DHL Ireland has issued a warning to customers about a potential scam targeting individuals ahead of the Christmas season, following reports of fraudulent activity in Tallaght. The scam involves counterfeit “Sorry We Missed You” cards left in people’s homes, directing recipients to a fake DHL website.
The Scam Explained
The scam targets unsuspecting customers by placing seemingly legitimate “Not Home” cards in letterboxes. These cards resemble official DHL notifications, but instead of redirecting customers to the legitimate DHL website, they lead to a fraudulent site. The scammers include a QR code on the card, which, when scanned, takes victims to a fake platform designed to steal personal information or payments.
Local residents in Tallaght raised the alarm after spotting these deceptive cards, prompting concerns on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Images of the fake cards quickly circulated, warning others to be cautious.
DHL’s Official Statement
In response to the growing concerns, DHL Ireland clarified the situation. The company confirmed that it does leave official “Not Home” cards for customers when deliveries cannot be made. However, these genuine cards direct recipients to DHL’s verified website, where they can reschedule their delivery through the On Demand Delivery service, the post is available on their Irish Facebook page:(1) dhl ireland – Search Results | Facebook .
DHL Ireland provided an example of their authentic card, highlighting the correct QR code that leads to the legitimate website. They reassured customers that scanning the QR code on official cards would direct them to DHL’s official platform. The company also reminded customers that they could manually visit the URL DHL.ie/ondemand to ensure they are on the correct site.
Safety Tips and Advice
DHL Ireland urged vigilance, advising that customers who encounter cards that look suspicious or lead to unfamiliar websites should avoid interacting with them. They emphasized the importance of checking that any QR codes or URLs match the official DHL domains.
“Safety Tip: If you’re directed to a different address or encounter cards that don’t match our sample, do not interact with them,” DHL Ireland cautioned.
The Growing Threat of Scams During the Holidays
The rise in online shopping during the holiday season has made delivery services like DHL more vulnerable to scams, as fraudsters attempt to exploit busy shoppers and delivery drivers. DHL’s warning serves as a reminder to remain cautious when receiving delivery-related communications, especially around the festive period when fraud tends to increase.
The company expressed gratitude to the public for their awareness and urged everyone to report any suspicious activity to help protect other potential victims from falling prey to similar scams.
Conclusion
With the Christmas shopping season in full swing, DHL Ireland’s warning is a timely reminder to stay vigilant against scams. Customers are encouraged to always verify the legitimacy of any delivery notices, especially those that involve QR codes or links to unfamiliar websites. By following these guidelines, consumers can ensure that they avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes and keep their personal information safe.
