Recently, Tangyuan county court in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province began to use customized ringtones to shame people into paying their court-ordered debts, an initiative which has had remarkable effects.

"The user of the number you've dialed has been listed as discreditable person who is avoiding debt repayments ordered by the court. Please pay attention to avoid risks," says the pre-recorded message when the number is dialed.

Only one week later, a 'deadbeat debtor' surnamed Guo came to the court and fulfilled his legal obligations voluntarily.

"The new method has obvious effect on those who are deeply concerned about their reputations, especially local business owners," said an official of the court.