Cambodian Authorities Warn Public of Online Scams Using Fake Bank and Government Media

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.14, 2025) — Cambodian financial regulators have issued urgent warnings about a surge in online scams involving impersonation and manipulated media, urging the public to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.

The National Bank of Cambodia said in a Nov. 14 public notice that individuals have misused its name, logo, and images of senior officials to spread false information on social media aimed at defrauding the public. Tactics include impersonating relatives to solicit loans, posing as bank or company staff to offer fake rewards or job opportunities, and attempting to buy bank accounts or phone numbers by offering high commissions.

The bank urged citizens not to click on suspicious links or share personal information with unknown individuals, warning that such scams could lead to financial loss and legal consequences.

On Nov. 13, the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC) issued a separate alert about fraudulent investment ads using artificial intelligence to manipulate videos of top leaders and officials. These AI-generated clips, circulated on social media, falsely promise high returns to lure victims into fake investment schemes.

SERC advised the public to verify all investment opportunities and only engage with licensed institutions. Both agencies called for vigilance and encouraged reporting through official channels.