🛡️ Consumer protection · Awareness case
The gym closed and kept my prepaid balance · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 中华人民共和国消费者权益保护法 / Consumer Protection Law
Is your balance lost if a prepaid business shuts down?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
Situation: A person paid an annual gym membership; the gym suddenly closed after two months without refunding the balance. Rule: prepaid cards form a contract; a business closing does not erase the customer's right to a refund of the unused portion, and the operator can be pursued for compensation. If the closure was deliberate fraud (collect fees then vanish) it can amount to a reportable scam. Consumer protection (12315) takes the complaint. Lesson: avoid large prepayments and keep the contract and receipts.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
A closure doesn't erase your right to refund the unused balance; complain via 12315.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026