12 fake travel agents arrested in Phnom Penh: the risk for Siem Reap

On April 26, 2026, Phnom Penh police arrested 12 foreign nationals suspected of running a fraudulent tourism operation. According to initial reports, these individuals were offering fake tours and tourism services through fictitious agencies or deceptive online offers.

Although the arrest took place in the capital, this type of scam can easily spread to Siem Reap, Cambodia's top tourist destination. Expats and long-term travelers are potential targets, especially if they book excursions without verifying the agency's legitimacy.

The suspects created websites or social media pages imitating legitimate travel agencies. They offered tours at very attractive prices, often for Angkor Wat or other popular sites.

• Upfront payment. Victims had to pay a deposit or the full amount via bank transfer or payment app.
• Last-minute cancellation. Once payment was received, the fake agency would cancel the tour under some pretext (weather, technical issue) and refuse to refund.
• Disappearance. After a few weeks, the website and social media accounts were deleted, making any claim impossible.

In Europe, travel agencies are generally regulated and scams of this type are rarer thanks to strict licensing systems and effective legal recourse. In Cambodia, regulation is less rigorous and inspections are less frequent.

For expats: the risk is real, especially if you book online without verifying credentials. However, physical agencies in Siem Reap, such as those located in tourist areas (Pub Street, Old Market), are often reliable and can be verified on-site.

Price comparison: offers that seem too good to be true (e.g., Angkor tour for $20 instead of $50) should raise red flags. A legitimate agency cannot slash prices without compromising quality or safety.

To avoid tourism scams, follow these steps:

• Verify the license. Any legitimate travel agency in Cambodia must have a license issued by the Tourism Ministry. Ask to see this document.
• Check reviews. Use platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to read feedback from other travelers. Be wary of overly positive or recent reviews.
• Pay by credit card. If possible, use a credit card for fraud protection. Avoid direct bank transfers.
• Visit a physical agency. In Siem Reap, choose agencies with a real storefront. You can also ask your hotel or guesthouse for recommendations.

Too-good-to-be-true offers. An Angkor tour for $15 including transport, guide, and entrance is impossible. Standard prices are around $50 for a full day.

Pressure to book. Scammers often insist you book immediately, claiming limited availability. Take time to verify.

Fake licenses. Some websites display fake license numbers. You can verify directly with the Tourism Ministry (website or phone).

This scam primarily targets passing tourists and unsuspecting expats who book online without verification. If you're an expat settled in Siem Reap, you're less vulnerable because you have access to a local network and can easily gather information.

Recommendation: For long-term travelers and digital nomads, prioritize agencies recommended by other expats or your accommodation. Never book a tour without seeing the license and reading recent reviews. Vigilance is your best defense.