Medium riskPhone & Voice

Voicemail Callback Scam

This scam leaves a voicemail urging you to call back urgently about a parcel, account, or prize, but the callback number is premium-rate or connects you to a scammer who extracts details or money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Callback (premium rate)
Main red flag
A voicemail urging an urgent callback to an unfamiliar number.
What to do first
Do not call back. Verify any claim through the organisation's official number.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam leaves a voicemail urging you to call back urgently about a parcel, account, or prize, but the callback number is premium-rate or connects you to a scammer who extracts details or money.

Phone and voice scams, known as vishing, use live callers and robocalls to impersonate banks, retailers, agencies, and tech support. The call is a doorway to remote access, one-time codes, or moving money, and phone contact carries some of the highest reported losses.

The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A voicemail urging an urgent callback to an unfamiliar number. Do not call back. Verify any claim through the organisation's official number.

Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the One Ring Call Scam or the Callback Phishing Scam, browse the Phone & Voice Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.

By the numbers

Highest median loss
phone calls are the contact method with the highest reported median loss to fraud
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$2.7B
reported lost to imposter scams in the US in 2023
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Example message pattern

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'This is an urgent message about your account. Call us back immediately on this number to avoid action.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Why this is a red flag: A voicemail urging an urgent callback to an unfamiliar number.

Red flags to watch for

  • A voicemail urging an urgent callback
  • An unfamiliar or premium-rate callback number
  • Vague claims about an account, parcel, or prize
  • Pressure to call back to avoid consequences
  • No detail you can verify

What to do

  • Verify any claim through the organisation's official number
  • Do not call back unfamiliar numbers from voicemails
  • Check accounts directly through official apps
  • Report and delete the message

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you called and shared details, contact your bank if money or cards were involved
  • Check your phone bill for premium-rate charges
  • Change passwords if you shared logins
  • Report it to your carrier

What not to do

  • Do not call back unfamiliar callback numbers
  • Do not share details on the callback
  • Do not let urgency rush you

Similar scams

Low risk Text Message

One Ring Call Scam

In this scam, also called Wangiri, a single ring comes from an international or premium-rate number hoping curiosity makes you call back, connecting you to a costly premium line that charges by the minute.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Bank & Payment

Callback Phishing Scam

In this scam, an email or text about a charge, order, or security issue urges you to call a number, where a fake agent talks you into sharing details, installing remote access, or moving money.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Text Message

Fake Voicemail Text Scam

This scam sends a text or email claiming you have a new voicemail or missed call, with a link to 'listen' that leads to a phishing page or prompts you to install an app.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Frequently asked questions

Why call back a specific number?
The number may be premium-rate, charging you heavily, or connect to a scammer who extracts details or money. Verify through official channels instead.
The voicemail sounded official. Is it real?
Vague, urgent voicemails urging a callback are a common scam. Check any genuine account or delivery through official apps and numbers.
I called back and shared details. What now?
Contact your bank if money or cards were involved, change shared passwords, check your phone bill, and report it.
How do I check messages safely?
Log in to the relevant account through its official app or call the organisation on a number from your card, bill, or official site.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.