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Occasional in Cambodia

Scam in CambodiaOn the street

Fake children's charity and teaching appeals in Cambodia

Generally near the river

How it works

Adults show a charity ID and collect money supposedly for children. Some invite you to teach children English, then try to get money from you.

Warning signs

  • A street collector uses a charity ID as proof.
  • An invitation to teach quickly becomes a request for money.

How to avoid it

  1. Do not treat a charity ID alone as proof.
  2. Check an organisation independently before donating.
  3. Decline street invitations that lead to payment requests.

If it happens to you

Stop giving money. Keep any details or receipts and report suspected fraud to police.

  1. Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or resist a robbery.
  2. Stop further payments. Do not pay more to recover money already lost.
  3. Protect your accounts. Freeze missing cards, contact the issuer and lock a stolen phone remotely if possible.
  4. Save evidence. Keep receipts, booking messages, payment records and a short account of what happened.
  5. Report the incident to police and the relevant business or booking provider. Ask for a report or reference number.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensGenerally near the riverBattambang

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in CambodiaReproductions offered as antiques: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the fake children's charity and teaching appeals scam in Cambodia?

Adults show a charity ID and collect money supposedly for children. Some invite you to teach children English, then try to get money from you.

How can I spot it early?

A street collector uses a charity ID as proof. An invitation to teach quickly becomes a request for money.

How do I avoid fake children's charity and teaching appeals in Cambodia?

Do not treat a charity ID alone as proof. Check an organisation independently before donating. Decline street invitations that lead to payment requests.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stop giving money. Keep any details or receipts and report suspected fraud to police.

Where in Cambodia does this happen?

Generally near the river It has been reported in Battambang.

How common is this scam in Cambodia?

Occasional. Scams are plentiful in Cambodia. Common problems include tourist price markups, unclear taxi fares, border bribe demands and tours that do not match their promises. Petty theft also happens, including phone and bag snatching in Phnom Penh, although violent crime is described as fairly low overall.

Are there similar scams in Cambodia?

Yes: persistent ride and souvenir selling, friendly invitation leads to a rigged card game, new friends ask for money for sick relatives.

Who can I report it to?

Tourist police in Phnom Penh: call 012 942 4840 if fake monks harass you. Local police: report theft, robbery or suspected fraud. Bring any evidence and ask for a written report or reference number. Card issuer: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report disputed transactions. Bank branch: if a bank-attached ATM gives you damaged notes, ask that branch to replace them immediately. Bus company, tour seller or booking provider: report missing luggage items or services that did not match the booking. Provide tickets, receipts and written promises. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of loss. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or if you need help after a serious incident.

What number do I call in an emergency in Cambodia?

Phnom Penh tourist police, listed for harassment by fake monks: 012 942 4840.

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