August Blacklist Report: Duolingo Penalized for Unauthorized 588 Yuan Charge After Free Trial

Deep News
8 hours ago

The August corporate complaint handling red and black list for the extracurricular tutoring sector has been released, with all data sourced from the Black Cat complaint platform, reflecting how enterprises have addressed consumer grievances over the past month.

As of the end of August 2026, the Black Cat complaint platform has accumulated over 38.12 million valid consumer complaints, with enterprises responding to more than 29.69 million cases and successfully resolving nearly 25.28 million. August alone saw over 640,000 new valid complaints. To more precisely and promptly showcase customer service performance across different consumer segments, the red and black list is not only segmented by industry but also features a "Most Watched Field List" based on recent hot consumer events, offering more valuable purchasing references for consumers.

Keyword: Duolingo, Inc. charged 588 yuan without authorization after the trial period ended. Duolingo, Inc. has secured a spot on the August 2026 black list for enterprise services in the extracurricular tutoring field.

This month, a consumer reported participating in a free trial of Super Duolingo in late July. Once the trial concluded, Duolingo, Inc. deducted 588 yuan directly without any prior prominent notification via SMS, email, or in-app pop-ups, to renew a one-year Super membership service.

Here is the August Industry Red and Black List from the Black Cat platform. Shared Services Red List: Monster Charging, Songguo E-bike, Jiedian, Soudian, Beidian, Jubaochong, Chengdu Chengke Zhishang, Yuekuai Flash Charge. Black List: Zhihui Xiaolian, Guangyu Kositer Battery Swap, Roadbit, Kuqi Bike, Xiaodian Technology, Xiudian, Laidian, Nangua Xia, Guangdong Juchongchong Technology, Bajie Charging.

Shopping Platforms Red List: Shanchao Technology, Rongxuanguo, Leyigou Technology Tianjin Co., Ltd., Haowuji Mall Customer Service, Qianshanji, Huigoubang Mall, Zhuoyu Mall, Taishen Youxuan, Hangzhou Zaidao, Tmall Supermarket. Black List: Taobao Mall, Xianyu, Tmall, PaiJitang, 1688, JD Daojia, Alibaba Business Assistant, Shanghai Shulong Technology Co., Ltd., JD Mall, Diantao.

Travel and Accommodation Red List: Chengdu Ocean Business Travel, Qingdao Haiyunduan, EHi Car Services, Ctrip Travel Services, Jinjiang Inn, Ziru Travel Agency, Changxing Yixing. Black List: Chimelong Group, Capital Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shouqi Yueche, West Air, Chengdu Airlines, Agoda, Jinpeng Airlines, AirAsia, Fuzhou Airlines.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Red List: Xingcheng Huixuan, Shenyunxun Shenzhen Technology Co., Ltd., iQiyi, Lizhi Yunfu, Heyou Technology, Driving Test Treasure, Beijing Jingtian Kechuang, Guangdong Tianchen, Huantai Technology, Hunan WuliuBa Information Technology. Black List: WeChat, Fenwandao, Lefit Sports, Yetimall, Fengjun Culture, QQ, Migu, Shanghai Chaosheng Music Co., Ltd., Sinopec, mitako Shrimp Tao.

Education and Training Red List: Lihua Education, Xianli Zhixue, Shifang Education, Liduo Star Investment, Henan Zhongan Jianpei, Yuanfudao, Lizhi Weike, Suzhou Tongchong Information Technology, Fenbi Gongkao, TAL Education. Black List: Duolingo, Inc., offcn Education, Jiangzhen, Dongao Accounting Online, Acadsoc Foreign Teacher Network, Darent Education, Beijing Zhihui Xiangxian Technology, Guangzhou Zhongjiao Hulian, Global Online School, Shangde Institution.

Finally, Black Cat once again reminds all consumers that the platform assists in resolving consumer disputes free of charge. Any individual or entity charging fees in the name of the platform or its partners to handle complaints is committing fraud. Consumers should remain vigilant, report such accounts to the platform, and contact the police immediately. After filing a complaint on the Black Cat platform, the disputed enterprise will contact the consumer directly for resolution; no Black Cat customer service representative will proactively reach out to intervene or assist with refunds. Please use official channels to settle disputes and do not trust third-party agencies or individuals offering agency fee refunds to avoid being scammed. In case of fraud, report it to the police promptly.

Official complaint channels currently available to consumers are: the "Black Cat Complaints" official website (https://tousu.sina.com.cn/), the "Black Cat Complaints" app (download from legitimate app stores), and the "Black Cat Complaints" mini-program (available on WeChat, Baidu, Alipay, and Douyin). If you discover counterfeit accounts, please send the relevant information to the official Black Cat email: heimaotousu@vip.sina.com.

To prevent personal information leakage and fraud, please note the following: 1. Before submitting a complaint, carefully check whether the complaint text and image evidence expose private information such as your name, contact details, address, order number, or tracking number. If submitted images involve private information, hide or blur them in advance. 2. Choose official channels for dispute resolution and do not trust dispute resolution methods, contact information, or accounts claiming to be staff provided in private messages or comment sections. Do not casually add strangers via QQ or WeChat, and be especially wary of statements like "pay to prioritize processing" or "special channels for refunds." 3. Do not provide bank card numbers, passwords, ID numbers, verification codes, or other information to strangers, and do not make random payments via QR codes or unknown links. Be cautious to avoid fraud and report to the police if scammed. 4. Be vigilant of overseas calls starting with 00, and do not easily trust the displayed caller name. 5. Legitimate enterprise customer service will process refunds to the consumer’s original payment channel. If the other party requires refunds via QQ, Alipay, WeChat, or website links, stay alert to avoid providing personal information or making transfers for "unfreezing fees," "verification fees," or "deposits."

To concentrate resources and efforts on better serving users, Black Cat Complaints currently only accepts complaints related to disputes encountered during actual consumer transactions. We appreciate your understanding and support.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Most Discussed

  1. 1
     
     
     
     
  2. 2
     
     
     
     
  3. 3
     
     
     
     
  4. 4
     
     
     
     
  5. 5
     
     
     
     
  6. 6
     
     
     
     
  7. 7
     
     
     
     
  8. 8
     
     
     
     
  9. 9
     
     
     
     
  10. 10