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

1
Demands a small fee ($2-15) to release a held package
2
Sender domain is not dhl.com (look at the full From address, not the display name)
3
Links go to dhl-customs.info, dhl-pay.net, or similar lookalikes
4
Threatens that the package will be 'returned to sender' or 'destroyed' if unpaid
5
You weren't expecting an international shipment

Real examples

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.