diff --git a/files/helpers/alerts.py b/files/helpers/alerts.py
index 959412ec6..cfd678f1b 100644
--- a/files/helpers/alerts.py
+++ b/files/helpers/alerts.py
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ def NOTIFY_USERS(text, v, oldtext=None, ghost=False, obj=None, followers_ping=Tr
 	if len(notify_users) > 400 and v.admin_level < PERMS['POST_COMMENT_INFINITE_PINGS']:
 		abort(403, "You can only notify a maximum of 400 users.")
 
-	if v.shadowbanned or obj.is_banned:
+	if v.shadowbanned or (obj and obj.is_banned):
 		notify_users = set(x[0] for x in g.db.query(User.id).filter(User.id.in_(notify_users), User.admin_level >= PERMS['USER_SHADOWBAN']).all())
 
 	return notify_users - BOT_IDs - {v.id, 0} - v.all_twoway_blocks - v.muters