Question 1

What is the "Card Game Scam at Private Residences" scam in Phnom Penh?

Accepted Answer

A friendly stranger initiates conversation, builds rapport over hours, and eventually invites the tourist to a private home for food or drinks. A card game follows where the tourist is cheated into losing large sums, sometimes under armed threat to visit an ATM. Multiple Western embassies have issued specific warnings. Never follow a new acquaintance to a private home or accept invitations to card or gambling games from strangers. No matter how genuine the friendship seems, this setup is extremely well-rehearsed.

Question 2

What is the "Drug Entrapment" scam in Phnom Penh?

Accepted Answer

Dealers sell drugs openly in areas frequented by tourists, then police (sometimes in coordination with the dealer) arrest the buyer. Victims are pressured into paying large on-the-spot 'fines' to avoid formal arrest. US and UK advisories specifically warn about this in Cambodia. Avoid any illegal drug purchase or use in Cambodia. The legal consequences are severe and the entrapment risk is real and well-documented.

Other Tourist Scams in Phnom Penh

Card Game Scam at Private Residences

Drug Entrapment

Experienced a scam here?