diff --git a/files/helpers/alerts.py b/files/helpers/alerts.py
index c8bfeb0ac..eee3a3343 100644
--- a/files/helpers/alerts.py
+++ b/files/helpers/alerts.py
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ def NOTIFY_USERS(text, v, oldtext=None, ghost=False, log_cost=None):
 			notify_users.update(members)
 
 			if ghost or v.id not in member_ids:
-				if group.name == 'verifiedrich':
+				if group and group.name == 'verifiedrich':
 					abort(403, f"Only !verifiedrich members can mention it!")
 				cost += len(members) * 10
 				if cost > v.coins: