The Fake Azim Premji Foundation Gift That Ends with a Bank Transfer Request
Trend Micro, Monday, November 2nd, 2026
Trend Micro explains an advance-fee scam that impersonates the Azim Premji Foundation, promising a $1 million gift and then demanding a transfer fee.
Trend Micro describes a scam email that claims a well-known billionaire philanthropist has chosen the recipient for a $1,000,000 gift, linking to the executive's real Wikipedia page to seem credible.
The Azim Premji Foundation, Wipro and the named individuals are not involved.
After a reply, the scammer collects detailed personal information, then a supposed Italy-based lawyer requests full banking details.
Victims are finally asked to pay a $2,775 transfer fee backed by a fake insurance claim, and those who pay typically receive nothing and face further invented charges.