Six people were charged with fraud by the Kampong Thom Provincial Court on Saturday for allegedly cheating some 17 families out of $100 each, police said.

Nhem Chhunly, Stung Sen town police chief, said yesterday that the six had promised to install solar panels for the families, taking the $100 as a deposit.

Korng Sorn, Srayov commune police chief, identified the suspects as Sman Sulkipli, Yer Rofa, 30, Los Matly, 36, Sos Rorset, 41, Los Roya, 27, and Chea Navy, 19.

According to Chhunly, the suspects approached deputy Roluos village chief Chea Dorn, offering to install panels at a cost of $400 per home, with only $100 paid up front, and telling him interested locals could register at his home.

Seventeen families paid out before realising it was a scam and asking authorities to arrest the sextet.