Is the DHL Package Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a sms phishing scam that impersonates DHL.

What should I do if I received the DHL Package Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the DHL Package Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the DHL Package Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

DHL Package Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: SMS Phishing Impersonates: DHL

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers impersonate DHL through text messages and emails, claiming a package is being held and requires a customs fee or address update. The links lead to credential-harvesting or payment-stealing phishing sites.

How This Scam Works

You receive a message claiming DHL is holding your package due to unpaid customs fees or an incorrect address. The link leads to a fake DHL page that asks for personal details and a small customs or processing fee via credit card. Once submitted, scammers have your card information and personal data. International shipping makes the customs fee request seem plausible, which is why this scam is particularly effective.

Red Flags to Watch For

You are not expecting an international package
Text or email asks for payment to release a package
Link URL is not dhl.com
Customs fees are normally handled at delivery, not via text link
Generic greeting without your name or a real tracking number

Example Scam Messages

Text: DHL: Your parcel (AWB-7382941) is held at customs. Pay the $4.50 clearance fee to proceed: dhl-customs-pay.com/clear --- Subject: DHL Shipment Notification - Action Required Dear Customer, your DHL Express package is awaiting clearance. A customs duty of $6.99 must be paid before delivery. Complete payment here: dhl-express-delivery.info/payment --- Text: DHL: Package delivery failed. Confirm your address to reschedule: dhl-redelivery.net/confirm

What to Do If You Received This

Do not click any links
Track shipments only at dhl.com
DHL does not collect customs fees via text message links
Contact DHL directly if you are expecting a real shipment
Delete the message

What to Do If You Fell For It

Contact your bank to report the compromised card and request a replacement
Monitor your statements for fraudulent charges
If you entered login credentials, change those passwords immediately
Scan your device for malware

How to Report This Scam

Report to DHL at [email protected]
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)

Last updated: February 10, 2026

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