Instagram Influencer ‘Scammed’ By Cyber Arrest Fraudsters: ‘Was Howling, Begging, Crying For 40 Hours’
Influencer Ankush Bahuguna said he fell victim to a cyber arrest scam, where he was "held hostage" for 40 hours. He was told he was in "self-custody" and not allowed to respond to any communication by friends and family.
Social media Influencer Ankush Bahuguna has shared his account of being held hostage in a cyber arrest scam for nearly 40 hours, in a now-viral video posted on Instagram. He revealed how scammers manipulated him, leaving him deeply shaken and vulnerable.
Still reeling from the incident, Ankush said, “I am still in a little bit of shock. I have lost money. I have lost my mental health to this. I can't believe this happened to me. I was under ‘digital arrest’ for about 40 hours.” He also stressed the severity of the scam, remarking, "A lot of the times these scams happen, you figure it out in a few seconds. But, if you are someone like me who falls for it. This is how bad it can get."
(The video contains expletives, viewer discretion is advised.)
View this post on Instagram
In the video, Ankush explained that he fell victim to the scam and decided to narrate his ordeal to raise awareness about such fraudulent activities. In the video caption, he stated, “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.”
He continued, “I know a lot of you are aware of it, but I don’t think a lot of people understand the extent to which these scammers can go to control you.”
Describing the details of the scam, Ankush highlighted how the perpetrators used personal information to create fear and panic. "These scammers do their research and tell you things they know will affect you. I don’t wish this on anyone," he added.
He explained how the scam unfolded: “I got a call when I returned from the gym from a very weird number. It seemed like an international number. I picked it up without thinking much. It was an automated call that said your courier delivery had been cancelled. Press zero for support.”
After pressing zero, he said he was connected to a customer support executive who claimed that a package he was supposedly sending to China had been flagged for containing illegal items. “He told me, ‘sir aapke package mein illegal saaman pakda gaya hai’ (something illegal has been detected in your package).” The caller then falsely claimed that Ankush's name and Aadhar number were linked to the package, and he was told he would be digitally arrested for sending illegal items. "This is a very serious crime, and now you will be under digital arrest. There is an arrest warrant already in your name," the scammer allegedly told him.
He claimed he was told he was in "self-custody" and not allowed to respond to any communication by friends and family. He claimed he was made to switch off all his devices and be on video call for 40 hours.
"They took my bank details, so many other details...I was told my career would be over. I was howling, begging, and crying for 40 hours."
He also said he was made to do "fishy transactions" at a bank and made to stay at a hotel.
In a follow-up comment addressing those questioning how he fell for the scam, Ankush said, "Not everybody reacts the same way to panic. Instead of calling this stupid, make people around you aware of it." He urged his followers to stay vigilant and spread awareness to prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.
ALSO READ | What Is Digital Arrest? Telangana Techie Escapes After Being 'Caught' With Help Of Police
What Is Digital Arrest Scam?
Digital arrest scams are a form of online fraud where criminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials, falsely claiming they have the authority to arrest individuals digitally. The scammers typically contact victims via phone or online platforms and force them to stay on a video call until their demands are met. Often, they extort money from the victim in exchange for not exposing fabricated legal cases.
Ankush’s video has garnered significant attention, with many expressing support for him for sharing his story and raising awareness about this growing cyber threat.
Top Headlines
