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How can I spot scam texts pretending to be from Posten, DHL or UPS?

Warning signs, real customs notices and what to do if you clicked.

Answered at: Checked at:

Short answer

Scam texts using the names Posten, DHL or UPS often ask for a fee or card details through a link and push you to act quickly. Do not click. Check the parcel yourself in the Posten app or on the carrier's own website. Posten sends notices about import VAT and customs through its app, Digipost or by letter.

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Why

  1. Posten says fake messages in its name or Bring's often concern tracking, a parcel ready for pickup or a fee that must be paid.
  2. A real-looking sender proves nothing, because Posten points out that sender addresses are easy to fake.
  3. DHL says the only payments it requests by email or SMS are customs duties and taxes, and that scam texts often hide the real link behind a shortened URL such as bit.ly.

Details

Other warning signs are requests for a username, password or card details and a message that says something is urgent. Genuine Posten import fees are paid on Posten's own payment page with Vipps or a card. UPS advises that if you are unsure about a text, you should not click any links or open attachments, and should check the tracking number on ups.com instead.

Tip

If you have given your card details, contact your bank or card issuer at once, change your passwords and report the fraud to the police.

What may differ

Real customs charges do exist: Posten clears parcels from abroad with unpaid import VAT when they arrive in Norway, and DHL may ask for customs duties by SMS, so check the amount and tracking number on the carrier's own site.

Common misconception

A message from a sender that looks like Posten's real address is safe.

What actually happens

Sender addresses are easy to fake, so Posten says a real-looking sender is no sign that the message is genuine.

People also ask

  • Is the text message from Posten about a parcel fee a scam?
  • Is a text from UPS about customs fees a scam?

Sources

Information checked on 15 October 2026.

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