China banking regulator warns of excessive online borrowing

BEIJING - China's top banking regulator has urged consumers to make rational use of loan products and obtain financial services from regular institutions and channels to avoid falling into debt traps.

Some online platforms have induced excessive spending through various consumption scenarios, leaving borrowers and their families in trouble, according to a statement on the website of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission.

Consumers should spend wisely, stay wary of so-called "interest-free" loans, and not rely too heavily on credit to meet their consumption needs, said the statement.

Consumers are also advised not to provide personal information on suspicious websites to prevent fraud and personal data leaks, it said.