In a chilling incident, popular Instagram influencer Ankush Bahuguna found himself trapped in a 40-hour nightmare at the hands of cyber scammers. Taking to Instagram, Ankush detailed his harrowing experience, shedding light on the psychological toll and financial loss he endured.
A Cry for Awareness
In a heartfelt post on January 5th, Ankush opened up about his unexpected absence from social media. His emotional video revealed the depth of the ordeal, during which he was digitally held hostage. “I have been missing for the past three days. Scammers held me hostage for 40 hours. I lost money, and my mental health has taken a hit. I can’t believe this happened to me,” Ankush confessed.
Determined to prevent others from falling into the same trap, Ankush stressed the importance of sharing his story. “I’m putting this out there to raise awareness. If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone. I’m grateful for my friends who sensed something was wrong, even though I kept saying I was fine,” he said.
How It All Began – A Seemingly Harmless Call
Ankush recounted how the ordeal began with an automated call from an international number. “The call said my courier had been canceled and asked me to press zero for assistance. Without thinking much, I pressed it. That was the biggest mistake of my life,” Ankush admitted.
This simple action led to an elaborate scam. A fake customer service agent informed him that a package addressed to him, allegedly en route to China, contained illegal items. Despite denying any involvement, Ankush was told that his Aadhaar number and personal details were linked to the shipment.
The Digital Arrest – Fear and Manipulation
The scammers took things further by issuing a fabricated arrest warrant, claiming Ankush was under “digital arrest.” “I was transferred to a video call with someone posing as a police officer, dressed in full uniform. They accused me of money laundering and trafficking,” Ankush explained.
The so-called officer instructed Ankush to isolate himself, preventing him from contacting friends or family. “They said I was in ‘self-custody’ and couldn’t communicate with anyone. I was forced to stay on a video call with them for 40 hours straight,” he said.
How He Realized It Was a Scam
Eventually, Ankush was directed to visit his bank to perform suspicious transactions. Fortunately, the bank branch was closed, preventing any financial loss at that moment.
A friend’s intuition ultimately saved him. “A friend sensed something was wrong and reached out persistently. That’s when I realized the gravity of the situation,” Ankush revealed.
“Don’t Judge, Spread Awareness”
Addressing those who questioned how he fell victim to the scam, Ankush urged empathy. “Not everyone reacts the same way under pressure. Instead of calling this foolish, make sure those around you know such scams exist,” he commented.
He ended his post with a strong message: “Scams like this are more common than you think. Some may detect fraud immediately, but not everyone is that fortunate.”
Rising Threat of Digital Scams
Ankush’s experience highlights the growing trend of sophisticated digital scams targeting not just the average individual but also public figures and influencers. Scammers increasingly leverage personal data, emotional manipulation, and fear to exploit victims.
With the rise of digital communication, individuals must remain vigilant and informed to combat these deceptive tactics. Ankush Bahuguna’s bravery in sharing his story serves as a wake-up call for all, reminding us to question suspicious calls and report fraudulent activity.
Stay alert and protect yourself from the digital threats lurking in the shadows.
Also Read: Golden Globes 2025: Nikki Glaser’s Bold Jokes on Diddy Leave Hollywood
My Name is M Anas. I am a passionate blogger with a knack for sharing insights on technology, autos, Mobile Phone, etc. With a creative flair and a commitment to delivering engaging content, Anas aims to inspire and inform readers with unique perspectives and well-researched articles.