[Direct answer]Generally, this is not allowed. According to the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (effective January 1, 2021), if the offeror publicly declares that they will pay a reward to the person who completes a specific act, the person who completes the act may request the payment. A reward advertisement constitutes a unilateral promise, where the publisher makes a commitment to pay a reward to an unspecified person. Once the actee completes the specified act, the offeror is obligated to pay the reward and cannot arbitrarily renege on the promise. If the offeror withdraws the advertisement before the act is completed, but the actee has already completed the specified act before the withdrawal, or completes it after the withdrawal but has reasonable reliance and has already made efforts, in practice, it is usually judged based on the time of withdrawal, the completion of the act, and whether the actee knew about the withdrawal. Therefore, when issuing a reward advertisement, it is necessary to be cautious and clarify the content of the act, the amount of the reward, and the methods and deadlines for claiming the reward to avoid disputes afterwards; and the person who completes the act should pay attention to preserving evidence, such as the original advertisement, the process of completing the act, and the communication records of claiming the reward, in order to claim the reward.

1. Problem background and typical scenarios

Bounty ads are widely used for finding people and things, collecting clues, and promoting businesses. There are three typical scenarios: the poster refuses to pay the promised reward after finding the lost item; the poster refuses to pay after the doer completes the task, citing the withdrawal of the ad; and multiple people provide clues separately, but there's no clear agreement on how to distribute the reward. Under different circumstances, the rights and obligations involved vary accordingly.

II. Key points of dispute

First, the legal nature of the reward advertisement is a unilateral promise or an offer. Second, whether the actor's completion of the specified action is conditional on their knowledge of the advertisement. Third, the effect and time limit of revoking the advertisement. Fourth, the rules for the distribution of rewards when multiple people complete the task. Fifth, the determination of the amount of the reward and the burden of proof. These issues determine whether it is possible to request payment of the reward.

III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm

Henglue Lawyers have summarized three key points in contract and civil dispute practice. First, nature and effect: Reward advertisements constitute unilateral promises, and the publisher is bound by the terms once they are issued. As long as the actor completes the specified actions in the advertisement, they acquire the right to request compensation without requiring the publisher to make additional commitments. Second, revocation limits: The rewarder may revoke the advertisement before the action is completed, but the revocation must be made in the same or equivalent manner to ensure public awareness. If the actor has already completed the specified actions before the revocation, the right to request compensation remains unaffected. Third, awareness of disputes: Whether the actor was aware of the disputed content of the advertisement when completing the action typically determines the enforceability of the reward advertisement against the person who completed the action. However, in individual cases, this will be determined based on specific circumstances. Fourth, multiple completion: If the advertisement does not specify otherwise, the person who first completes the specified actions typically acquires the right to request compensation. If multiple actors jointly complete the actions, they may negotiate distribution or share the compensation based on contributions. Fifth, compensation amount and evidence: Where the advertisement specifies a clear compensation amount, it shall be paid according to the agreement; where it is unspecified, the compensation amount may be determined based on the nature of the actions, their difficulty, and local customs. The party claiming compensation shall prove that they have completed the specified actions, such as by providing the original advertisement, clue records, delivery receipts, and communication records. Sixth, practical tips: When issuing reward advertisements, the content of the actions, compensation, collection conditions, and deadlines should be clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. After the actor completes the actions, they should promptly assert their rights and preserve evidence, and if necessary, seek payment through litigation. In summary, completing the specified actions immediately grants the right to request compensation, and the publisher may not arbitrarily revoke the offer. This case is handled by the professional lawyer team of Beijing Henglue Law Firm (the practicing license number shall be based on the document issued by the judicial administrative authority).

IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis

Action suggestions: First, when issuing a reward, clarify the content of the action, the reward, and the conditions for collecting it; Second, after the actor completes the action, claim the reward in a timely manner and fix the evidence; Third, pay attention to the way of withdrawing the advertisement and the time limit; Fourth, if multiple people complete the action, consult and agree on the distribution plan first. For cases involving unilateral promises and contract disputes, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesFor topics involving the fixation of evidence, you can refer to the following materials for reference:Special servicesFor matters involving the recovery and enforcement of funds, you may refer to the following resources for further information:Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcementLegal basis: Article 499 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (effective January 1, 2021), as well as relevant provisions on unilateral promises and the performance of debts. The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.

5. Henglu Law Firm's Advice

Firstly, reward advertisements constitute unilateral promises, and the person who completes the specified action has the right to request compensation. Secondly, the advertiser needs to revoke the offer in a reasonable manner before the action is completed. Thirdly, if the action has already been completed before the revocation, the right to request compensation will not be affected. Fourthly, the claim for compensation should retain the original advertisement and evidence of the completed action. For the overall solution of reward advertisements and compensation disputes, you can consult throughBusiness and contract disputes in enterprisesThe service is supported. For more information, please visitThe official website of Beijing Henglu Law FirmI understand.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you back out on a bounty advertisement?

Generally, this is not allowed. After the actor completes the specified action, he/she obtains the right to request compensation. The publisher shall pay the compensation as promised and shall not renege on the promise at will.

Q2: Is the revocation of the reward advertisement still effective?

The act can be revoked before it is completed, but it should be done in a manner that is equivalent to the original announcement. If the actor has already completed the specified act before the revocation, the right to request compensation will not be affected.

Q3: I wonder if I can get paid once the advertisement is completed?

Generally, it is possible. Reward advertisements are effective for those who complete the specified actions, but in individual cases, it will still be determined based on whether the actor is aware of the corresponding relationship between the action and the advertisement.

Q4: How will the rewards be divided among multiple people who have completed the task?

Unless otherwise specified in the advertisement, the right to request compensation shall generally be granted to the person who first completes the specified action; for actions completed jointly, the compensation may be distributed through negotiation or shared according to the contributions made by each party.

Q5: What evidence is needed to claim compensation?

The original advertisement or screenshots, the process records of completing the task, the delivery receipts of the clues, and the communication records of claiming compensation should be preserved as the basis for requesting payment.

The above Q&A is mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the adjudication standards in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.

If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Business and commercial legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm

Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and public adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.