How to avoid falling for scams like "DHL - Incoming Shipment Notification"

What is "DHL - Incoming Shipment Notification"?

Our investigation indicates that this email is a fraudulent message impersonating DHL, falsely presented as a notification about an incoming shipment. The scammers behind this deceptive email aim to entice recipients into divulging personal information on a misleading website. Such emails fall under the category of phishing emails.

More about the "DHL - Incoming Shipment Notification" scam email

This phishing email has the subject "DHL Shipment Notification #SHZ7395" and appears to impersonate the DHL international courier. It claims to provide an incoming shipment notification specifying a delivery date of November 2, 2023 (the date may vary). The email encourages the recipient to review the supposed shipping document by clicking a link purportedly to fast-track the delivery process.

However, the true intention of the email is to deceive individuals into clicking the link, leading them to a deceptive website where scammers attempt to gather personal information. On that page, users are requested to enter email account login credentials such as the email address and password.

It is noteworthy to highlight that the webpage accessed through the link in the email mirrors an email service provider based on the recipient's email address. For example, if the recipient utilizes Gmail, the fraudulent page replicates the Gmail sign-in interface. Either way, the ultimate goal is to steal email account login credentials.

When scammers successfully acquire login credentials for email accounts, they gain unauthorized access to the individual's personal and sensitive information. Scammers may exploit the compromised email account to send phishing emails to the victim's contacts, attempting to trick them into revealing more personal information or financial details.

Additionally, access to email accounts provides scammers with a gateway to other online accounts linked to the same email address, potentially compromising a user's banking, social media, or other critical accounts.

Moreover, the perpetrators may utilize the pilfered credentials to gain illicit entry to sensitive information, encompassing confidential messages, personal documents, or login details for various online services. In certain instances, these scammers might opt to vend the acquired login credentials on the dark web, thereby fueling a larger network of cybercriminal activities.

Similar scam emails in general

Typically, they employ urgent or enticing language to create a sense of immediacy, prompting recipients to act hastily. These emails often mimic trusted entities, such as banks or email service providers, using logos and formatting to appear authentic. Included hyperlinks (or attachments) direct users to deceptive websites, aiming to collect login credentials or other details.

Examples of phishing campaigns are "Truist Online Banking Profile", "Password Needs To Be Retained Urgently", and "IMAP Termination Process".

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Computer infections via email occur when users engage with malicious components like attachments or links. Malware is often concealed within seemingly innocuous attachments, and when users open them, it can infiltrate their computers. Clicking on links in emails can also result in the downloading and activation of malware.

Cybercriminals use executable and JavaScript files, documents like PDFs or Office documents, ISO files, archives, etc., to disseminate malware through email.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Steer clear of launching attachments or clicking on links in emails that appear suspicious, especially those from unfamiliar sources or with irrelevant content. Ensure the continual updating of your operating system, installed programs, and antivirus software, and conduct routine scans on your computer for added security.

Exercise prudence when downloading files or programs from the internet, relying solely on reputable sources like official pages and app stores. Be careful when browsing questionable websites, and refrain from engaging with dubious content such as suspicious ads, pop-ups, offers, or software updates. Never download pirated software, cracking tools, or key generators.

If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "DHL - Incoming Shipment Notification" email letter:

Subject: DHL Shipment Notification #SHZ7395

International Courier
DHL

Incoming Shipment Notification

Receiver's ID: -
Delivery: 02, 11,2023
Shipping Doc: click below to review

To fast-track your delivery, kindly CLICK HERE . to check your Shipping Document and confirm your Billing Address.

