Question 1

What is the "Border Area Unexploded Ordnance Risk" scam in Kampot?

Accepted Answer

Travelers venturing near the Thailand-Cambodia border risk encountering unexploded ordnance (UXO) including landmines left from 2025 conflict. This is a legitimate safety hazard rather than a scam, but represents a critical new threat pattern specific to current conditions in Kampot's border proximity. Strictly avoid all areas within 20km of the Thailand border. Do not engage with any unfamiliar metal objects or debris on the ground. Follow only official marked routes and heed local authority warnings.

Question 2

What is the "Drink Spiking at Bars" scam in Kampot?

Accepted Answer

Tourists in Kampot have had drinks spiked at bars and guesthouses, rendering them incapacitated and vulnerable to theft or assault. The UK FCDO and US State Department both flag drink spiking as a documented risk at bars frequented by foreigners in Cambodia. Kampot's bar scene on the riverside and around Bokor Street concentrates tourists in environments where this risk is elevated, particularly late at night. Never leave your drink unattended, and do not accept drinks from strangers or people you have just met. If you feel unusually intoxicated relative to what you have consumed, alert a trusted companion or guesthouse immediately. Travel in groups after dark where possible.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Job Offer & Scam Compound Recruitment" scam in Kampot?

Accepted Answer

Kampot province has been specifically identified by the Australian Smartraveller advisory as hosting scam compound operations, including facilities in the Kampong Trach district near the Vietnam border. Criminals advertise well-paying jobs online — customer service, data entry, cryptocurrency trading — targeting travelers and expats in Cambodia. Victims who accept are transported to secure compounds, have their passports confiscated, and are forced to conduct online fraud under threat of violence. Two compounds in Kampot province have been linked to these operations. Never accept unsolicited job offers from people you meet in Cambodia, especially if the role involves online sales, cryptocurrency, or customer service and offers unusually high pay. Verify any employer independently before traveling to a work location. If you feel you are being trafficked or held against your will, contact your embassy immediately.

Question 4

What is the "Post-Conflict Border Checkpoint Instability" scam in Kampot?

Accepted Answer

Following the 2025 ceasefire, border crossings remain suspended and security situations at checkpoints are unpredictable due to ongoing military presence and heightened tensions. Unofficial enforcers may attempt to extract payments from travelers attempting transit or asking directions near checkpoints. Avoid all land border crossings and checkpoint areas entirely. Do not attempt to cross borders or approach military checkpoints. Verify current status through official FCDO advisories before any border-area travel.

Question 5

What is the "Motorbike Rental Damage Fraud" scam in Kampot?

Accepted Answer

Rental shops in Kampot photograph your motorbike before rental but claim new scratches or damage upon return that were pre-existing. Inflated repair costs are then demanded, sometimes holding your passport as leverage. This is one of the most reported scams in town, particularly targeting long-term renters who cannot monitor the bike constantly. Photograph and video the entire bike from all angles before leaving the shop. Never hand over your passport as a deposit — use a photocopy instead. Pay only for documented damage from the rental period.

Question 6

What is the "Kayak Rental Damage Deposit Fraud" scam in Kampot?

Accepted Answer

Kayak rental operators near the Kampot River charge large refundable deposits then claim damage to hulls, paddles, or life jackets upon return to retain the deposit. Some operators rent out already-damaged equipment and photograph it after return to fabricate claims. Rental periods along the Tatai River and around the mangroves are most affected. Photograph all rental equipment thoroughly before departure, including any existing damage. Ask for a written damage inspection receipt signed by the operator. Use guesthouse-recommended rental services rather than street operators.

Other Tourist Scams in Kampot

Border Area Unexploded Ordnance Risk

Drink Spiking at Bars

Fake Job Offer & Scam Compound Recruitment

Post-Conflict Border Checkpoint Instability

Motorbike Rental Damage Fraud

Kayak Rental Damage Deposit Fraud

Experienced a scam here?