Today I received what appeared to be a valid email from DHL. I opened it, especially as I’ve ordered quite a few items online recently, and am still expecting a few items and thought it may be delivery details.
1. First thing I noticed that alerted me was the request for £1.99 to deliver my item – I’ve paid for or have free delivery on all the items I’ve ordered.
2. I clicked on the attachment to see the order details and the screen was blank – it was untitled?! Naughty me.
3. The registered address on the email is clearly not a valid UK address.
4. I pressed reply and the address was clearly suspicious. info@dhl-freedom.com = the.com contradicts the UK address and the email address they list is .co.uk
Because I’m a naturally suspicious person and my scam alert had been alerted 🤪🤪
I did a Google search and this is what came up:
I then asked Google ‘what is DHL-freedom.com? and this is what I got : https://conversation.which.co.uk/money/dhl-scam-phishing-email-collect-parcel/
I am hyper aware of phishing emails and spam emails and am always suspicious of any emails that pop up that I’m not expecting/signed up for.
Usually I just delete anything I’m not sure about or send it to the spam box if it is obvious its spam. But because I’m expecting parcels I opened it to see if its delivery details. See point #2 🤔🤨🤨🤨
Same as phone calls, if the number is not listed in my phone I don’t answer the call. If its legitimate, they’ll leave a message and then I’ll phone back if I recognise the name.
If when occasionally I’m not thinking and answer the call and it’s a call-centre and they launch into their sales spiel I usually tell them to take ‘french leave’ and hang up. Can’t be bothered. If I’m in the mood I tell them the call is being traced and if they don’t remove my details from their list I’m going sue them. Works a charm…they always ring off pronto. Because sometimes the name that shows up is legitimate; they’re so damn sneaky.
I NEVER answer any overseas number eg +001 or 333 or similar and I NEVER say “Yes” if the person on the other end asks “is that Cindy *****” – I always reply with “who may I ask is calling?”.
Back to the email scams, its vitally important to be aware and before responding, just look through the email and if you’re really not sure then do a few Google searches…even ask is ‘such and such spam? You’ll quickly get a reply and do a search on the Which? website, they’re usually well ahead of any scams or phishing issues.
I hope this post helps you avoid being scammed and if you have an elderly relative who uses email, please do chat to them about this type of scam, even if, like DHL it appears to be a legitimate company/email.
What is phishing? Ref wikipedia
Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
Typically carried out by email spoofing, instant messaging, and text messaging, phishing often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website which matches the look and feel of the legitimate site.
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