Screenshot of the phishing website promoted via this email:

Other examples of DHL shipment notification-themed spam emails:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: Shipment Arrival Notice

 

Incoming Shipment for your Registered E-mail
Dear ********,

You have an incoming shipment. To view your shipment documents and tracking information, click below:

Shipment Details

Important Notes:

Shipment will be returned after 72 hours
Storage charges will apply per kg/day basis, starting after expiration
Package Collection 08:30 – 16:00

Import Customer Service

Email to us: arrivalnotice@dhl.com

Thanks and Regards,
DHL Global Forwarding
www.dhl.com

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: Incoming Shipment Notification

This sender has been verified from safe senders list.
Incoming Shipment Notification
* Receiver's ID: ******** * Delivery: 31/1/2024. * Shipping Doc: Please See Attachment
To fast-track your delivery, kindly download your Shipping Document and confirm your Billing Address. .
Please check and confirm back in return.
Best regards,
Chutima - DHL LOGISTICS
Terms & Conditions Tracking FAQs
Deutsche Post DHL Group

Screenshot of the attached phishing HTML document:

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: DHL Express | Track Shipment

DHL
On Demand Delivery

Your shipment notification

Dear Customer,

We have forwarded the scan copies of your shipping documents
as instructed by your shipper
The original copies have been shipped and will be delivered to
your address within 2-3 working days.
Please follow our webpage url below to confirm accordingly if your address is
correct and also cross check your shipping documents -

Thank you for using On Demand Delivery.

 
DHL Express - Excellence. Simply delivered.
 
Deutsche Post DHL Group           
DHL Express | Contact DHL | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe

2024 © DHL International GmbH. All rights reserved.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

Subject: Incoming Shipment

 

Hello,

This is to notify you of an incoming shipment registered for -.

To receive your parcel for contract of purchase. Please verify below.
CLICK TO VERIFY

In the meantime, if you need to contact us please call Customer Service at: 1-800-900-333

Regards,

DHL Express

Please do not reply to this email – inbox is not monitored.
 
Footer Alt Text
Terms of Use | Privacy Notice | Terms and Conditions of Carriage     2022 © Deutsche Post AG

Sample 5:

Text presented within:

Subject: Urgent: DHL KYC Acknowledgement update for ********

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

Greetings From DHL

We have received intimation on your Incoming Shipment Waybill 915548473

We have attached herewith the Checklist for Subject shipment to Verify details which we have received from Supplier in Invoice.

We request you to kindly check and confirm that the mandatory details are in Order and Compliant as per your requirement and Your KYC Details along with Bank AD Code. Any Changes required in the Checklist may please be updated in the attached and resubmitted for us to take up the shipment for clearance accordingly.

If any changes in Checklist we have already shared Attached Documents. Please click the link below to verify HSN Codes and Duty structures are mentioned in Checklist, If any Compulsory compliance Requirements Documents applicable against HSN Code same should be fulfilled by your end.

Please CLICK HERE to verify;

Thank you for using DHL.

Sincerely,

The DHL MyBill Team

This shipment has been created with DHL Express

Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: DHL Shipment on Hold – Address Confirmation Needed – AWB 9845236175

DHL Express Shipment Notification

Dear Customer,

You are receiving this notification because your email ******** was provided as the recipient email by the sender during shipment booking.

We attempted to deliver a parcel associated with the shipping details below, but there appears to be a discrepancy or missing information.

Recipient Email: ********

Tracking Reference: DHL-MN-9TD•••C6Z-6384

Important: Due to privacy and security reasons, full shipment details are hidden until verification is completed.

Please note: Parcel contents are declared confidential under sender agreement. DHL is unable to disclose further shipment details until address verification is completed.

To avoid delays or a return to sender, please confirm or update your shipping address using the secure link below:

Confirm Shipping Address

If no action is taken within 48 hours, the shipment may be returned or cancelled according to our logistics policy.

If you have already confirmed your shipping information, please disregard this message. For assistance, quote the support case ID SR-1182739 when contacting our customer service team.

Thank you for choosing DHL Express.
This is an automated message. Do not reply directly to this email.
Visit www.dhl.com for help and support.
© 2025 DHL International GmbH. All rights reserved.

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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Types of malicious emails:

If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file from a suspicious email, run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. If you only received the email and didn't engage with it, you don't need to scan anything - just identify the scam and delete it. The full procedure below covers both situations and what to do if you already clicked, replied, or sent money.

Credential theft Phishing emails

Fake login pages disguised as PayPal, Microsoft, Apple, banks, or social networks. The email pushes a link to a near-perfect copy of the real login screen. The moment you type your username and password, the attacker has them.

