“I have lost money, I have lost my mental health to this. I can’t believe this has happened to me,” Bahuguna said in an emotional video post. He emphasised the importance of awareness, hoping to shield others from a similar fate.
How the scam unfolded
Bahuguna recounted receiving a suspicious call from an international number starting with +1. The automated message claimed his courier delivery had been cancelled and instructed him to press ‘0’ for support. Out of curiosity, he complied—an action he described as “the biggest mistake of my life.”
Also Read: India issues advisory against ‘digital arrest’: Understanding the scam and how to protect yourself
The supposed customer support agent alleged that a package in Bahuguna’s name containing illegal items had been intercepted by customs. Despite asserting his innocence, Bahuguna was told that his personal information, including his Aadhaar number, was linked to the package, marking him as a suspect in a serious crime.
The scammers then claimed an arrest warrant had been issued against him, adding, “This is a very serious crime, and now you will be under digital arrest.” They manipulated him further by simulating a video call with a fake police officer dressed in uniform, accusing him of money laundering and drug trafficking.
“They knew exactly how to get under my skin,” Bahuguna explained. The fraudsters used personal information to heighten his panic and coerced him into isolating himself from friends and family under the pretext of being in “self-custody.”
Bahuguna’s digital arrest experience also took an unusual turn when the scammers coerced him into isolating himself by checking into a hotel. Pretending to assist him in resolving the fabricated charges, they instructed him to leave his home and stay in a hotel for the safety of his family and friends.
Raising awareness about digital arrest scams
The term “digital arrest” refers to a tactic used by cybercriminals to manipulate victims into believing they are implicated in a crime and arrested “digitally” over a call. Fraudsters exploit fear and panic to gain control, often using fake documentation, spoofed phone numbers, and convincing scenarios to lend credibility to their claims.
Victims are coerced into complying with demands, which may include transferring money or divulging sensitive information.
Bahuguna credited his friends’ sharp instincts for realising something was wrong despite his reassurances via text. “Sharing this so others don’t have to go through what I went through,” he said.
A call for vigilance
Responding to critics who questioned how he fell for the scam, Bahuguna urged empathy. “Not everybody reacts the same way to panic. Instead of calling this stupid, make people around you aware of it,” he wrote in a follow-up comment.
He concluded his video by urging viewers to stay vigilant, warning that scammers often conduct thorough research to personalise their attacks. “I don’t wish this on anyone,” he said, emphasising the need for awareness and information to combat such crimes.
Preventing digital scams
Cybersecurity experts recommend these steps to avoid falling prey to such scams:
Verify suspicious calls: Never engage with unsolicited calls or messages from unknown numbers claiming urgent legal action.
Consult authorities: Reach out directly to law enforcement or relevant agencies to confirm claims.
Educate yourself: Stay informed about common scam tactics and share information with others.
You can report fraud or cybercrime incidents at your nearest Cyber Crime Cell or file a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in. Alternatively, you can contact the Cyber Crime Cell helpline at 1930.
Even if a digital crime has not occurred but appears suspicious, it is crucial to report it. To combat fraudulent messages, calls, and WhatsApp accounts, the Department of Telecommunications has introduced the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, where users can flag suspicious activities for investigation.
