Social media influencer and YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna recently shared a harrowing experience of a 40-hour “digital arrest” scam. Representing India at the Cannes Film Festival just prior, Bahuguna found himself unexpectedly embroiled in accusations and alleged “international FIRs” for crimes he vehemently denied committing.
He detailed his ordeal on Instagram, recounting how it began with a seemingly innocuous call from an international number. The automated message claimed a courier delivery had been cancelled, prompting him to call a support number. What followed was a terrifying 40-hour ordeal. A scammer, posing as a police officer, convinced Bahuguna he was under arrest for sending illegal packages to China. The scammer used his name and Aadhaar number to bolster the legitimacy of the claim, creating a convincing narrative designed to isolate him and prevent him from seeking external help.
The scammer manipulated Bahuguna into remaining on a video call for an extended period, effectively holding him hostage. Though Bahuguna nearly succumbed to pressure, attempting to send money as instructed, a bank issue prevented the transaction. Crucially, a text from a friend warning him about such scams finally broke through the deception.
Bahuguna described the trauma of the experience, noting the distress it caused his friends who were concerned by his sudden unavailability. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these scams to prevent others from suffering a similar ordeal. He shared his story not as a victim, but as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to remain vigilant and informed. His post concluded with a heartfelt message of gratitude for his supportive friends, whose instincts saved him from further harm.
The post resonated deeply with social media users, who expressed their support and empathy for Bahuguna’s ordeal. Many commented, acknowledging the sophisticated nature of such scams and the ease with which even vigilant individuals can become victims. The outpouring of support highlighted the shared concern about the escalating prevalence of these online threats.