DHL parcel but I've not ordered anything!

Ehwhat

Hello
Can anyone advise in the situation below? I am both perplexed and concerned by it.

On Thursday I recieved a text from DHL saying that I needed to pay £33 import duty. I promptly deleted this text thinking it was a scam. This morning I received another text from DHL saying that my parcel is due for delivery on the 25th. This text had a parcel tracking number on it which I then tracked via the proper DHL website. From this I found out that a company is Las Vegas has sent me something:eek:

This was even more surprising as I haven't ordered anything at all.

Alarmed at this I phoned DHL and asked what was going on. They said that the Las Vegas company had asked them to deliver merchandise to me and that import duty was payable. I informed them that I haven't ordered anything and that I didn't want the parcel. DHL responded that their client had asked them to deliver the goods and that their contract was with them so they would indeed try to deliver the parcel. They did say that I could refuse delivery. They couldn't tell me anymore about the parcel contents. They wouldn't allow me to refuse delivery over the phone and said that I needed to wait until the 25th and the delivery person is stood in front of me.

I am concerned that this is a scam or fraud and I told DHL that as well.

I have since also had 2 phone calls from DHL requesting payment.

I have alerted my bank and cancelled and ordered new cards, however I am concerned about the import duty due what happens to that when the parcel is refused, will DHL attempt delivery with the outstanding duty?
If so could I ask them to hold it at the depot and then go in to depot to refuse it there? What are the other potential implications for me? It is fair to say it is causing me a fair bit of stress.

Sorry it is a long post and thank you.
Ehwhat

visidigi

Ehwhat wrote: »

Hello
Can anyone advise in the situation below? I am both perplexed and concerned by it.

On Thursday I recieved a text from DHL saying that I needed to pay £33 import duty. I promptly deleted this text thinking it was a scam. This morning I received another text from DHL saying that my parcel is due for delivery on the 25th. This text had a parcel tracking number on it which I then tracked via the proper DHL website. From this I found out that a company is Las Vegas has sent me something:eek:

This was even more surprising as I haven't ordered anything at all.

Alarmed at this I phoned DHL and asked what was going on. They said that the Las Vegas company had asked them to deliver merchandise to me and that import duty was payable. I informed them that I haven't ordered anything and that I didn't want the parcel. DHL responded that their client had asked them to deliver the goods and that their contract was with them so they would indeed try to deliver the parcel. They did say that I could refuse delivery. They couldn't tell me anymore about the parcel contents. They wouldn't allow me to refuse delivery over the phone and said that I needed to wait until the 25th and the delivery person is stood in front of me.

I am concerned that this is a scam or fraud and I told DHL that as well.

I have since also had 2 phone calls from DHL requesting payment.

I have alerted my bank and cancelled and ordered new cards, however I am concerned about the import duty due what happens to that when the parcel is refused, will DHL attempt delivery with the outstanding duty?
If so could I ask them to hold it at the depot and then go in to depot to refuse it there? What are the other potential implications for me? It is fair to say it is causing me a fair bit of stress.

Sorry it is a long post and thank you.
Ehwhat

Ever been to Vegas? Know any companies there that might send you something?

You need to calm down cancelling cards is total over reaction for something you didnt order. If you refuse to pay it the shipper will be contacted for next steps,just relax,its no biggie, happens all the time...

usefulmale

Ehwhat wrote: »

Hello
Can anyone advise in the situation below? I am both perplexed and concerned by it.

On Thursday I recieved a text from DHL saying that I needed to pay £33 import duty. I promptly deleted this text thinking it was a scam. This morning I received another text from DHL saying that my parcel is due for delivery on the 25th. This text had a parcel tracking number on it which I then tracked via the proper DHL website. From this I found out that a company is Las Vegas has sent me something:eek:

This was even more surprising as I haven't ordered anything at all.

Alarmed at this I phoned DHL and asked what was going on. They said that the Las Vegas company had asked them to deliver merchandise to me and that import duty was payable. I informed them that I haven't ordered anything and that I didn't want the parcel. DHL responded that their client had asked them to deliver the goods and that their contract was with them so they would indeed try to deliver the parcel. They did say that I could refuse delivery. They couldn't tell me anymore about the parcel contents. They wouldn't allow me to refuse delivery over the phone and said that I needed to wait until the 25th and the delivery person is stood in front of me.

I am concerned that this is a scam or fraud and I told DHL that as well.

I have since also had 2 phone calls from DHL requesting payment.

I have alerted my bank and cancelled and ordered new cards, however I am concerned about the import duty due what happens to that when the parcel is refused, will DHL attempt delivery with the outstanding duty?
If so could I ask them to hold it at the depot and then go in to depot to refuse it there? What are the other potential implications for me? It is fair to say it is causing me a fair bit of stress.

Sorry it is a long post and thank you.
Ehwhat

If DHL ask you again for any payment, refer them to 'their client'.

You have no contract with them whatsoever.

unholyangel

Entered any competitions? Have any friends that might have ordered you a gift?

Do you know the details of the company that sent it? Perhaps they might be able to shed some light? How did DHL get your phone number? From the company or perhaps from previous deliveries?

dj1471

DHL usually tell you the name of the company or person the delivery is coming from, so contact them and ask what it is.

If DHL turn up on the doorstep with it you can reject it, but take a look at the package and customs declaration first.

If you do reject it the package will be returned to the sender so the duty and fees won't be payable.

marlot

The customs declaration should say what's in it.

I'd be tempted to open it in front of the DHL employee and see if its something you want. If not, refuse the parcel.

custardy

marlot wrote: »

The customs declaration should say what's in it.

I'd be tempted to open it in front of the DHL employee and see if its something you want. If not, refuse the parcel.

You think they will accept it back as 'refused' once you have opened it?
You would be accepting the parcel and the driver would be off,not hanging about.

visidigi

marlot wrote: »

The customs declaration should say what's in it.

I'd be tempted to open it in front of the DHL employee and see if its something you want. If not, refuse the parcel.

You won't be allowed to open it unless debt is settled first.

DoaM

Like most couriers (except perhaps Parcel Force) DHL don't hang around waiting for someone to pay for the parcel ... they deliver and then invoice later.

visidigi

DoaM wrote: »

Like most couriers (except perhaps Parcel Force) DHL don't hang around waiting for someone to pay for the parcel ... they deliver and then invoice later.

Less and less are doing this unless you have a deferment payment account because people keep refusing to pay the fees, arguing they don't owe the duty.

So sub £50 the couriers are holding more and more before delivery to ensure they get paid. Otherwise its queried with the shipper if they will pay for return or if the package should be destroyed.