Well-known YouTuber and Instagram Influencer Ankush Bahuguna recently took to Instagram to share a scary incident he came across. He revealed that he had become prey to an internet scam and was on digital arrest for over 40 hours. He also shared how he lost his mental health and money after the scammers manipulated him. Ankush said that the reason he made the video is to alert others and inform people about the internet scams and the need to be careful.
“I have been missing from social media and everywhere for the last three days, I was held hostage by some scammers for 40 hours… I have lost money, I have lost my mental health to this, I can’t believe this has happened to me,” Ankush Bahuguna said.
Ankush said in the video, “Sharing this, so others don’t have to go through what I went through. I feel so lucky to have friends with such strong instincts who noticed a change in my behaviour even when I was sending ‘I’m okay’ texts”.
How did the scam unfold?
Detailing the incident, Ankush said he received a call from a “very weird number” starting with +1, which seemed like an international number.
“It was an automated call saying that my courier delivery had been cancelled. It asked me to press zero for support,” Ankush recounted. Despite not sending any package, curiosity got the better of him, and he pressed zero—a decision he now calls the “biggest mistake of his life.”
After pressing zero, Ankush was connected to a person who claimed to be customer support. The individual alleged that a package sent by Ankush to China had been seized by customs because it contained illegal items. Ankush denied sending any package but was alarmed when the caller mentioned his name, Aadhaar number, and other personal details, saying these were associated with the package.
The scam intensified when the caller told Ankush that this was a “very serious crime” and that he was now under “digital arrest.” Ankush was informed there was an arrest warrant issued in his name. In his panic, Ankush was told to speak to the police within an hour to resolve the matter.
“He convinced me that I didn’t have enough time to go to the police station and offered to connect me directly to a police officer,” Ankush explained. The call was then transferred to a video call on WhatsApp, where a person dressed in a police uniform appeared, heightening Ankush’s panic.
The supposed police officer accused Ankush of involvement in crimes like money laundering and drug trafficking. “They said I was the prime suspect in a national case,” Ankush revealed, adding that he was told to cut off communication with the outside world.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ankush explained how the scammers cleverly used personal information to manipulate and pressure him into compliance. “These scammers do their research and tell you things they know will affect you. I don’t wish this on anyone,” he said.
In response to critics questioning how he fell for the scam, Ankush commented, “Not everybody reacts the same way to panic. Instead of calling this stupid, make people around you aware of it.”
Who is Ankush Bahuguna?
Ankush Bahuguna is a popular content creator, writer, and actor known for his relatable and humorous takes on everyday life. He has a significant following on social media platforms where he shares engaging videos, insightful commentary, and sketches that often highlight modern-day issues with a touch of humor and honesty.
