diff --git a/boa/vyper/contract.py b/boa/vyper/contract.py
index b7b79284..bd2fc424 100644
--- a/boa/vyper/contract.py
+++ b/boa/vyper/contract.py
@@ -307,8 +307,8 @@ def _check(cond, msg=""):
         _check(
             err == frame.pretty_vm_reason
             or err == frame.error_detail
-            or err == frame.dev_reason.reason_str,
-            "does not match {args}",
+            or (frame.dev_reason and err == frame.dev_reason.reason_str),
+            f"does not match {args}",
         )
         return