Scams in India are evolving in ways we never imagined, and they’re affecting everyone—from ordinary citizens to celebrities. One such incident recently rocked Instagram influencer Ankush Bahuguna, who has over a million followers. He shared a chilling experience where he was digitally “held hostage” for 40 hours, leaving him shaken, both mentally and financially. This horrifying experience is a grim reminder of how even the most tech-savvy can fall prey to these ever-more sophisticated scams.
How Scams in India Are Becoming More Dangerous
Scams in India are nothing new, but lately, they’ve become more elaborate. What used to be simple phishing messages has now escalated into frightening fraud schemes, with new tactics emerging all the time. One of the most disturbing is what’s called a “digital arrest,” where scammers manipulate their victims into thinking they’re in serious legal trouble. Ankush Bahuguna’s ordeal was a perfect example of how these scams can leave anyone vulnerable, regardless of how much online experience they have.
The Start of the Nightmare: A Fake Delivery Call
The whole nightmare began innocently enough. Ankush was returning home from the gym when he received a strange call. The automated message told him that his courier delivery had been canceled and instructed him to press 0 for customer support. Like many of us would, Ankush followed the instructions, not realizing he was about to fall into a trap.
The person on the other end claimed that Ankush’s parcel had been flagged by the police for containing illegal items and was being shipped to China. The scammer seemed to know a lot about him—his Aadhar card details, address, and other personal information—making the story seem all the more real. At that moment, Ankush was caught in a terrifying situation.
The Digital Hostage: Fear, Isolation, and Control
Things escalated quickly. The scammers told Ankush that an arrest warrant had been issued for him and that his house was under surveillance. To further scare him, they transferred him to a WhatsApp video call, where a person posing as a Mumbai police officer interrogated him. They demanded he stay home, not contact anyone, and share more personal information.
Throughout the ordeal, Ankush was isolated—unable to reach out to friends or family. The scammers even instructed him to visit a bank and make a financial transaction, closely tracking his every move. Luckily, the transaction didn’t go through, and the scammers instructed him to check into a hotel. It was there, still under their watchful eye, that Ankush received a text from a friend warning him about the “house arrest scam” that’s been going around. That’s when it all clicked for Ankush—he was being scammed.
Breaking Free: Ankush’s Courage to Speak Out
Once safe, Ankush bravely shared the terrifying details of his experience with his followers. His story quickly went viral, with many expressing shock and empathy. Some commenters couldn’t believe he’d fallen for such a scam, but Ankush was quick to defend himself. He explained that when you’re in panic mode, it’s easy to lose perspective, and not everyone is familiar with these kinds of scams. His message was clear: anyone can fall victim to fraud, no matter how smart or tech-savvy they think they are.
Ankush’s openness about his experience has helped raise awareness about the growing threat of scams in India. He urged his followers to stay vigilant and informed about these kinds of frauds, especially the increasingly convincing “digital arrests” that are on the rise.
Why We Need to Stay Alert: The Reality of Scams in India
Ankush’s story is a stark reminder that scams are becoming more dangerous and widespread. They’re not just targeting ordinary people but influencers and celebrities too. These scammers use fear and panic to manipulate their victims, and it’s easy to see how even the most cautious person could fall for it. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying aware of the latest scams and educating those around you is more important than ever.
Also Read : Ranveer Allahbadia’s near drowning experience in Goa
Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
In conclusion, Ankush Bahuguna’s terrifying experience should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Scams in India are no longer just about a few suspicious texts or calls—they’re full-blown schemes designed to trap even the most cautious people. Ankush’s willingness to speak out has shed light on how easy it is to get caught up in a scam, and how critical it is to stay vigilant. Always double-check any suspicious call or message, and never share sensitive information without verifying the source. Let’s make sure we’re all aware and prepared to protect ourselves from these digital predators.
