YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna Shares Harrowing Ordeal of a 40-Hour “Digital Arrest”
Social media influencer & YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna recently opened up about a distressing 40-hour experience during which he was manipulated and isolated by scammers under the guise of a “digital arrest.” The ordeal began with an automated call claiming to deliver a package linked to illegal activities. Intrigued and unsuspecting, Bahuguna followed the prompts, unwittingly walking into a web of deception.
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What followed was a carefully orchestrated scam. A supposed customer service representative claimed a package with illegal substances was connected to his name, warning him of an impending arrest. Under pressure, he was transferred to someone impersonating a police officer, who accused him of serious crimes like money laundering and drug trafficking.
Trapped in Isolation and Fear
The scammers declared Bahuguna was under “self-custody,” a fabricated term that justified his complete isolation from family and friends. For the next 40 hours, he remained on continuous video calls, unable to use his devices freely or contact anyone. Every notification, message, or call was monitored under the threat of arrest or harm to his loved ones.
During this time, the scammers manipulated him into sharing sensitive personal information and even conducting dubious financial transactions. Bahuguna described their tactics as psychological warfare, employing a “good cop, bad cop” routine to break him mentally. Despite his emotional pleas and visible distress, the scammers maintained control, leaving him helpless and terrified.
Coercion and Manipulation
The ordeal escalated as the scammers forced Bahuguna to perform tasks such as visiting a bank to carry out suspicious transactions. At one point, he was even instructed to check into a hotel, further isolating him from potential help. “They told me my family was in danger and that my career would be destroyed if I didn’t comply,” he recounted. The constant manipulation left him emotionally drained and mentally shaken.
A Turning Point and Escape
After enduring hours of psychological torture, a message from his sister became a lifeline. Bahuguna learned from friends and family that his situation was part of a widespread scam targeting unsuspecting individuals. Their persistence in contacting him ultimately helped him break free from the scammers’ hold.
Recounting the ordeal, he credited his loved ones for noticing his abnormal behavior and stepping in. “Imagine if they hadn’t acted—it could have been much worse,” he said, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and support during such crises.
A Cautionary Tale
Reflecting on the experience, Bahuguna admitted to losing not only money but also peace of mind. He shared his story to warn others about similar scams, urging everyone to stay alert and report suspicious calls immediately. “If you fall for one lie, they’ll spin ten more, each scarier than the last,” he cautioned.
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