Is a 'we tried to deliver your package' voicemail real?
Treat it with caution. Unsolicited voicemails about a missed delivery — especially ones that ask you to call back or pay a fee — are frequently smishing or vishing scams.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Fraudsters leave automated or recorded voicemails claiming that a delivery attempt failed and that you must call back a number or visit a link to reschedule or pay a redelivery fee. The callback number connects to scammers, not a real carrier, and may lead to requests for card details, personal information, or remote access to your device.
Legitimate couriers do leave missed-delivery notifications, but genuine ones typically leave a physical card at your door or use the carrier's own app and official website to show delivery status. A voicemail that only provides a phone number to call — with no tracking number you can independently verify — is a significant red flag. If you are expecting a parcel, go directly to the carrier's official website and enter your tracking number to confirm its status. Never call back a number from a voicemail you didn't initiate.
Common red flags
- Voicemail about a delivery you weren't expecting
- The only action required is to call back a number or click a link
- No tracking number provided, or the number doesn't match the carrier's records
- Urgency — 'your parcel will be returned within 24 hours'
- The callback number is a premium-rate or unusual number
- Voicemail is automated or robocalled with no carrier branding
What to do now
- Do not call back the number in the voicemail
- Go directly to the carrier's official website and check your tracking number
- If you were expecting a parcel, check your front door for a physical delivery card
- Report the number to your national fraud service
- If you called back and gave card or personal details, contact your bank immediately
Frequently asked questions
The voicemail mentioned a specific carrier I use. Could it be genuine?
Carrier names are easy to include in a script. Verify by going to the carrier's official website directly and checking your tracking number — not by calling the number in the voicemail.
Is calling back a voicemail number always risky?
Calling back an unverified number from an unsolicited voicemail can connect you to a scammer. Look up the carrier's official number independently before calling anyone about a parcel.
What if the voicemail includes the last four digits of my address?
Partial address or postcode details can be obtained from data breaches or public records. Knowing some of your details doesn't confirm the caller is genuine.