Ankush Bahuguna shares his harrowing experience with a digital scam that cost him money and mental health
Delhi: A social media influencer, Ankush Bahuguna, recently shared a shocking story about being caught in a digital scam that felt like a hostage situation for nearly 40 hours. This incident highlights the growing issue of cyber crime in India.
In a video posted on Instagram, Ankush explained how he was manipulated into complying with the scammers’ demands, which included making large financial transactions while keeping everything secret from his loved ones.
He said, “I’ve been missing from social media for three days because I was held hostage by some scammers. I can’t believe this happened to me.” It all started with a call from an unknown international number about a package he didn’t even remember sending.
Curiosity got the better of him, and he pressed a number to get more info, which he later called “the biggest mistake” of his life. He was connected to someone posing as a customer support rep who claimed his package was seized by police due to illegal contents.
They told him there was an arrest warrant out for him, and he had to contact the police immediately to clear his name. Feeling panicked, he was convinced to connect directly with someone who claimed to be from the Mumbai police.
During a video call, this “officer” accused him of being involved in serious crimes like money laundering and drug trafficking, putting him in a state of “self custody.” He was isolated, unable to contact anyone, and was told that reaching out would lead to his arrest.
For 40 hours, he was kept on the line, forced to turn off all his devices and show proof on video. They played mind games, breaking him down emotionally. “I was crying, but they kept me on the call,” he recalled.
Eventually, he was coerced into making suspicious financial transactions, even going to a bank to do so. The scammers had gathered a lot of personal information about him, threatening his family’s safety if he didn’t comply.
While he was in this “self custody,” friends and family reached out, but he was instructed to ignore their concerns. “I was shaking and anxious, thinking, ‘What is happening?’” he said, feeling utterly helpless.
Finally, he stumbled upon messages about “digital arrest” scams, which are becoming more common in India. He realized the extent of the manipulation he had faced. “If you buy one lie, they’ll just keep piling on more,” he warned.
In his video caption, he expressed gratitude to friends who noticed something was off and helped him escape this nightmare. “I feel lucky to have friends who saved my life,” he said, urging others to be cautious of such scams.
Delhi’s cyber police reported a significant rise in cyber fraud cases, with scammers stealing millions in 2024 alone. The “digital arrest” scam involves impersonating law enforcement to intimidate victims into transferring money under false pretenses.
As cyber crime continues to rise, it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant against these deceptive tactics.
