Digital arrest left popular social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna in a traumatic state after a 40-hour ordeal orchestrated by scammers. On Sunday, he recounted his experience on Instagram, revealing the mental and financial toll the episode took on him. “I’ve been missing from social media and everywhere for the last three days because I was held hostage by some scammers,” he explained in a video. The ordeal began with a seemingly routine automated call and escalated into a nightmare involving threats, isolation, and manipulation.
A Routine Call Turned Nightmare
It all started with a harmless automated call about a package delivery. Intrigued, Ankush pressed “zero” for assistance—a decision he now regrets. The scam unfolded when a fake customer support representative informed him that a package with illegal substances linked to his name was being sent to China. He was told an arrest warrant had been issued for him.
Panicked, Ankush denied any involvement. The scammer escalated the situation by connecting him to a supposed police officer via video call. The “officer” accused him of being involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes. “You are a prime suspect in this national case,” the officer declared, threatening him with arrest unless he cooperated.
Isolated Under ‘Digital Arrest’
Under duress, Ankush was placed in “self-custody,” effectively cutting him off from the outside world for 40 hours. “I couldn’t contact anyone, pick up calls, or even check messages,” he revealed. The scammers claimed any action he took could be used against him, heightening his fear and compliance.
Throughout this time, he was interrogated on video calls, forced to disclose sensitive information, and manipulated into completing dubious tasks. “They played good cop, bad cop, breaking me down mentally. I was crying, but they kept me on the call for 40 hours straight,” Ankush shared.
The psychological pressure was immense. Ankush described how the scammers used a mix of threats and emotional manipulation to extract sensitive information. Each call intensified the trauma, leaving him feeling trapped and vulnerable. “They isolated me completely. I couldn’t reach out to anyone, and they monitored every move I made,” he said.
Manipulation And Coercion
The scammers coerced Ankush into performing suspicious financial transactions and sharing personal details. He recounted how they scrutinized every notification on his phone and monitored his movements. “They took my bank details. They took so many details of my life,” he said, highlighting the extent of their control.
Adding to the emotional torment, Ankush was forced to reassure concerned friends that he was fine. “People were messaging me asking if someone was holding me hostage. This is not normal behavior,” he said, reflecting on the confusion his friends experienced.
The scammers also exploited his fear of social repercussions. They insisted that revealing the situation to anyone would not only jeopardize his safety but also harm his career and family. “They told me my parents were under threat, and if I tried to contact anyone, they would be arrested too,” Ankush shared, his voice breaking with emotion.
Threats And Fear
The scammers used threats to maintain control. They warned him that any attempt to contact others would result in harm to his family. At one point, Ankush was instructed to leave his home and perform dubious tasks at a bank. “I was shaking, I was anxious, and I kept thinking, ‘What is happening?’” he recalled.
The relentless manipulation left him emotionally drained. “I was literally crying and begging them,” he admitted, describing the psychological toll of the experience.
The fear extended beyond his immediate surroundings. The scammers even dictated his interactions with strangers during errands, ensuring he remained under their control. They forced him to comply with their instructions by instilling a sense of impending doom. “Every moment felt like a countdown to disaster,” Ankush added.
Breaking Free From The Scam
After 40 grueling hours, Ankush’s ordeal ended when he managed to reconnect with his family. His sister and friends, suspicious of his behavior, had been trying to reach him. “My sister’s message finally got through,” he said. The message revealed that he had fallen victim to a prevalent scam known as a “digital arrest.”
Grateful for the instincts of his loved ones, Ankush credited them with saving him. “Imagine if they hadn’t come looking for me or looked for clues! I’d probably still be in that cyber arrest and would’ve lost all my money,” he said.
The moment of realization brought a wave of relief but also a heavy emotional toll. Ankush described how he pieced together the extent of the scam and the vulnerability that led to his victimization. “It’s a lesson I’ll never forget,” he admitted.
Lessons From The Ordeal
Sharing his experience, Ankush urged his followers to remain vigilant against such scams. “The thing with these scams is if you buy one lie, they will tell 10 more, and those will be scarier things,” he warned.
Ankush’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the psychological manipulation scammers employ. His story sheds light on the vulnerabilities even well-informed individuals face in the digital age. By sharing his experience, he hopes to prevent others from falling prey to similar schemes.
“I’ve lost money, mental peace, and trust in so much,” he admitted. His message to others is clear: report suspicious calls immediately and stay alert. Ankush’s resilience and the support of his loved ones turned a harrowing experience into a cautionary tale for the digital era.
To better protect oneself, Ankush emphasized the importance of education on such scams. Recognizing the red flags, such as unsolicited calls or unusual demands, is the first step toward safeguarding against cybercriminals. He also highlighted the role of support systems. “Having people who notice changes in your behavior can make all the difference,” he said.
In recounting his story, Ankush aims to foster awareness and resilience in the face of digital threats. His experience serves as both a warning and a call to action for vigilance in an increasingly connected world.