Fake Ghana Post and DHL Messages: The Parcel Clearance Fee Scam Explained

Short answer: texts saying your Ghana Post, DHL or other courier parcel "cannot be delivered" or is "held for clearance" until you pay a small fee through a link are phishing scams. The link leads to a fake courier site that steals your card, bank or MoMo details. Check your parcel only on the courier's official website, typed yourself, using a tracking number you got when you ordered.

What the message looks like

• "Ghana Post: your parcel is on hold due to incomplete address. Update here: [link]"
• "DHL: customs fee of GH¢18 unpaid. Pay within 24 hours or the parcel will be returned."
• A short or strange link, not the courier's real website.
• Pressure: the parcel will be "returned" or the fee will rise.

Ghana's Cyber Security Authority has issued an alert about this scam, which rises in the festive season when more people expect parcels.

How to check if a parcel message is real

1. Ask yourself: am I expecting a parcel? Do I have a tracking number from the sender?
2. Do not click the link. Type the courier's website yourself and enter your own tracking number.
3. Call the courier on the number from its official website.
4. Real customs duties are shown on official tracking and paid through official channels, with a receipt.

Already clicked or paid?

• Card: call your bank to block it.
• MoMo: call your provider and change your PIN.
• Report to the Cyber Security Authority on 292, and report the number on TrustCheck.

DHL asks people to forward fake DHL messages to phishing@dhl.com. See also parcel scam texts abroad and Christmas scams in Ghana.