Cambodia’s Central Bank Warns Over Unlicensed PaiPay App Amid Scam Risks

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 26, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s central bank on Thursday warned the public against using the PaiPay application, saying it is unlicensed and may be linked to online scams, officials said Wednesday.

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) said PaiPay has been promoting services through Telegram channels and at locations in Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk. The app, available on the App Store and Google Play, operates as a chatbot on Telegram and allows users to create digital wallets, deposit funds, transfer money and make payments — all outside regulatory oversight.

NBC stressed that PaiPay is not a licensed mobile payment service provider under its supervision. “Users engaging with such platforms could face financial risks and potential fraud,” the bank said in a statement, urging vigilance against online scams.

The warning comes amid rising concerns over digital fraud in Cambodia, where authorities have stepped up monitoring of unregulated financial platforms. NBC said it is coordinating with relevant agencies to investigate PaiPay’s activities and take legal action against its illegal promotion and operations.

Officials emphasized that only licensed payment service providers are authorized to operate in Cambodia, and urged consumers to check the central bank’s list of approved platforms before using digital financial services.