diff --git a/cron/scheduler.py b/cron/scheduler.py
index a03f00b76d269..8b84b1ce3438e 100644
--- a/cron/scheduler.py
+++ b/cron/scheduler.py
@@ -572,7 +572,7 @@ def tick(verbose: bool = True) -> int:
                 # output is already saved above).  Failed jobs always deliver.
                 deliver_content = final_response if success else f"⚠️ Cron job '{job.get('name', job['id'])}' failed:\n{error}"
                 should_deliver = bool(deliver_content)
-                if should_deliver and success and deliver_content.strip().upper().startswith(SILENT_MARKER):
+                if should_deliver and success and deliver_content.strip().upper() == SILENT_MARKER:
                     logger.info("Job '%s': agent returned %s — skipping delivery", job["id"], SILENT_MARKER)
                     should_deliver = False