Ankush Bahuguna's 40-Hour Nightmare with Ruthless Scammers
Digital scams are becoming alarmingly common in India, targeting unsuspecting individuals through phishing, identity theft, and digital extortion. Recently, influencer Ankush Bahuguna revealed his harrowing experience of being a victim of such a scam, where he was held “digitally hostage” for 40 hours.
How the Ordeal Began
Bahuguna shared his story in an emotional Instagram video, recounting how it all started with a call from an international number. The automated message claimed that a package addressed to him had been cancelled and prompted him to press “zero” for assistance. Curious, he followed the instruction—a decision he later regretted, calling it “the biggest mistake of his life.”
The Scam Unfolds
After pressing zero, Bahuguna was connected to a person claiming to be a customer support representative. The scammer alleged that a package linked to his name containing illegal substances had been sent to China, resulting in an arrest warrant against him.
“I was terrified,” Bahuguna said, explaining that the scammers used fear tactics to manipulate him. They threatened to arrest him and harm his loved ones if he attempted to reach out for help.
Held Hostage Through Fear
For 40 hours, Bahuguna was isolated from his friends and family. The scammers kept him on a non-stop video call, monitoring his every move. They forbade him from answering calls, responding to messages, or even letting anyone into his house.
“They told me my parents were in danger and warned me that any attempt to contact someone would lead to severe consequences,” he recalled.
Manipulation and Financial Loss
During the ordeal, the scammers coerced Bahuguna into sharing sensitive personal and financial details. They pressured him into making suspicious transactions, constantly warning him that non-compliance would destroy his career and put his family at risk.
“They knew so much about my life already,” Bahuguna said, adding that the experience left him mentally drained.
Pretending Everything Was Normal
Bahuguna described how he was forced to act as though everything was fine when friends began reaching out to check on him. The scammers even made him send reassuring messages to those who became suspicious.
“People could tell something was wrong,” he said, recounting how friends came to his home to ensure his safety. Despite their efforts, the scammers made him lie to them.
How It Ended
The ordeal finally came to an end when a friend sent him a warning about the recent spike in digital scams. This gave him the clarity and courage to break free from the scammer’s control.
Conclusion
Bahuguna’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the rising threat of digital fraud. Scammers often use fear and manipulation to trap victims, making it crucial to stay vigilant.
He concluded his video by urging others to avoid engaging with suspicious calls or messages, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents to authorities.
As digital scams become more sophisticated, awareness is our first line of defence.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
