Phnom penh: Cambodia's Ministry of Information issued an urgent alert on Thursday, warning the public against a series of fraudulent social media accounts and Telegram profiles impersonating Information Minister H.E. Neth Pheaktra.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, an official statement released on January 22 by the ministry's spokesperson office "categorically rejected" any association with the accounts, labeling the activity a "malicious attempt" to damage the reputation of the minister and state institutions. Authorities have identified four specific Telegram handles involved in the scam, which include @ceo_nethpheaktra (CEO NETHPHEAKTRA), @Khievphearavuthfx (KHIEV PHEARAVUTH), @Ceo_sokhy (CEO.NETH PHEAKTRA), and @Ceo_seanl (CEO.NETH PHEAKTRA).
The ministry emphasized that these illegal activities violate the privacy and dignity of the Minister while undermining the prestige of the Ministry. As a response, the ministry has ordered the immediate removal of the fraudulent content and has called on law enforcement to take legal action against those responsible for identity theft.
This warning surfaces amid a broader rise in sophisticated cybercrime throughout the region. The spokesperson noted that bad actors are increasingly using technology to orchestrate "romance scams, fraudulent investment schemes, or impersonating family members" in order to solicit bank details and emergency wire transfers. Common tactics cited by the ministry include high-pressure messaging, such as claims that a relative is in an accident or threats that a bank account will be closed if funds are not transferred immediately.
"We urge the public to exercise high caution," the spokesperson added. "Do not rush to follow instructions from unsolicited messages or calls, even if the callers claim to be authorities or relatives. Always verify the information through official channels before making any financial decisions."