diff --git a/tipbot/helpers/utils.py b/tipbot/helpers/utils.py
index 0645853..4e28899 100644
--- a/tipbot/helpers/utils.py
+++ b/tipbot/helpers/utils.py
@@ -26,9 +26,9 @@ def reply_user(msg, context, text, pm=True, delete=False):
         else:
             msg.reply_text(text)
     except Unauthorized:
-        msg.reply_text(f'@{msg.from_user.username}: You have to initiate a convo with the bot first: https://t.me/{context.bot.username}')
+        msg.reply_text(f'You have to initiate a convo with the bot first: https://t.me/{context.bot.username}')
     except:
-        msg.reply_text(f'@{msg.from_user.username}: Something borked -_-')
+        msg.reply_text(f'Something borked -_-')
 
     if delete:
         msg.delete()