Fake DHL Redelivery Card Scam
Criminals leave counterfeit DHL missed-delivery cards or send fake SMS notifications directing recipients to phishing sites that demand a redelivery fee. Real DHL missed-delivery notices are either left as paper slips with collection instructions or sent through the DHL app — they never demand payment to rebook delivery.
Part of: Fake Redelivery Card Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
DHL delivers parcels to homes and businesses daily, and a genuine missed-delivery situation is common enough that a fake slip or message about it rarely raises immediate suspicion. Criminals exploit this by creating counterfeit DHL 'Sorry we missed you' notices that route victims to fee-collection sites.
The fake cards mimic DHL's yellow-and-red branding and include a phone number or web link asking for a small redelivery charge. This contrasts sharply with how DHL actually handles failed deliveries: no fee is charged for a standard redelivery attempt, and rescheduling is done through the official DHL app or website free of charge.
Because the physical card variant is delivered through the actual post box or letterbox, it carries an additional layer of apparent legitimacy — the recipient assumes only a genuine courier could have left something at their door. Comparing the address and any tracking number on the card against your DHL account is the fastest check.
How this scam works on the DHL brand
Physical fake cards carry wording like 'We attempted to deliver your parcel. A redelivery fee of £1.99 is required. Rebook at: [URL or phone number].' The website is a replica of dhl.com collecting card details.
SMS variants follow a similar script: 'DHL: Delivery of your parcel was unsuccessful. Rebook redelivery and pay storage fee: [link].' Neither the card nor the text matches anything in the genuine DHL tracking system.
Real DHL missed-delivery procedures vary by country but consistently involve no fee: in Germany, a Packstation access notification is sent; in the UK and other markets, DHL leaves a card with a tracking reference and instructions to use the DHL app or website to reschedule at no cost. The genuine card always includes a tracking number that resolves in the DHL system.
Common red flags
- Redelivery fee demanded — DHL standard redelivery is free of charge
- Tracking number on the card does not resolve at dhl.com
- URL or phone number on the card is not an official DHL contact
- Card lacks the specific DHL depot name and address for in-person collection
- You were not expecting a DHL delivery
- Website behind the link requests credit or debit card details
- Urgency: 'parcel returned to sender if not rebooked within 24 hours'
How to protect yourself
- Rebook DHL redelivery at no cost through the official DHL app or at dhl.com
- Enter the tracking number from the card at dhl.com to verify it is a real shipment
- Never pay a redelivery fee in response to a card or text
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726
- If card details were entered, contact your bank's fraud team immediately
- Report the suspicious card to DHL at [email protected]
How to report it
- Forward smishing texts to 7726
- Report phishing to DHL at [email protected]
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) at actionfraud.police.uk or the FTC (US) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Submit the phishing site URL to your national cybersecurity centre
- If payment was made, contact your bank immediately
Frequently asked questions
Does DHL charge a fee to redeliver a parcel?
DHL does not charge a standard redelivery fee for consumer parcels. Rescheduling is free via the DHL app or dhl.com. Any card or message demanding a fee is fraudulent.
How do I tell a real DHL missed-delivery card from a fake?
A genuine DHL card includes a real tracking number that resolves in the DHL system, a named DHL service point or depot with address and opening hours, and instructions to use dhl.com or the app — not a phone payment line.
I paid the fee on the site. What now?
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and block the card. Report to Action Fraud or the FTC, and inform DHL at [email protected].