security
Updated 2026-09-24 5 min
In short
- ●$26.2 million: losses reported by Cambodians who fell victim to online scams since 2025, according to National Police Commissioner Sar Theth.
- ●The announcement was made by national police in Phnom Penh, confirming that Cambodia is not just a base for operations targeting foreigners.
- ●For expats in Siem Reap, this means fraud attempts affect all residents, regardless of nationality.
- ●Police are ramping up awareness and urging people to systematically report suspicious attempts.
$26.2M
Reported losses
Since 2025
Period
Cambodia (announced in Phnom Penh)
Location
National Police — Sar Theth
Source
The facts at a glance
- $26.2 million. That's the total amount Cambodians report having lost to online scam groups since 2025.
- September 24, 2026. Date of the public statement by National Police Commissioner Sar Theth, reported by the Phnom Penh Post.
- Phnom Penh. The announcement was made at the national level, but victims are spread across the country, including Siem Reap.
- A two-way phenomenon. Cambodia is no longer just presented as a base for operations targeting foreigners: the local population is also being targeted.
- Police response. National police are stepping up public awareness and encouraging systematic reporting of fraud attempts.
How it unfolded
The announcement is part of a months-long sequence in which Cambodian authorities have been documenting the scale of online fraud affecting their own citizens.
- 2025: The first significant losses attributed to online scam groups are recorded and compiled by authorities.
- Throughout 2025-2026: Reports from Cambodian victims increase, particularly through digital channels (messaging apps, fake investments, fake jobs).
- September 2026: National police consolidate the figures and find a total of $26.2 million in reported losses.
- September 24, 2026: Commissioner Sar Theth makes this assessment public, stressing that the phenomenon goes beyond foreign targets alone.
- Late September 2026: Police announce they will strengthen prevention and call on the public to report every suspicious attempt.
- Coming weeks: Awareness campaigns are expected to be rolled out in the provinces, including Siem Reap, which is highly exposed due to tourism and international residents.
Breakdown
The published data does not yet detail the exact breakdown by province or scam type, but the profile of victims and the channels used reveal several segments.
| Segment | Figure / share | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total reported losses | $26.2M | Cumulative since 2025, all scam types combined |
| Cambodian victims | Majority of reported cases | Local population targeted via messaging apps and social media |
| Foreign victims / expats | Not separately quantified | Exposed to the same channels, often in English or Thai |
| Urban and tourist areas | Overrepresented | Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville: high density of connected users |
| Dominant scam types | Investments, fake jobs, romance | Classic schemes of cross-border networks |
What it means in practice in Siem Reap
- You are not a separate target. Expats share the same channels (Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook) as Cambodian victims: attempts directly concern you.
- Fake investments and fake jobs remain the number one traps. Be extra wary of offers that seem too generous, especially from unknown contacts.
- Reporting is becoming easier and better handled. National police are emphasizing information sharing: reporting is no longer pointless.
- Your Cambodian neighbors are victims too. This changes local perceptions: neighborhood solidarity and sharing alerts become useful for everyone.
- Indirect impact on the local ecosystem. Businesses, guesthouses, and agencies employing expats are encouraged to raise awareness among their teams and customers.
How to stay out of trouble
- Step 1: Never send money to a contact you met only online, even after weeks of conversation.
- Step 2: Always verify the identity of a recruiter or "investor" via video call and reverse image search.
- Step 3: Refuse job offers that require an advance fee, a security deposit, or the purchase of equipment.
- Step 4: Enable two-factor authentication on Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and your bank accounts.
- Step 5: Report every suspicious attempt to local police and your bank, even if you didn't lose money.
- Step 6: Share alerts with your expat and Cambodian circles: scam networks test the same scripts on everyone.
- Step 7: If you suffer a loss, keep screenshots, numbers, and transactions, then file a complaint quickly — it's the only way to seek recourse.
Frequently asked questions
Are expats included in these $26.2M in losses?
The published figure covers losses reported by Cambodians. Expats are exposed to the same channels and types of scams, but their losses are not counted separately in this announcement.
What types of scams are most common in Cambodia?
Classic cross-border network schemes: fake investments, fake job offers, romance scams, and impersonation on messaging apps.
What should I do if I'm a victim of an online scam in Siem Reap?
Gather all evidence (screenshots, numbers, transactions), contact your bank to try to block the funds, then file a complaint with local police. Also report the attempt to national authorities.
Is the Cambodian police actually taking action against these networks?
Commissioner Sar Theth's statement comes with increased awareness efforts and a call to report incidents. The authorities publicly acknowledge the scale of the phenomenon, which marks a shift from previous years.
Do these scams target only foreigners?
No. That's precisely the key point of the announcement: the Cambodian population is also heavily targeted, with $26.2M in reported losses since 2025.
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Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia