On October 13, the Anti-Technology Crime Department of Cambodia's National Police issued a warning, reminding the public to stay alert to online shopping scams on Facebook. Scammers use fake stores and low-priced goods to lure buyers, then disappear after collecting deposits or full payment, causing consumers financial losses.
Police noted that as online shopping becomes increasingly common, more people buy goods through social platforms such as Facebook, giving scammers an opportunity to set traps. They typically steal or post attractive product photos, create fake pages or accounts, and use prices far below market levels to entice consumers to place orders.
When buyers express interest in a purchase, scammers usually urge them to pay the deposit quickly, or even demand payment in full up front. Once the money is received, they stop shipping goods, immediately block the buyer or cut off contact, leaving consumers with no recourse for complaints.
In response to such scams, police reminded the public to carefully verify merchant information before shopping, including the page's creation date, historical update records, and genuine buyer reviews. When encountering goods priced significantly below market level, they should be especially vigilant and avoid rushing to pay simply to grab a bargain.
Regarding payment, police recommended prioritizing cash on delivery, or using legitimate shopping platforms with buyer protection mechanisms. For sellers who cannot provide valid receipts, physical store addresses or reliable identity information, transactions should be handled with caution, and direct transfers to unfamiliar personal accounts avoided.
Police urged the public to strengthen their cybersecurity awareness, verify thoroughly before shopping and double-check before paying. Once a suspected scam is identified, evidence such as chat records and transfer receipts should be preserved promptly and reported to the relevant authorities.