PHNOM PENH: The National Bank of Cambodia issued a press release on Wednesday, 22 March 2023, warning the public of social media and mobile phone fraud, as there has been a noted increase in online scams through social media sites like Facebook and TikTok, messaging platforms like Telegram well as through mobile phones. The increase in such fraud cases coincides with the rapid growth and expansion of the digital technology sector in Cambodia.

The National Bank of Cambodia has observed that many scammers use fake social media accounts posing as family members, relatives, friends or institutional leaders to swindle their victims, even going so far as sending fake voice messages and making calls impersonating personal connections, requesting for loans or immediate transfers of money.

The National Bank of Cambodia has urged the public to keep their personal social media account information secure, educate themselves on the use of digital financial services, as well as to be extra careful when transferring money through mobile applications, through their personal bank accounts or through supposed financial agents. The National Bank stresses the importance of accurate and clear identity verification through phone and account numbers.

Last week, General Hun Manet also warned the public of fraudulent Telegram accounts using his name and picture trying to scam people of money or property.