Full Notification

VPD Cyber Crime Unit has been investigating the report of a fraudulent email being widely dispersed containing computer malware.

Following the report of a Valdez citizen and subsequent investigation, the VPD CCU is sharing the following information to help you protect your computers and/or networks. Fraudulent emails are being dispersed claiming to be from DHL Express (a shipping company). The fraudulent emails use a convincing template and stationary, written in English with proper grammar, proper formatting, and using the DHL Express company logo. The emails claim to be providing important information regarding your package being shipped, provide a fictitious tracking number, and a .pdf attachment regarding your tracking number. Victims have been reported nationwide.

If you are not expecting a package from DHL Express, or otherwise not currently doing business with DHL Express, this is very likely a fraudulent email. The attached file is a Trojan Horse, a form of malware that lets hackers access your computer. Do not open the attached file, and do not click on any links provided in the email. Simply delete the email and clear it from you recycle bin. VPD reminds you to always use caution when opening attachments from unknown senders.

If you are doing business with DHL Express and you receive this type of email and are not sure about the authenticity of your email, you may call DHL customer service at 1-800-225-5345 to verify.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself from falling victim to this type of fraud, or to file a complaint, visit http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/

Please report all fraudulent electronic communication to the Valdez Police Department's Cyber Crime Unit so we may best serve our community in keeping our citizens informed of these schemes- 907-835-4560.