Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Ministry warns of online survey scam

Ministry warns of online survey scam

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Anti-Cybercrime Department alerts public of phishing scams that steal private information. Anti-CyberCrime Department

Ministry warns of online survey scam

The Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cybercrime Department is warning people to be on the alert for a scam on social media related to winning Coca-Cola prizes.

Anti-Cybercrime Department director Chea Pov said there had been an increase in the number of messages received concerning the Coca-Cola Welfare Fund on Telegram and Facebook with the content “Click to participate in the survey and a chance to win 200,000 riel”.

“Social media users are asked to ignore this type of message as it is a scam. Do not click any links or share any information through the message as it is a waste of time and money,” Pov said.

Pov stated that the department’s research has revealed that these “deceptive messages” are used to spread viruses, collect user data and locate users.

“Sometimes they employ deception to convince users to pay a small fee to gain your trust, but it is a way to steal money or take credit card numbers,” he said.

Digital Security Consultant Nget Mose said he had tested what the scammers sent on social media. The results proved the messages are fraudulent and aim to take advantage of users. He said scammers used the Coca-Cola brand name then placed it in posters on social media.

“Unscrupulous individuals who create these scams intend them to be widely distributed around the world. So, victims can be in our country or in another country,” he said.

According to Mose, laptop computer users can fill out a form as instructed by scammers, while mobile device users may need to download an application.

He said that uncovering the people behind scams is difficult because tracking the IP address is not easy.

“I do not know where the criminals are, but the link I see is an IP address in the United States. But that does not mean the criminals are in the US even though the domain name is hosted in the US,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the