diff --git a/src/callbacks.py b/src/callbacks.py
index 54b3d3023..5c4ec44ff 100644
--- a/src/callbacks.py
+++ b/src/callbacks.py
@@ -1154,7 +1154,7 @@ class Privmsg(irclib.IrcCallback):
         names = registry.split(name)
         for name in names:
             group = group.get(name)
-        if channel is not None:
+        if channel is not None and ircutils.isChannel(channel):
             group = group.get(channel)
         if value:
             return group()