It all started when Ankush Bahuguna received an automated international call from a number with a +1 prefix, claiming a courier delivery had been canceled.
Thinking it was a genuine call, he pressed zero for support.
He was then connected to someone who accused him of being linked to a package containing illegal items, allegedly bound for China.
In today’s connected world, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim. Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna recently shared his terrifying experience on Instagram, revealing how scammers trapped him in a 40-hour ordeal that cost him both money and peace of mind. His story is a stark reminder of how anyone can be targeted and the importance of staying alert.
Bahuguna, who had been absent from social media for three days, opened up about the scary incident. “I have been missing from social media and everywhere for the last three days. I was held hostage by some scammers for 40 hours… I have lost money, I have lost my mental health to this. I can’t believe this has happened to me,” he said in an emotional Instagram post.
Also read: Surat businessman loses Rs 5 lakh in currency exchange scam: How to protect yourself
How it all started
The nightmare began when Bahuguna received an automated international call from a number with a +1 prefix, claiming a courier delivery had been canceled. Thinking it was a genuine call, he pressed zero for support, connecting him to someone who accused him of being linked to a package containing illegal items, allegedly bound for China.
Despite denying involvement, the scammers claimed his Aadhaar number and personal details were tied to the package. They placed him under “digital arrest,” insisting he was a prime suspect in this case involving money laundering and drug trafficking.
The situation escalated further when the scammers transferred Bahuguna to a WhatsApp video call with someone posing as a police officer in uniform. They isolated him from friends and family, instructing him to turn off his devices and stay on continuous video calls.
The scammers manipulated him into sharing personal information and even directed him to make suspicious bank transactions. Fortunately, one transaction failed because the bank was closed. A friend eventually intervened, suspecting fraud, and helped Bahuguna realise he had been scammed.
Also read: Mumbai woman loses Rs 1.5cr to fraudsters posing as govt officials: Here’s what happened
How to protect yourself from such scams
- Verify calls: Always double-check calls claiming to be from official agencies.
- Avoid sharing personal information: Never share sensitive details like Aadhaar numbers or bank information over calls or messages.
- Stay calm: Scammers use fear to manipulate. Take a moment to think and verify their claims.
- Contact authorities: If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local police or cybercrime helplines.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
