The shipping giant DHL and its customers are always the target of various scams. TECHBOOK explains the most common stitches.
DHL has been the most used shipping service provider in Germany for many years. Accordingly, some fraudsters are also targeting the numerous customers; Consumer advocates repeatedly warn of various scams. In this article, TECHBOOK therefore lists the current phishing mails and other well-known deceptive maneuvers aimed at customers of the service. You’ll also learn how best to protect yourself from DHL fraud.
DHL chatbot Suzy
E-mails from a virtual bot called “Suzy” or the alleged service Track and Trace DHL appear again and again. The subject often contains the sleep word “parcel tracking”. The recipients are allegedly informed about a package or package that cannot be delivered due to a damaged address label. Those affected should then click on a link within the e-mail in order to correctly enter their private or business address.
Behind this is a scam that targets user data. The link redirects to a page that looks like it officially belongs to DHL. However, the sensitive address data does not end up with the shipping service provider. The theft of such data can have serious consequences for those affected. Criminals can then conclude contracts in your name, for example.
It is best to simply ignore such dubious emails or even report them to consumer protection. If you are actually waiting for a package, do not let yourself be unsettled and, if necessary, use the tracking number to check the whereabouts. There you can also see whether there are actually problems with the delivery on the part of DHL or whether it is simply a matter of fraud.
Package notifications via SMS
Another popular scam comes via SMS. Those affected are notified via their mobile phone that a confirmation for a package is said to be pending. The message contains a link to this same confirmation. If you click on it, malicious software that targets sensitive customer data loads onto the receiving device in the background.
The LKA and the police warn again and again about this scam. Especially at times when many packages are sent via DHL – such as at Christmas – the frequency increases rapidly. Particularly perfidious: the malicious software also spies on the contact list of those affected and uses the data to send more fraudulent messages. The same procedure is now also available via e-mail.
In general, never click on links that you have received unsolicited without thorough verification. In the case of the wrong package notification, you can already see on the link that it is not a message from DHL, but fraud. The name of the domain is then “duckdns.org”.
Phishing mail demands shipping fees
the Consumer Center repeatedly warned of a specific phishing email in the past. The subject is usually “Parcel on hold” or similar. The recipient is informed in the message that they have allegedly not yet paid the shipping costs.
The e-mail actually looks serious and at first glance it seems to come from DHL. The spelling and design do not arouse suspicion, nor does the usually small amount involved, such as around 1.85 euros. Even an incorrect tracking number is part of the message. However, a thorough look at the shipping address makes it clear that it is an attempt at fraud. The consumer advice center cites “[email protected]” as an example.
In this case of deception, the e-mail again contains a link that forwards to a dubious domain.
How to spot a DHL scam
Most scam attempts come as a digital message, typically email or SMS. DHL gives itself due to the repeated scams some tipshow to unmask them.
First of all, you should check whether you are expecting a shipment at all. Of course, it is always possible that a relative or friend would like to surprise you; in this case, however, the sender would be contacted and not you. In the case of e-mails, for example, always check the sender.
An important note concerns the often included links that lead to phishing sites and/or install malware. Real tracking links always start with http://nolp.dhl.de/ – this is not the case with fake URLs. In general, however, it is advisable to only open links sent by e-mail or SMS after careful examination or not at all. If in doubt, go to the official DHL website and check the information provided.
The following also applies: Never reply to such spam or phishing mails. As a rule, scammers send such messages in bulk and automatically. If they get a response, those responsible know that it is an active address, which can result in a flood of further emails.