Fraud Alert

At Drishti Foundation Trust, we have always worked with integrity, transparency, and accountability for over a decade. Since our inception, we have earned the trust of thousands of supporters, volunteers, partner institutions, and communities across India. Our work in research and development, higher education, river rejuvenation, ocean cleaning, water conservation, pond cleaning, tree plantation, wildlife protection, disaster management, and biodiversity conservation is driven by a commitment to honesty and ethical practices and that’s why this fraud alert is important.

Unfortunately, as our reputation has grown, so has the risk of misuse of our name, identity, and goodwill by fraudulent individuals or organizations so SOS from Fraud Alert. This page has been created to alert the public about possible fraudulent activities, scams, or impersonations carried out under the false name of Drishti Foundation Trust. Our goal is to protect you, our donors, and the communities we serve from falling victim to such deceptive practices.

Why This Fraud Alert Is Important

Fraudulent activities harm everyone. They not only cheat innocent people out of their hard-earned money but also damage the trust we have built over years of genuine social service. We have observed cases where:

  • Fake websites, social media profiles, and email addresses impersonate our organization.
  • Fraudsters make false promises of employment, grants, or project partnerships in exchange for money.
  • Scammers solicit donations claiming to represent Drishti Foundation Trust but divert the funds for personal gain.
  • Unverified agents approach people on behalf of our Trust for environmental projects, demanding payment.

These actions are illegal, unethical, and punishable under Indian law. By being informed and alert, you can help stop such fraud.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We want to make it very clear:

  • Drishti Foundation Trust does not charge any fee for recruitment, volunteer registration, internships, or collaborations.
  • We never ask for donations via personal bank accounts, UPI IDs, or unofficial payment links. All our donations are collected only through official bank accounts registered in the name of Drishti Foundation Trust.
  • We do not guarantee employment, contracts, or benefits in exchange for money under any circumstances.
  • All our official communications come only from our registered domain email addresses ending with @drishtifoundation.coorg or from our verified social media handles.

If you are ever in doubt, please contact us directly before making any payment or sharing your personal details.

How to Identify a Genuine Drishti Foundation Trust Representative

To protect yourself from fraud, verify the following before engaging with anyone claiming to represent us:

  1. Check the Email Address – Genuine emails will always come from our official domain. Avoid replying to emails from free services like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook unless verified.
  2. Confirm Phone Numbers – All official contact numbers are listed on our official website: www.drishtifoundation.org.
  3. Validate Identification – Our staff and authorized representatives carry official ID cards with our logo and registration details.
  4. Cross-Check Bank Details – Donations should be made only to our official bank account. If you receive a request to send money to an individual’s account, report it immediately.
  5. Look for Correct Branding – Fake materials often have incorrect logos, spelling errors, or poorly designed documents.

Common Types of Scams

While fraudsters may change their tactics over time, here are some common scams reported to us:

1. Donation Fraud

Scammers may contact you by phone, email, or social media claiming to raise funds for our environmental projects, disaster relief, or wildlife protection programs. They may use urgent appeals to pressure you into transferring money immediately.

How to protect yourself:
Only donate through the official donation page on our website or our verified payment gateway.

2. Job and Internship Scams

Fraudsters advertise fake job or internship openings with Drishti Foundation Trust, asking candidates to pay for training materials, application processing, or security deposits.

Our policy:
We never request payment at any stage of recruitment or volunteering. All vacancies and opportunities are posted only on our official website and verified channels.

3. Partnership and Grant Fraud

Some scammers pose as senior members of our Trust offering to partner on environmental or educational projects in exchange for an “administrative fee” or “grant application charge.”

Our approach:
Partnership discussions happen only through our official leadership team and involve proper documentation without any upfront payments.

4. Fake Social Media Campaigns

Fraudulent accounts may run donation drives using our name and logo but direct funds to personal accounts.

Tip:
Always look for the verification badge on our official social media accounts and confirm the fundraising appeal on our website before contributing.

Reporting Fraud

If you encounter any suspicious communication, donation request, or person claiming to represent Drishti Foundation Trust, please report it immediately.
You can contact us through:

  • Email: info@drishtifoundation.org
  • Phone: +91-9873522666
  • Postal Address: F-501,Merlin Sparsh,Narol-Aslali Highway,Narol,Ahmedabad-382405

When reporting, please provide:

  • Copies of emails, letters, or messages received.
  • Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of the suspected fraudsters.
  • Bank account or payment details provided by them.
  • Screenshots or links to fake websites or profiles.

Your report will help us take action with law enforcement and protect others from being targeted.

Legal Action

We treat all cases of fraud and impersonation with utmost seriousness. Depending on the severity of the case, we may:

  • File a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell.
  • Initiate legal proceedings under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Information Technology (IT) Act.
  • Alert payment gateways and banks to block suspicious transactions.
  • Collaborate with authorities to shut down fake websites, phone numbers, and social media accounts.

Our legal and compliance teams work tirelessly to ensure that offenders are held accountable.

Your Role in Preventing Fraud

Every supporter, donor, and well-wisher plays a crucial role in stopping fraud. Here’s how you can help:

  • Stay informed about our official processes and payment channels.
  • Educate your family, friends, and colleagues about potential scams.
  • Share our fraud alert page link when you come across suspicious activity.
  • Double-check any unusual requests, even if they appear urgent or emotionally persuasive.

Our Official Communication Channels

To ensure authenticity, always rely on the following official channels:

  • Website: www.drishtifoundation.org
  • Email: All official emails end with @drishtifoundation.org
  • Social Media: Verified accounts listed on our website.
  • Helpline: Contact number available on the contact page of our website.

Why Scammers Target NGOs

Fraudsters often target NGOs like ours because:

  • People trust charity organizations and may respond quickly to emotional appeals.
  • Disaster relief and environmental projects attract urgent funding, which scammers exploit.
  • The goodwill of well-known organizations provides a cover for illegal activities.

Understanding these tactics will make you less vulnerable to scams.

Our Continued Efforts to Safeguard the Public

We are constantly monitoring for unauthorized use of our name and brand. This includes:

  • Running regular online scans for fake websites and social media profiles.
  • Partnering with cyber security experts to detect phishing attempts.
  • Conducting awareness campaigns to inform the public about genuine donation processes.
  • Coordinating with law enforcement agencies to take swift action against offenders.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Your trust is the foundation of our mission. The Drishti Foundation Trust exists to serve communities, protect the environment, and create lasting positive change. Fraudulent activities not only harm individuals but also divert resources away from critical projects like river rejuvenation, water conservation, wildlife protection, and disaster management.

By staying alert, verifying information, and reporting suspicious activities, you help us continue our work without disruption. Together, we can protect both the integrity of our mission and the safety of our supporters.

If you ever feel uncertain about a communication or request in our name, please reach out to us immediately. Let’s stand united against fraud and ensure that the work we do reaches the people and places that need it the most.

“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

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