Common subject lines

• "Action required: confirm your account"
• "Your password expires today"
• "Unusual sign-in attempt detected"
• "Verify your billing information"

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

Trojans hidden inside fake invoices, faxes, shipping confirmations, or Office documents. Opening the attachment runs the payload and infects the system - often with an info-stealer or remote-access trojan.

Common subject lines

• "Invoice INV-2026-XXXX attached"
• "Fax received - 3 pages"
• "Your shipping document is ready"
• "Voicemail from +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX"

Extortion Sextortion emails

Fake claims of webcam recordings demanding cryptocurrency. Almost always a bluff: the attacker pulls a real password from an old data breach to make the threat look credible, then claims to have video of you. They have no recording and no access.

Common subject lines

• "I know your password is XXXX"
• "Your account has been hacked"
• "I have recorded you - 48 hours to pay"
• "You have been compromised"

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

"Your subscription was renewed for $499 - call to cancel." Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, PayPal, and Wells Fargo variants are all common. There's no real subscription. The phone number in the email connects directly to the scammer, who walks you through "refunding" yourself - which is actually them stealing money from your bank.

Common subject lines

• "Norton subscription auto-renewed - $499.99"
• "McAfee Total Protection invoice"
• "Geek Squad order confirmation"
• "Your PayPal payment is being processed"

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours - verify now." The artificial deadline is the whole point: it pressures you to click before checking details. The "verify" link goes to a phishing page styled to look like the real provider.

Common subject lines

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Suspicious activity detected - verify now"
• "Final warning: account closure"
• "Action required to keep your account active"

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

Fake DHL, USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking, customs fees, or "package undeliverable" notices. Targets anyone expecting a parcel - the timing alone catches many people. The link hides either phishing (asking for card details to "release" the package) or a malware download.

Common subject lines

• "Your DHL package is held at customs"
• "USPS - delivery attempt failed"
• "FedEx tracking update - action required"
• "Pay $2.99 redelivery fee to release your parcel"

Remote access Tech support scams

Fake Microsoft, Apple, or "Windows Defender" security alerts pushing a phone number. Real Microsoft and Apple never email a phone number to call. The number connects you to a scammer who asks for remote access to "fix" the imaginary problem and then demands payment.

Common subject lines

• "Microsoft Defender expired - renew now"
• "Apple ID security alert"
• "Critical: virus detected on your PC"
• "Windows license expired - call now"

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

Inheritance, lottery wins, romance, or business deals that ask for a small fee to release a much larger sum. The classic "Nigerian prince" 419 family of frauds. Once you pay the first fee, more fees appear (taxes, lawyer, transfer charges) until you stop paying. The promised money never exists.

Common subject lines

• "Inheritance from a relative you didn't know about"
• "You won the international lottery"
• "URGENT - business proposal worth $XX million"
• "Compensation fund release for fraud victims"

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

CEO impersonation asking employees to wire money or buy gift cards, or fake supplier invoices with newly "updated" bank details for payment redirection. The email often spoofs a real internal executive's display name and uses an external lookalike domain.

Common subject lines

• "Quick task - need you to buy gift cards"
• "Updated banking details for invoice payment"
• "Wire transfer request - urgent"
• "Are you available?" (CEO impersonation opener)

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

Check the sender's actual address, not the display name

30 sec

The display name (the human-readable part) is trivial to fake. Always check the full address that comes after it. Common red flags:

• Domain mismatch - service@paypa1.com, support@micros0ft-help.com, look-alike domains using digits or extra hyphens
• Free-email impersonation - any "official" message from a bank, courier, or platform sent from a @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or @yahoo.com address
• Reply-To mismatch - the From address looks legitimate but Reply-To points somewhere completely different

Why this matters

Real companies own their domains and send mail from them. A "DHL" message from a Gmail address is never legitimate, regardless of how convincing the body looks.

