Interior Minister Urges Banks to Fight Phone, Social Media Scams

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.25,2025) — Interior Minister Sar Sokha has urged banks and microfinance institutions to work closely with authorities to combat fraud schemes carried out through phone calls and social media.

Speaking Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the National Consultation Workshop on the Draft National Identification Strategy Phase 2 at the Sun & Moon Riverside Hotel, Sokha said scam cases are rising nationwide.

“Recently, the Ministry of Interior has received around 200 complaints related to fraud, involving more than $800,000,” Sokha said. “Victims had transferred money into bank accounts controlled by criminals.”

He said scammers often impersonate bank or microfinance officers, call victims claiming they have won prizes but must pay fees in advance, or lure people with fake online sales before disappearing with their money. In some cases, fraudsters have illegally accessed accounts to withdraw or transfer funds.

To address the problem, Sokha said the ministry has ordered specialized units to establish a joint investigative mechanism. Officers will work around the clock with banks and microfinance institutions to respond to complaints, including freezing suspect accounts immediately.

“If anything happens, we must be able to communicate and work together immediately,” he said. “Some cases occur on Saturdays or Sundays. By the time our officers return to work, the funds have already been transferred or withdrawn.”

Sokha emphasized that cooperation from banks and microfinance institutions is critical, as they hold authority over accounts at the stage when fraud occurs.