Scams in Cambodia have evolved significantly in 2026, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics targeting mobile banking users, social media users, and online shoppers. This guide covers the most common scam types, their warning signs, and how to protect yourself.
Investment Scams
Investment scams promise high returns with little or no risk. In Cambodia, these often appear as:
- Fake cryptocurrency investment groups on Telegram
- Ponzi schemes disguised as "forex trading" platforms
- "Guaranteed return" schemes through WhatsApp groups
Warning signs: Promises of returns above 10% per month, pressure to invest quickly, requests to transfer money to personal accounts.
Romance Scams
Romance scammers build emotional relationships online before asking for money. Common patterns:
- Online dating profiles that seem too perfect
- Quick declarations of love
- Eventual requests for money (medical emergencies, travel costs, "customs fees")
Warning signs: Refusal to video call, requests for money after establishing emotional connection, claims of working overseas.
Phishing
Phishing attempts steal your personal information by impersonating legitimate organizations:
- Fake bank SMS asking you to verify your account
- Emails claiming your package is delayed (with a malicious link)
- Fake Bakong or bank app notifications
Warning signs: Links that don't match the official domain, requests for OTP or passwords, urgent language threatening account closure.
Cryptocurrency Scams
Crypto scams in Cambodia often involve:
- Fake crypto exchanges that steal deposits
- "Airdrop" scams that drain wallet permissions
- Pig-butchering schemes combining romance and investment fraud
Warning signs: Unsolicited crypto investment advice, pressure to install unknown apps, promises of guaranteed crypto profits.
Loan Scams
Loan scams target people needing quick cash:
- "No credit check" loan offers via SMS or social media
- Requests for upfront "processing fees"
- Fake lenders asking for bank account access
Warning signs: Upfront fees before loan disbursement, no physical office, requests for your banking credentials.
Telegram Impersonation
Scammers impersonate businesses, government officials, or friends on Telegram:
- Fake customer support accounts for banks
- Impersonation of NBC or Bakong officials
- Cloned accounts of friends asking for money
Warning signs: New accounts with no history, requests for money or OTP, pressure to act quickly.
Robocalls and Telemarketing
Automated calls and aggressive telemarketing:
- Pre-recorded messages claiming you won a prize
- Calls claiming to be from your bank about "suspicious activity"
- Aggressive sales calls for products you never requested
Warning signs: Robotic voice, requests for personal information, pressure to act immediately.
How to Protect Yourself and Report Scams
For a complete step-by-step protection guide — including how to secure your accounts, set banking limits, shop safely online, and verify before you trust — see our companion guide: How to Protect Yourself from Online Scams in Cambodia 2026.
That guide also covers Cambodia's 2026 anti-scam law, a red-flags checklist, what to do step-by-step if you are scammed, and where to report scams (police, banks, platforms).
You can also use the Scam Check Hub to check phone numbers, Telegram usernames, and URLs before you trust them.
Remember: Community reports help everyone stay safe. If you've been contacted by a scammer, check and report it to help others avoid the same trap.