HIGHLIGHTS

Ankush Bahuguna’s alarming experience began when he received an automated international call from a number beginning with the +1 prefix, informing him that a courier delivery had been canceled.

Believing it was a legitimate inquiry, he pressed zero for support.

He was then connected to an individual who falsely accused him of being connected to a package containing illicit items linked to China.

In the modern age of connectivity, scams are evolving with increasing sophistication, preying on even the most tech-savvy individuals. A well-known YouTuber, Ankush Bahuguna, recently took to Instagram to narrate a harrowing experience that lasted 40 hours at the hands of scammers, resulting in a loss of both financial assets and emotional well-being. His bone-chilling tale serves as a cautionary note to everyone on the necessity of vigilance against such deceptive tactics.

After being silent on social media for three days, Bahuguna shared his distressing account: “For the last three days, I have been absent from social media and all communication platforms. I was held hostage by scammers for 40 hours… I’ve lost money, and my mental health has taken a significant hit due to this ordeal. It’s hard for me to accept that this has occurred.” This candid admission was part of an emotional Instagram video.

For additional insights, read: Surat businessman loses Rs 5 lakh in currency exchange scam: How to protect yourself

The Beginning of the Ordeal

Bahuguna’s nightmare commenced with an automated call from an international number that had the +1 prefix. The caller claimed that a courier delivery had experienced cancellation. Naively believing the call to be authentic, he pressed zero to get assistance, which led him to a person who accused him of having connections to a package containing illegal goods supposedly destined for China.

Despite his strong objections, the scammers insisted that his Aadhaar number and personal information were associated with this illegal package. They eventually placed him under “digital arrest,” falsely labeling him as a chief suspect in a case of money laundering and drug trafficking.

The situation deteriorated as the scammers escalated their tactics, transferring Bahuguna to a WhatsApp video call with someone impersonating a police officer. This person, donning a police uniform, further isolated Bahuguna by instructing him to switch off his other devices while he remained on continuous video calls.

Through psychological manipulation, the scammers coerced him into divulging personal data and even urged him to make dubious bank transactions. Fortunately, one of these transactions was thwarted when the bank was closed. A friend began to suspect foul play and intervened, which ultimately led Bahuguna to realize he was a victim of a scam.

Related reads: Mumbai woman loses Rs 1.5cr to fraudsters posing as govt officials: Here’s what happened

Steps to Safeguard Against Scams

• Verification: Always confirm calls that claim to be from legitimate organizations.
• Protect Personal Information: Never disclose sensitive personal data such as Aadhaar numbers or banking details via calls or text messages.
• Maintain Composure: Scammers often leverage fear to control their victims; take a moment to thoughtfully assess and verify any claims.
• Report Suspicion: Should you feel that you are being scammed, contact local authorities or cybercrime helplines without delay.