Authorities have arrested a suspect involved in a long-running scam which promoted domestic worker services through a Facebook and Telegram page named “Easy-Maid Housewife Services”. The scammer is alleged to have earned over $100,000 from the scheme since 2022.
Following complaints from more than 30 victims, involving some $20,000, the Anti-Cyber Crime Department, in collaboration with the Siem Reap Provincial Police, detained the owner of the Easy-Maid Facebook page.
Further investigations determined that he had defrauded over 100 victims, amassing more than $100,000 since 2022.
The suspect confessed to creating the page to deceive the public. He advertised domestic services for households in need, with “customers” required to pay up front fees before the staff would be dispatched. Payments ranged from $300 to $2,000 per transaction.
Additionally, the suspect reportedly manipulated tuk-tuk drivers into collecting payments on his behalf by QR code, and then transferring the money to him.
His case is currently before the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for legal proceedings.
The Anti-Cyber Crime Department advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing goods or services online. It noted that while technology has advanced and now facilitates many daily tasks and services, criminals often exploit these advancements to deceive people.
The public is advised to avoid receiving payments on behalf of others, especially from unclear sources, to prevent legal issues.