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

Scams almost always rush you. The point is to make you act before you think. Treat any of the following as a strong signal:

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Final notice" / "Immediate action required"
• "Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your real name
• Threats of fines, account closure, legal action, or arrest
• Promises of refunds, prizes, or money you didn't earn
• Spelling and grammar mistakes in messages claiming to come from a major brand

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

On a desktop, hover the mouse over the link without clicking. The real destination shows in the bottom-left status bar of your browser or email client. On a phone, long-press the link to preview the URL.

• Real Microsoft, PayPal, or bank links go to those exact domains, not redirects through unrelated sites
• Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co) hide the real destination - never click them in unsolicited mail
• The visible link text and the actual URL must match - mismatches are the single biggest phishing red flag

Pro tip

When in doubt, don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type the company's address yourself, then log in normally. If there really is an issue with your account, you'll see it there.

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

If you didn't ask for the file, don't open it - even if it appears to come from someone you know. Categories that should never be opened from email without verification through another channel:

• .exe, .scr, .iso, .img, .vbs, .bat - executables, never legitimate attachments
• .docx, .xlsx, .pptx with "Enable macros" prompts - the macros run the malware
• .pdf with "Click here to view" buttons - usually a phishing redirect, not a real document
• .zip, .rar, .7z archives, especially password-protected ones - the password defeats the email scanner

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

If you only received the email and didn't reply, click, or open anything, the steps below are all you need. Your computer is not infected.

5

Don't reply, don't click "unsubscribe"

30 sec

Replying confirms your address is real and monitored, which gets you added to higher-value scam lists. The "unsubscribe" link in a scam message is rarely a real opt-out - it usually leads to a phishing page or downloads a tracking pixel.

Instead, mark the message as junk or phishing inside your email client (this trains the spam filter), then block the sender.

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

• Gmail: open the message → ⋮ menu → Report phishing
• Outlook / Outlook.com: ⋯ menu → Report → Report phishing
• Apple Mail / iCloud: Move to Junk, then forward to reportphishing@apple.com

Forward or report to authorities:

• International: forward to reportphishing@apwg.org
• United States: ic3.gov (FBI)
• United Kingdom: forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC SERS); for financial loss report at reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
• Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
• Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
• EU: your national CERT - find yours via the ENISA CSIRT map

After reporting, delete the email and empty the Trash folder so you don't accidentally open it later.

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

Pick the step below that matches what you did. If multiple apply, work through them in the order they appear - the steps are arranged from lowest to highest risk.

7

You only clicked a link (didn't enter anything or download anything)

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

Close the page right away. Don't enter any information, even if the page looks legitimate.

• Clear your browser cache and cookies for the last hour - Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Del → Last hour → check Cookies and Cached files
• Run a quick scan with Combo Cleaner in case the page tried to drop a file silently (drive-by download)
• Update your browser to the latest version - most drive-by exploits target outdated browsers
• Watch for new browser pop-ups, redirects, or unfamiliar notifications over the next few days

Why this matters

Modern browsers block most drive-by attacks, but a single click on a phishing page can still be enough on an outdated browser or unpatched plugin. A quick scan catches anything that landed silently.

8

You opened an attachment or downloaded a file - run a full malware scan

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

Opening an attachment is the most common path to actual infection. Treat the system as compromised until the scans below come back clean. Work through these sub-steps in order:

8.1Disconnect from the network

Unplug Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi. If the attachment was an info-stealer or remote-access trojan, this stops it from sending data out or receiving commands. Keep the network off until you've booted into Safe Mode (next step) - you'll reconnect there briefly to download the scanners.

8.2Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then download the scanners

Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: hold Shift, click Power → Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in 8.4) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in 8.5). Safe Mode loads only minimal drivers, so most malware can't auto-run while you're getting the tools. Save both installers to your Desktop.

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads - this is what catches rootkits and bootkits.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review what it found, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and remove their persistence in the registry.

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe). The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

Many email-borne trojans drop adware that hijacks browsers. Reset each browser you use:

Chrome: chrome://settings/reset → Restore settings to their original defaults. Then chrome://settings/content/notifications - remove unfamiliar sites.

Edge: edge://settings/reset. Then edge://settings/content/notifications.

