YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna has recently revealed on Instagram on how he became a victim of a 40-hour digital arrest scam. After a three-day absence from social media, Bahuguna described how scammers held him hostage, causing him financial loss and significant mental distress. The scammers accused Bahuguna of money laundering, drug trafficking and other serious crimes.
The content creator, in a video on Instagram, recounted his harrowing experience of how he was forced into a "digital arrest," isolated from friends and family, and lost not only money but also his mental well-being during the ordeal.
"I've been missing from social media and everywhere for the last three days because I was held hostage by some scammers," he said. "I'm still in a little bit of a shock. I've lost money. I lost my mental health to this. I can't believe that this happened to me."
The nightmare started with an automated call claiming that a package was being delivered to him. Intrigued, Bahuguna pressed "zero" for support, unwittingly opening the door to a scheme that would alter his life.
"The biggest mistake of my life," he said, recalling the moment he pressed the number. The call led him to a supposed customer support representative, who told him that a package with illegal substances intended for China was linked to his name. The representative informed the influencer that an arrest warrant had already been issued for him and that he would be arrested imminently.
Bahuguna, in a panicked stage, denied any knowledge of the package but was then told that he would need to speak with the police to resolve the matter. The scammer convinced him that there was not enough time to go to the police station, and instead, he would be connected directly to a police officer.
The officer on the video call appeared authoritative, and began interrogating Bahuguna, accusing him of being involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes.
Bahuguna described being interrogated via video calls by individuals impersonating law enforcement. "They isolated me completely," he said. "I couldn't contact anyone, pick up calls, or even check messages. They claimed I was under self-custody and that anything I did could be used against me."
