Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna, Latest To Be Scammed Under Digital Arrest! Recounts 40-Hour Nightmare

Ankush Bahuguna shares his harrowing experience of being manipulated, isolated, and financially exploited by cybercriminals in a traumatic 40-hour scam ordeal.

January 6, 2025: New Delhi: Popular content creator Ankush Bahuguna recently revealed a harrowing 40-hour ordeal in which he was held in a “digital arrest” by cybercriminals. In a deeply emotional video shared on Instagram, Ankush recounted how scammers isolated him from friends and family, coerced him into performing suspicious financial transactions, and manipulated him through fear and threats.

Also Read: Bengaluru Techie Loses ₹11.8 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam by Fake Police Officers

The ordeal began with a seemingly harmless automated call about a suspicious package linked to his name. Following instructions, he pressed a button for customer support, unknowingly falling into an elaborate scam trap. A fake official on the call claimed the package contained illegal substances bound for China, and an arrest warrant had been issued in his name.

Also Read: Elderly Man Loses ₹1 Crore to ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Fraud

Isolation and Manipulation

Panicked, Ankush was connected to someone posing as a law enforcement officer. This person accused him of money laundering, drug trafficking, and being involved in serious crimes. He was then placed under so-called “self-custody,” isolating him entirely from the outside world.

Also Read: Model Scammed in ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud, Loses ₹ 99,000 in Cybercrime Incident

For 40 hours, Ankush was kept on a continuous video call, forbidden from answering messages, picking up calls, or contacting anyone. Under duress, he was forced to share sensitive information, perform bank transactions, and follow every instruction given by the scammers.

“I was crying and begging, but they kept me on the call. They convinced me my career would be destroyed, my family was in danger, and I would face abuse if I didn’t comply,” Ankush shared, visibly shaken.

Friends and Family Intervene

Throughout the ordeal, Ankush’s family and friends grew suspicious of his erratic behavior. His sister’s persistent messages finally reached him, revealing that such “digital arrests” are a common scam. Realizing the truth, Ankush broke free from the scammers’ grip and reconnected with his family.

“I’m so grateful for my friends’ instincts. If they hadn’t acted quickly, I might still be trapped in that nightmare,” he admitted.

A Warning to All

Ankush urged his followers to be cautious of such scams and never engage with suspicious calls or share sensitive information online.

“The thing with these scams is, if you believe one lie, they tell ten more, each scarier than the last. Please be vigilant and report such incidents immediately,” he concluded.

This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and serves as a stark warning about the vulnerabilities individuals face in an increasingly digital world.

---

Tags:
Digital Arrest Scam, Cybercrime Alert, YouTuber Scam Story, Online Fraud Awareness, Scammer Tactics, Digital Safety, Social Media Influencer Scam