Is This DHL Email a Scam? How to Tell
DHL scams feature fake customs clearance notices, delivery fee requests, and phishing emails about international shipment holds, often targeting online shoppers.
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Scan Now — It's FreeCommon DHL Scam Types
Example Scam Messages
These are examples of fake messages impersonating DHL. Never click links in unsolicited messages.
“DHL: Your international shipment is on hold. Pay customs clearance of $11.99 at dhl-customs.com”
“DHL Express: Delivery failed. Update your address at dhl-update.com”
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unexpected customs fees for packages you did not order
- Links to non-dhl.com domains
- Emails about shipments from countries you did not order from
- Payment requests via gift cards or cryptocurrency
Real vs. Fake DHL — Side by Side
| Signal | Real DHL | Fake / Scam |
|---|---|---|
| Customs / duty fees | Collected through dhl.com "On Demand Delivery" or at the door, never via unsolicited SMS. | Text with a tiny fee ($2–$15) and a link like dhl-customs.com. |
| Tracking link | dhl.com/{region}/tracking. | dhl-update.com, dhl-delivery.net, or a shortened link of unknown destination. |
| Shipment you did not order | No legitimate DHL message arrives for a parcel you never sent or bought. | Scammer invents a package to prompt a clickthrough. |
| Payment methods | Accepted on dhl.com. | Gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer demanded to "release" a parcel. |
Legitimate DHL Contact Info
Visit dhl.com or call 1-800-225-5345 for tracking. DHL communicates customs charges through official dhl.com channels.
Live Community Flags
Recently reported DHL scam variants from the Cautellus community. Flagged items include deepfake videos, cloned voicemail, and spoofed domains.
Community reporting for DHL is launching soon. Submissions will appear here with timestamps and scam-type tags.
Report a DHL scam you've received →Related Articles
Other Shipping Scams
Think you've received a scam?
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