Q: What is the most common bank scam in Cambodia in 2026?

OTP theft is Cambodia’s most prevalent bank fraud. Scammers impersonate bank staff by phone, SMS, or messaging apps and trick victims into sharing their one-time password, which they immediately use to authorise transfers. The absolute rule: no legitimate Cambodian bank will ever ask you to share an OTP via any channel. Hang up and call your bank’s official number if this happens.

Q: How do I identify a fake ABA Bank or Wing Bank app?

Only install banking apps from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching directly for the bank name. Check the developer name matches the bank’s official entity. Fake apps often have very few reviews, low download counts, and slightly misspelled developer names. Never install a banking app from a link sent via SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or any social media message — even if the link appears to come from someone you know.

Q: What should I do immediately if I think I’ve been scammed?

Act within minutes. Call your bank’s fraud hotline and request an immediate account and card freeze. Change your mobile banking password. Check recent transactions for any you did not authorise. Report to the NBC at nbc.org.kh. Report to the National Police Cybercrime Department. Gather all evidence — screenshots, call logs, transaction records — before anything is deleted. Speed is critical: Bakong transfers process instantly and are very difficult to reverse after 24 hours.

Q: What is pig butchering fraud and how does it target people in Cambodia?

Pig butchering is a long-game investment scam where criminals build a fake romantic or friendly relationship over weeks or months, then introduce a fraudulent cryptocurrency or forex trading platform. Early small “investments” appear to generate returns — sometimes victims are even allowed to withdraw small amounts to build confidence. The scammer then disappears after encouraging the victim to invest their full savings. It is prevalent in Cambodia’s expat community and among EPS returnees with savings. Any unsolicited investment introduced through an online relationship should be treated as a potential pig butchering operation.

Q: Can I get my money back if I’m scammed in Cambodia?

Recovery is difficult but not always impossible. If you report within hours of the scam, your bank may be able to initiate a recall of a Bakong transfer before the recipient withdraws funds. For card fraud, your bank can dispute the charge with the card network. The NBC and National Police can sometimes freeze scammer accounts if identified quickly. However, if funds have been withdrawn as cash or converted to cryptocurrency, recovery is extremely difficult. Prevention is far more effective than recovery.

Q: How do I report a bank scam to the NBC in Cambodia?

Submit a complaint via the NBC’s online portal at nbc.org.kh, selecting the Financial Consumer Protection section. You can also visit NBC headquarters at No. 22-24 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh in person. Provide your account details, timeline of events, all evidence gathered, and the complaint reference number from your bank. The NBC can investigate and take regulatory action against licensed institutions that fail to prevent fraud or respond inadequately to customer complaints.

Q: Would ABA Bank or Wing Bank ever call me and ask for my PIN or OTP?

No, never. This is an absolute rule in Cambodian banking: no NBC-licensed bank — ABA Bank, Wing Bank, ACLEDA Bank, Canadia Bank, or any other — will ever ask you to share your PIN, OTP, or full password via phone call, SMS, email, WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other channel. If you receive such a request, hang up or do not respond, and call your bank’s official fraud hotline immediately using the number on the back of your card.

Q: Is it safe to use mobile banking apps in Cambodia?

Yes, when used correctly. ABA Mobile, ACLEDA Mobile, and other official banking apps are secure when downloaded from official app stores and used with strong unique passwords and OTP authentication. The risks arise from user behaviour — sharing OTPs, installing apps from unofficial sources, clicking phishing links, or using banking apps on public Wi-Fi. With the seven security habits in this guide implemented, mobile banking in Cambodia is safe and convenient.

Q: What scams specifically target expats in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap?

Expats in Cambodia are most commonly targeted by pig butchering investment fraud (via Facebook and dating apps), romance scams, and fake customer service calls. Expats are attractive targets because they often have significant savings and may be less familiar with local scam patterns. Expats new to Cambodia are particularly vulnerable in their first 6–12 months before they understand the local landscape. Joining established expat community groups like Expats in Cambodia on Facebook provides peer warnings about active scams.

Q: What happens if my bank does not help me after I’ve been scammed?

If your bank fails to respond appropriately to a fraud complaint — by not freezing your account quickly, not initiating a recall, or not providing a formal complaint reference number — escalate to the NBC immediately via nbc.org.kh. The NBC’s Financial Consumer Protection Framework gives it authority to investigate and penalise banks that fail their customer protection obligations. Document every interaction with your bank — times, names of staff, what was said — as this will support your NBC complaint.