diff --git a/keychain_mac.cpp b/keychain_mac.cpp
index 52e5095..19a1157 100644
--- a/keychain_mac.cpp
+++ b/keychain_mac.cpp
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ void deletePassword(const std::string &package, const std::string &service,
         }
     }
 
-    if (item) {
+    if (!err && item) {
         CFRelease(item);
     }