diff --git a/OpenSim/Region/CoreModules/Avatar/InstantMessage/InstantMessageModule.cs b/OpenSim/Region/CoreModules/Avatar/InstantMessage/InstantMessageModule.cs
index bafb802cf9..af395657dd 100644
--- a/OpenSim/Region/CoreModules/Avatar/InstantMessage/InstantMessageModule.cs
+++ b/OpenSim/Region/CoreModules/Avatar/InstantMessage/InstantMessageModule.cs
@@ -158,7 +158,8 @@ namespace OpenSim.Region.CoreModules.Avatar.InstantMessage
 
             if (m_TransferModule != null)
             {
-                im.fromAgentName = client.FirstName + " " + client.LastName;
+                if (client != null)
+                    im.fromAgentName = client.FirstName + " " + client.LastName;
                 m_TransferModule.SendInstantMessage(im,
                     delegate(bool success)
                     {