Influencer Ankush Bahuguna Opens Up About 40-Hour Ordeal in Terrifying Cyber Scam

In an emotional and raw video, popular content creator Ankush Bahuguna shared a chilling account of how he became the victim of a sophisticated cyber scam that left him “digitally arrested” for 40 hours. Ankush, known for his humorous content and honest takes, revealed that what started as an innocent phone call spiraled into an intense ordeal that not only drained him financially but also took a toll on his mental health.

The Ordeal: From Curiosity to Cyber Prison

Ankush’s nightmare began with a call from an international number. The automated voice on the other end claimed that his courier had been seized due to suspicious content and prompted him to press zero to connect with support. Despite not sending any courier, his curiosity got the better of him—a decision he described as the “biggest mistake of his life.”

The call quickly escalated when the so-called support agent accused him of sending illegal packages and linked his name to severe crimes like money laundering. Soon, Ankush was connected via a WhatsApp video call to someone posing as a police officer in full uniform, interrogating him about fabricated criminal ties. The scammers went to extreme lengths to simulate a “real” police station background, making the entire setup eerily convincing.

For the next 40 hours, Ankush was held “hostage” over a continuous video call, during which he was isolated from the world. The scammers manipulated him into switching off all his devices, sharing sensitive details, and cutting contact with friends and family. The fear-mongering reached disturbing levels, with threats that his loved ones were under surveillance and could be harmed if he didn’t comply.

Friends to the Rescue

Throughout the ordeal, Ankush’s friends grew increasingly alarmed by his sudden disappearance and cryptic texts. Despite his reassurances that he was “fine,” close friends like Bhavna and Shibani sensed something was amiss. They showed up at his house and kept calling, refusing to give up until they found him. Their persistence turned out to be his lifeline.

When Ankush was finally convinced by a message from his friend to leave the hotel where the scammers had sent him, he broke free and reconnected with his support system. The first thing he did was sit in an auto, heart racing, terrified of being followed. But with his friends reassuring him that he was safe, he finally processed the terrifying reality: it was all a scam.

A Cautionary Tale for Everyone

Ankush’s story serves as a stark reminder of the lengths scammers can go to manipulate and isolate their victims. The level of psychological control they exerted—making Ankush believe that the smallest action could result in catastrophic consequences—is proof of how dangerous such cybercrimes have become.

In his heartfelt message, Ankush urged his followers to stay vigilant and never underestimate the capabilities of cybercriminals. He also stressed the importance of staying informed about current scams and looking out for loved ones who might show signs of being in distress.

In Ankush’s words: “This was the worst start to a new year, but I’m safe now. I hope none of you ever go through this. If you notice something off with your friends, please check up on them—it could save their life.”

This cautionary tale is a sobering reminder that vigilance and community support can make all the difference when it comes to combating online scams. Stay alert, stay informed, and always have someone looking out for you—you never know how crucial it might be.