Cambodia Urges Caution on Online Scams, Warning Against Lending Bank Accounts

The Governor of Banteay Meanchey Province, Um Ratry, has issued a strong warning to citizens about the risks associated with lending out their bank accounts, which are increasingly being exploited as a tool for online scams. He highlighted that criminals are using these accounts to transfer illicit funds, obtained through fraudulent activities, into legitimate accounts for money laundering purposes and to mislead law enforcement. The governor's appeal was made during a dissemination event on the Law on Combating Online Scams and Sub-Decree No. 03 on Security Management of Residential Areas for the Poipet City Administration, held on the afternoon of July 29, 2026. Governor Um Ratry explained that criminals often resort to various means to entice individuals, offering a sum of money in exchange for the temporary use of their bank accounts to transfer proceeds from scam operations. He emphasized that citizens found to be involved in such cases would face legal consequences. Therefore, to prevent unintentional complicity, the governor reiterated his call for citizens, hotel and guesthouse owners, and other business operators to cooperate with authorities in cleaning up online scam activities. Governor Um Ratry urged the public to report any suspected locations involved in online scams to the authorities immediately, enabling prompt crackdowns and ensuring public safety and order.