In a startling disclosure, YouTuber and influencer Ankush Bahuguna shared his harrowing experience of being ensnared in a sophisticated digital arrest scam. Through an emotional Instagram video, he revealed how scammers manipulated him for almost 40 hours, leading to financial loss and emotional trauma.
“I lost money, but more importantly, I lost my peace of mind,” Bahuguna confessed. His objective in sharing the ordeal is to ensure others remain alert and avoid falling into similar traps.
Bahuguna recounted receiving a call from an international number, starting with +1, with an automated message claiming that a courier delivery had been canceled. When prompted to press ‘0’ for assistance, his curiosity led him to comply—a decision he now deeply regrets.
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The caller, posing as a customer service representative, accused him of being linked to a package containing illegal substances intercepted by customs. Despite Bahuguna’s protests, the scammers alleged that his Aadhaar details were tied to the package, marking him as a suspect in a grave crime.
They escalated the situation by claiming an arrest warrant had been issued against him and declaring him under “digital arrest.” To add credibility, they staged a video call with a fake police officer, complete with a uniform, who accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking.
The scammers exploited Bahuguna’s rising panic, instructing him to isolate himself from loved ones under the guise of protecting them. Following their directions, he checked into a hotel, believing it would shield his family and friends.
“They knew exactly how to manipulate me,” he said, explaining how the fraudsters used personal details to gain his trust and tighten their control.
The term “digital arrest” refers to a tactic employed by cybercriminals to intimidate victims into believing they are implicated in a serious crime. Through a mix of fake documentation, spoofed phone numbers, and elaborate role-play, scammers create a convincing façade to extort money and information.
Bahuguna credited his friends for sensing something was amiss, despite his attempts to assure them via text that everything was fine. Their intervention eventually brought an end to the ordeal. “I’m sharing this to prevent others from experiencing what I did,” he stated.
In response to skeptics questioning how he fell for such a scam, Bahuguna highlighted that panic affects people differently. “Instead of mocking, educate those around you,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness.
He concluded his post by cautioning viewers to stay alert, as scammers often conduct detailed research to make their schemes more believable. “No one should have to endure this,” he said, stressing the importance of vigilance and information.
Bahuguna’s experience serves as a wake-up call for everyone to exercise caution in an increasingly digital world. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and the best defense lies in staying informed and vigilant. By sharing his story, Bahuguna hopes to equip others with the knowledge to avoid similar ordeals.
