Nowadays, scammers are leveraging modern technology to deceive customers by offering "easy online loans." While these offers appear attractive, they are actually dangerous traps. To avoid falling into these scams and to protect your assets, please follow these key guidelines:
1. Never Pay Upfront
Legitimate banks and microfinance institutions never require customers to pay a deposit or transfer money in advance under the guise of "administrative services," "documentation fees," or "insurance fees." If you are asked to transfer money first, it is 100% a scam.
2. Verify Official Licenses
Before borrowing money, ensure you only deal with institutions recognized by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC). They must have a clear office address and official contact numbers. You can verify the legitimacy of an institution by calling 015 365 222, the joint hotline for the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA).
3. Beware of Empty Promises
Do not trust loan advertisements that seem too good to be true, such as: no credit history checks (CBC), no collateral required, no guarantors needed, or promises of instant cash within minutes. These are tactics used to lure victims into a trap.
4. Keep Your Personal Information Secure
Never provide your bank card PIN, OTP codes, or photos of both sides of your ID card via messaging apps (Telegram, Messenger, or WhatsApp) to unidentified individuals. This information can be used to hack your bank accounts or for identity theft.
5. Take Immediate Action
If you realize you have been scammed or are being threatened by these criminals, collect all evidence and immediately report or file a complaint with the Anti-Cybercrime Department at 023 726 822 or your nearest local authorities.