Banks, Microfinance Groups Pledge Cooperation With Authorities to Combat Scams

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 26, 2025) — Cambodia’s banking and microfinance associations have pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and expanded public-awareness campaigns to help report, prevent and crack down on a surge of phone and online scams targeting consumers nationwide.

The joint commitment follows an urgent appeal from Interior Minister Sar Sokha, who called on financial institutions to strengthen collaboration with authorities as the ministry continues to receive a high volume of fraud complaints.

The two associations said they will intensify education efforts through social media, online platforms and member institutions to help customers recognize fraud risks and protect themselves from phone scams, digital impersonation and online financial crime.

“Banks and our members are working closely with the Anti-Cybercrime Department to report and resolve online fraud cases,” said Sok Chan, head of public relations for the Association of Banks in Cambodia. “At the same time, we are ramping up public-awareness campaigns across all platforms to strengthen understanding and prevent online or phone scams.”

He noted that Cambodia’s sharp rise in mobile-based digital payments has created opportunities for criminals using phishing links, impersonation schemes, email fraud and unauthorized account access.

To respond, the Association of Banks in Cambodia launched the Financial Consumer Centre in July. The center has received more than 270 complaints, about 7% of which were related to fraud and incorrect fund transfers.

Kaing Tongngy, communications director of the Cambodian Microfinance Association, welcomed the Interior Ministry’s tougher stance. “Since 2020, digital financial services in Cambodia have grown rapidly — and digital fraud has grown alongside it,” he said. “This requires close cooperation among all stakeholders, including authorities. CMA fully supports these joint efforts to combat online and phone-based crimes.”

Both associations urged consumers to remain vigilant and verify any suspicious contact directly with their bank or microfinance institution. They warned against trusting unsolicited calls, prize offers or requests for advance payments.

Sar Sokha said the ministry recently received about 200 scam-related complaints involving more than $800,000 in stolen funds, most transferred from victims’ accounts into scammers’ bank accounts.

He said common schemes include impersonating bankers or microfinance officers, announcing fake prizes while demanding advance payments, or luring consumers into fraudulent online sales before cutting off contact once payment is received. Other cases involve criminals hacking into victims’ accounts to withdraw or divert funds.

The minister stressed that combating online fraud requires constant cooperation between financial institutions and law enforcement to protect citizens and preserve trust in Cambodia’s fast-growing digital financial ecosystem.