Delivery & shipping
Is the DHL customs fee message a scam?
Quick answer
Yes, in nearly all cases. Real DHL collects customs and duties through formal channels — typically at delivery, in person, or via a properly invoiced bill of lading. An unsolicited email or text asking for a small payment to 'release customs hold' is a phishing scam.
Red flags to look for
- Demands a small fee ($2-15) to release a held package
- Sender domain is not dhl.com (look at the full From address, not the display name)
- Links go to dhl-customs.info, dhl-pay.net, or similar lookalikes
- Threatens that the package will be 'returned to sender' or 'destroyed' if unpaid
- You weren't expecting an international shipment
Real examples
Email
DHL Express — Customs hold for parcel DH-7748291. Pay €4.50 customs duty within 48 hours to release. Pay here: dhl-customs.eu/release
Likely Scam
DHL collects real duties at delivery, by certified mail, or through a customs broker — never by an emailed link asking for under €15.
What to do
- Don't tap the link or open attachments.
- If a real shipment is in transit, verify by typing dhl.com into your browser and entering the tracking number from the sender's official confirmation.
- Forward suspicious emails to phishing-dpdhl@dhl.com.
- Delete the message. Block the sender.
- If you paid, call your bank to dispute and freeze the card.
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Why scammers use this approach
International shipping fees are confusing for most consumers, making the small 'customs fee' ask feel plausible. The under-€20 amount is below most fraud-detection thresholds and feels too small to question.
Frequently asked questions
Are any DHL fee emails real?
Real DHL fee notices typically come from your customs broker, are tied to a known shipment, and never use shortened or unfamiliar domains.