High riskEmail Scams

Voicemail Notification Email Scam

This scam emails a fake 'new voicemail' or 'missed call' notification with a link or attachment to 'listen', which leads to a phishing login page or downloads malware.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Notification-lure phishing
Main red flag
An email says you have a voicemail and links or attaches a file to 'play' it.
What to do first
Do not click or open the attachment. Check voicemail through your real phone system.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam emails a fake 'new voicemail' or 'missed call' notification with a link or attachment to 'listen', which leads to a phishing login page or downloads malware.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'New Voicemail (0:42) received. Click to listen to your message before it is deleted: [suspicious link]' or an attached 'voicemail.html' file.

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.

Red flags to watch for

  • A voicemail notification arriving by email unexpectedly
  • A link or attachment to 'play' the message
  • A login page appearing when you try to listen
  • A threat that the message will be deleted soon
  • A sender address unrelated to your phone provider

What to do

  • Check voicemail through your actual phone or provider's app
  • Do not open attachments or click links in the email
  • Report the email as phishing and delete it
  • Run a security scan if you opened anything

If you already clicked or replied

  • If a login page appeared and you entered details, change that password immediately
  • If you opened an attachment, run a security scan
  • Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
  • Update any reused passwords from a trusted device

What not to do

  • Do not open 'voicemail' attachments
  • Do not enter login details to 'listen'
  • Do not trust the urgency to play it now

Similar scams

High risk Email

Malware Attachment Scam

In a malware attachment scam, an email arrives with a file posing as an invoice, receipt, CV, statement or delivery note. Opening the attachment, or clicking a prompt to 'enable content' or 'enable macros', can quietly install malware that steals passwords, banking logins or files. The message is often crafted to feel urgent or routine so you act before thinking. Treating every unexpected attachment with caution, and verifying it through a separate channel, is one of the most effective defences.
Medium risk Email

WeTransfer File Scam

This scam imitates WeTransfer or a similar file-sharing service. You receive an email saying a contact has sent you files, with a prominent Download button. Instead of delivering a file, the link opens a fake login page designed to capture your email address and password, often your work account. Because file transfers feel routine at work, many people click without checking. Treating an unexpected transfer with caution and verifying the sender first are the safest responses.
Medium risk Email

Email Storage Full Scam

This scam warns that your mailbox or storage is full and that you will stop receiving messages unless you 'verify' or 'upgrade' through a link. The link leads to a fake webmail login page that captures your email password.

Frequently asked questions

Do voicemail systems email me a file to open?
Some genuine systems email audio, but scammers imitate this to deliver phishing pages or malware. Check voicemail through your real phone or provider app instead.
Why does clicking ask me to log in?
The fake 'listen' page is a credential trap. A real audio message would not require you to enter your email or account password.
I opened the attachment. What now?
Run a security scan, and if you entered any details on a page that opened, change those passwords from a trusted device.
How can I tell it is fake?
Check whether the sender matches your phone provider, and be wary of urgency and attachments. When unsure, verify through your real voicemail.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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.