.92% in the previous year [3][4]. Group 2: "Training Loan" Scheme - The "pay after learning" scheme is identified as a method to induce loans, where institutions promote the idea of "part-time jobs to repay loans," misleading consumers into signing loan agreements without full awareness [1][5][12]. - Many consumers, particularly students, are misled by false promises of guaranteed income and are often unaware of the loan applications they are signing [5][12]. - Complaints reveal that institutions often provide vague contract terms, making it difficult for consumers to understand refund conditions, leading to high penalties for contract termination [5][12]. Group 3: Regulatory Insights - Regulatory bodies have previously warned consumers about the "training loan" traps, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding high-interest loans tied to training programs [12][14]. - The National Financial Supervision Administration has mandated that financial institutions improve consumer rights protection and transparency in loan agreements [14][16]. - The warning signs of "training loan" traps include false promises of job placement, bundled loans without clear disclosure, and hidden fees that exceed initial expectations [13][14].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a significant increase in consumer complaints in China, with a total of 995,971 complaints received in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 27.23% [1] - The National Consumer Association resolved 509,655 complaints, recovering economic losses amounting to 452 million yuan for consumers [1] - The number of consumer visits and consultations reached 330,000 during the same period [1] Group 2 - Some skill training institutions are attracting consumers through misleading advertisements such as "zero-based high-paying part-time jobs," leading to numerous consumer disputes [2] - These institutions employ tactics like false advertising and inducing loans, with claims of guaranteed income post-course completion, often misleading students into signing contracts without understanding the loan implications [2] - The quality of course content varies significantly, and contracts often contain vague terms, making it difficult for consumers to seek refunds or cancel contracts without incurring high penalties [2] Group 3 - The National Consumer Association recommends that financial regulatory bodies standardize the "pay after learning" model to mitigate risks associated with "training loans" [3] - It is advised that training institutions enhance their disclosure obligations regarding installment payments and loan agreements, providing written risk warnings before processing loans [3] - Consumers are urged to remain vigilant against misleading claims of "zero-based high-paying employment" and to thoroughly investigate course content and support before enrollment [3]