Fake DHL / Delivery Text Message Scam Examples
Texts impersonating couriers claim a parcel is held pending a small fee, linking to a phishing page that steals card details.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
DHL: Your package is held due to unpaid customs of [amount]. Pay within 48h to avoid return: [fake link]
[Courier]: We attempted delivery but a [amount] redelivery fee is required. Reschedule: [fake link]
Your parcel [tracking number] is suspended. Update your address and pay [amount]: [fake link]
What the scammer wants
To make you enter card and personal details on a fake page, harvesting them for fraud, and to charge a small 'fee' that adds up across thousands of victims.
Red flags in the message
- A small fee demanded to release a parcel
- A link to a non-official courier domain
- Urgency and a short deadline
- Requests for full card details and personal information
A safe response
Do not click. Check any delivery directly in the courier's official app or website using the tracking number from your own order confirmation. Delete and report the text.
What not to send
- Card details
- Personal information
- Any 'fee' payment
What to do if you already replied
- If you entered card details, contact your bank immediately
- Watch for further phishing and unexpected charges
- Change passwords if you reused any on the fake site
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times