DHL scams
Last updated September 19, 2026
The short answer
DHL scams involve fake shipping notifications and customs fee emails claiming your package requires payment before delivery. These messages contain links to phishing sites that steal payment and personal information. DHL will never request personal information or prepayment via unsolicited email or text.
DHL is one of the most impersonated brands in phishing attacks globally, particularly in customs and duty fee scams. Because DHL handles many international shipments, scammers exploit the expectation of customs charges to make their phishing messages more believable. These scams target people in countries worldwide.
How DHL scams work
- 1
Fake customs or duty fee notification
An email or text claims your DHL international package is held at customs. To release it, you need to pay a duty fee online. The link goes to a phishing site that captures your credit card details.
- 2
Fake delivery scheduling message
A text says "DHL: Your parcel is waiting for delivery. Confirm your address and pay the shipping fee" with a link to a fake DHL page that collects personal and payment information.
- 3
Malware-laden tracking link
An email with a DHL logo contains a "Track Shipment" button or an attached "shipping label" file. Clicking downloads malware or ransomware onto your device.
- 4
Fake DHL invoice email
A business receives an email that appears to be a DHL shipping invoice with an attached PDF. Opening the attachment installs malware that compromises the company's network.
Warning signs
- An email or text asks you to pay customs or duty fees via a link
- You're asked to click a link to reschedule a DHL delivery you didn't expect
- The sender email doesn't end in @dhl.com
- An email contains a zip file or unusual attachment claiming to be a shipping label
- The message creates urgency, like "parcel will be returned to sender in 48 hours"
- You're asked for personal information beyond a tracking number to check delivery status
Examples
Fake customs duty payment email
An email from "DHL Express" says your international parcel is awaiting customs clearance and requires a $23.80 duty payment. The "Pay Now" button leads to a convincing DHL replica site that captures your full credit card information, billing address, and phone number.
"DHL parcel waiting" text scam
A text says: "DHL: Your parcel has arrived at the distribution center. Schedule delivery: [link]." The link goes to a site asking for your address and a $2.50 delivery fee. The page harvests your credit card details for future fraud.
What to do
- Don't click links in unexpected DHL texts or emails. Track shipments directly at dhl.com.
- Report phishing emails to phishing@dhl.com.
- Never open unexpected attachments claiming to be shipping labels or invoices.
- If you entered payment information on a fake site, contact your bank immediately.
- Forward suspicious DHL texts to 7726 (SPAM) and delete them.
Getting your money back
If you entered payment information on a fake DHL site, contact your credit card company immediately to report the card compromised. If you opened a suspicious attachment, disconnect from the internet and run a full antivirus scan. For businesses, alert your IT department. Monitor credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
Frequently asked questions
Does DHL charge customs fees via email?
DHL may notify you about customs charges, but legitimate notices reference a specific tracking number and direct you to dhl.com. DHL will never ask you to pay fees through a link in an unsolicited email or text. Verify any customs charges at dhl.com using your tracking number.
How do I know if a DHL email is real?
Real DHL emails come from @dhl.com addresses and reference a tracking number you can verify at dhl.com. They don't contain zip file attachments or urgent demands for payment via links. When in doubt, go to dhl.com and enter your tracking number directly.
Why is DHL used so often in phishing scams?
DHL is one of the world's largest shipping companies, handling millions of international packages. Scammers exploit the common expectation of customs fees on international shipments to make their phishing messages more convincing.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about DHL, these are the guides worth reading next.