Sun Jan 05 12:38:06 UTC 2025: **Social Media Influencer Ankush Bahuguna Held Hostage in 40-Hour Cyber Scam Ordeal**

MUMBAI, INDIA – Popular social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna has revealed a harrowing 40-hour ordeal where he was held hostage in a sophisticated cyber scam. Bahuguna, known for his content on Instagram (@wingitwithankush), detailed his experience in a video posted Sunday, warning his followers about the dangers of such schemes.

The ordeal began with a seemingly innocuous automated call about a package delivery. Upon pressing zero for support, Bahuguna unwittingly connected with scammers who falsely claimed a package containing illegal substances destined for China was linked to his name and that an arrest warrant had been issued.

The scammers, posing as law enforcement officials, engaged Bahuguna in a series of video calls, escalating their accusations to include money laundering and drug trafficking. They convinced him to remain under “self-custody,” effectively isolating him from friends and family for 40 hours. During this time, his devices were disabled, and he was subjected to constant surveillance and interrogation.

Under duress, Bahuguna was manipulated into revealing sensitive personal and financial information and performing suspicious bank transactions. The scammers employed “good cop, bad cop” tactics, exploiting his fear and anxiety to gain his compliance. He was even instructed to leave his home, visit a bank to conduct fraudulent transactions, and check into a hotel, all while maintaining a false appearance of normalcy to his concerned friends and family.

Bahuguna’s ordeal ended when his sister and friends, noticing erratic changes in his behavior despite his assurances that he was fine, recognized the signs of a scam and intervened. He credits their quick thinking with saving him from further financial and emotional damage.

Bahuguna shared his story to raise awareness and urge others to be vigilant. He emphasized the manipulative tactics used by scammers, warning that one lie often leads to increasingly terrifying and believable fabrications. He urged anyone receiving similar calls to report them immediately to authorities. Bahuguna reported significant financial losses and lasting emotional trauma as a result of the experience.

Read More