Recently, Indian YouTuber and influencer Ankush Bahuguna went through a nightmare that left him shaken and out of pocket. For 40 hours, Ankush Bahuguna was under ‘digital arrest’ in a scam so convincing it could fool anyone. Let’s break down what happened, how the scam worked, and what you can do to avoid falling for it.

What happened to Ankush?

 

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A post shared by Wing It with Ankush Bahuguna (@wingitwithankush)

It all started with a phone call from an international number starting with +1. The automated message said something about a cancelled courier delivery linked to Ankush Bahuguna, asking him to press zero for support. Naturally, he did. From there, things spiralled out of control.

Ankush was told his Aadhaar number was linked to illegal activities – money laundering and drug trafficking, to be exact. The scammers even claimed there was an arrest warrant out for him. To make it look legit, they arranged a WhatsApp video call with someone dressed as a police officer, scaring Ankush into believing he was in big trouble.

The scammers told him he had been placed under ‘self-custody’ and made him stay on constant video calls. They isolated him, fed him fake accusations, and pressured him into sharing personal information and making shady bank transactions.

Ankush said, “I was not allowed to pick calls. I was not allowed to message people or reply to their messages, let anybody in the house. They told me that if I tried to reach out to anyone, they would arrest me and harm the people I contacted.” By the end of it, he had lost money and spent nearly two days in mental anguish.

What is a digital arrest scam?

This is a scam where fraudsters pose as police, customs officers, or other authorities to convince you that you are in extensive trouble with the law. The scammers use fake calls, video chats, and bogus documents to make their stories seem real. The goal? To scare you into acting fast and giving them money or private details. Remember, ‘digital arrest’ or ‘self-custody’ do not exist in any part of the world. 

How to protect yourself from a digital arrest scam

These scammers are professional and prepared but by arming yourself with this knowledge, you can protect yourself against these scams. 

Don’t panic

Scammers thrive on fear. If you get a call like this, take a moment to breathe and think logically. Real authorities will not interrogate you on video calls or ask for money.

Verify the caller

If someone claims to be a cop or a government official, ask for proof and verify it independently. Call the actual agency using the official numbers you find online, not the ones they give you.

Don’t share personal details

No legitimate organisation will ask for sensitive details like your Aadhaar number or bank information over the phone or online.

Be very vigilant

The scammers told Ankush that his parents were under threat and that if he tried to do something, he would be arrested. Now this is something to focus on. Legitimate authorities do not threaten to harm you or your family. This is illegal.

If you have already become a victim of this scam, call the cybercrime helpline (1930) as soon as possible and inform your bank to freeze any transactions. Then go to the nearest police station immediately. 

Ankush Bahuguna’s digital arrest scam is not an isolated incident. Many such cases have happened with many reputed people. Remember, no matter how urgent or scary something seems, real authorities will not operate through random calls or WhatsApp messages. Stay alert and don’t let fear get the better of you.

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