The China Consumers Association released a consumer alert on March 25th, stating that it has recently received complaints from consumers that their account funds have been stolen due to the "secret free payment" function. Consumers are reminded to use the "secret free payment" function with caution to avoid financial losses caused by excessive account permissions. Waking up in the morning, I found that my phone received many deduction messages; During lunch break, the money in the account quietly flows into the virtual account; Sleeping soundly late at night, criminals are engaging in illegal activities... This is not about making science fiction movies, but rather the "consumption trap" behind "secret free payments". The so-called "password free payment" refers to "payment without a password", which is widely applicable to "small payments" on many payment platforms. The recent notice released by the China Consumers Association has exposed the security risks behind the "secret free payment" function to the public, and has also brought about a reflection on reality. The emergence of "secret free payment" was originally intended to enhance user experience, but while we enjoy its convenience, we have also unknowingly opened the "Pandora's Box". On the one hand, "contactless payment" shortens the transaction process, making "buying and buying" more "painless" and prone to "impulse consumption". The "Analysis of Complaints Received by National Consumers' Associations in the First Quarter of 2024" released by the China Consumers' Association shows that non confidential payments and automatic deductions have become the main culprits in inducing consumption. On the other hand, the "convenience" emphasized by payment platforms when promoting "secret free payment" is now becoming the "convenience" for criminals to operate. For example, when a mobile phone is lost or an account is leaked, if someone else obtains the account or device, they can directly consume or purchase virtual services through "secret free payment" without the need for secondary verification. Although some platforms have a single upper limit on the password free limit, frequent small-scale theft within a short period of time can still cause significant economic losses. Faced with the security risks brought by "secret free payment", consumers themselves are the "first line of defense". Firstly, just as one cannot hand over one's own keys to others casually, the principle of "non essential non activation" for non encrypted payments should also be kept in mind. Secondly, it is necessary to regularly inspect and clean the functions that have already been activated on the payment platform, in order to better package digital money with "anti-theft doors". Thirdly, regularly check billing notifications and immediately verify any unclear consumption. Once encountering a situation of theft, one should remain calm and composed, immediately freeze payment channels, appeal to the platform in a timely manner, and if necessary, take up legal weapons to protect their rights. Only by maintaining a 'zero tolerance' attitude towards this can we have a greater deterrent effect on criminals. The problem of non confidential payment exposure reflects the contradiction between convenience and security in the digital economy era. For technology companies, while striving to continuously improve user experience, they must also adhere to the bottom line of security. For payment platforms, it is not possible to default to setting "secret free payment". Instead, consumers should be clearly informed of the usage and cancellation methods of secret free payment, and risk warnings should be prominently displayed. At the same time, the cancellation process should be simplified. Regulatory authorities should also pay attention to new issues in the consumer sector, further refine relevant laws and regulations, clarify the responsibilities and obligations of all parties involved, and urge platforms to act as "gatekeepers" to better protect the legitimate rights and interests of users. Standing at the forefront of the development of the digital economy, we do not have to give up on some risks and refuse all convenient functions, but we must also maintain necessary vigilance while enjoying the benefits of technology. In the face of new risks arising from new functions and technologies, we look forward to more companies filling technical gaps and relevant departments upgrading regulatory measures. After all, a truly intelligent life should not be a "choice between safety and convenience", but a "perfect balance" that combines both. (New Society)