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

8.7Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Then run Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and update browsers and applications.

Important

If the scans keep finding new threats on each run, or files reappear after deletion, you may have a deeper compromise that needs a clean Windows reinstall. See pcrisk's full manual malware removal guide for the extended procedure (Process Explorer, Autoruns, hosts file inspection).

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

Assume the attacker has your password and is using it right now. Speed matters.

1. Change the password from a different, known-clean device (your phone is fine if it's not infected). Don't reuse the old password anywhere else.
2. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Prefer an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS.
3. Sign out of all sessions - most platforms have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings, which kicks the attacker out.
4. Review recent activity - look for unfamiliar logins, new devices, forwarding rules, or app permissions. Remove anything you don't recognize.
5. Check your other accounts - if you reused that password anywhere else, change it there too. Check your exposure at haveibeenpwned.com.
6. Update security questions - the attacker may have seen the answers in your account profile.

Why email comes first

If you only have time to change one password, change your primary email password - it's the recovery hub for every other account. An attacker who controls your email can reset everything else.

10

You sent money or shared bank, card, or ID details

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

Time is the single biggest factor in recovering money. Banks can sometimes recall a wire or reverse a card transaction within the first few hours.

1. Call your bank or card issuer immediately. Use the number on the back of the card, not any number from the scam email. Ask them to freeze the card, reverse the transaction if possible, and flag the account for fraud monitoring.
2. If you sent a wire transfer or used a money-transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, Wise), call them directly and request a recall. Some can be reversed within minutes if reported fast.
3. If you sent cryptocurrency or gift cards, recovery is unlikely - but report it anyway, since law enforcement tracks these patterns.
4. File a police report. You'll need the report number for any insurance, bank, or credit-bureau claim. Save the report number.
5. File with the right authority for your country:
   • US: ic3.gov + reportfraud.ftc.gov
   • UK: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
   • Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
   • Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
   • EU: your national CERT or police cybercrime unit
6. Set fraud alerts on all major credit bureaus if you shared any ID details. US: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (Cifas Protective Registration is a stronger option).
7. Save all evidence - the original email (with full headers), screenshots of the fake site, transaction records, any phone numbers or chat logs.

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner, followed by a Windows Defender quick scan. Then open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to Startup apps - disable anything unfamiliar.

Make sure Windows, browsers, and any applications you use are fully up to date. The infection vector that worked on you once usually involves outdated software.

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most fraud follow-ups land in the first month. Until that window closes, keep watching:

• Bank and card statements - daily for the first week, then weekly
• Email - watch for password-reset confirmations or login alerts you didn't trigger
• Credit report - US: free at annualcreditreport.com; UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion all have free tiers
• Breach alerts - sign up at haveibeenpwned.com to be notified when your email appears in new leaks

If anything new appears in any of those, treat it as a continuing compromise: change passwords again, contact the bank again, and update the police report.

Important: If you didn't click anything, didn't reply, and didn't open any attachment, your computer is not infected - just delete the email and move on. If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there. That path catches the vast majority of email-borne malware without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Phishers often send out large volumes of emails to a broad audience, hoping that some recipients will fall for the scam. These emails may be crafted to seem relevant to a wide range of people. However, it is uncommon for them to be personalized.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by this email, what should I do?

If you have unintentionally shared your login credentials due to a phishing email, promptly update the password for the affected account. Additionally, inform the service provider of the compromised account about the phishing incident.

I have downloaded and opened a file attached to an email, is my computer infected?

The chances of infection are significant if the file is an executable. Conversely, in the case of a document (.pdf, .doc, or similar), you might have sidestepped the risk, as opening the document alone may not necessarily result in malware infiltrating the system.

I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?

Merely opening an email poses no inherent threat. The risk arises when one clicks on links embedded within the email or opens attached files, actions that can potentially lead to system infections.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?

Certainly, Combo Cleaner has the capability to identify and eradicate nearly all known malware infections. Conducting a comprehensive full system scan is imperative for thorough detection and removal, as high-end malware tends to hide deep in the operating system.