diff --git a/code/modules/client/client procs.dm b/code/modules/client/client procs.dm
index a0e2629dd20..a6216c87b1a 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/client procs.dm	
+++ b/code/modules/client/client procs.dm	
@@ -79,8 +79,7 @@
 		if(!C) // Might be a stealthmin ID, so pass it in straight
 			C = href_list["priv_msg"]
 		else if(C.UID() != href_list["priv_msg"])
-			to_chat(src, "<span class='danger'>Error: Private-Message: Client not found.</span>")
-			return
+			C = null // 404 client not found. Let cmd_admin_pm handle the error
 		cmd_admin_pm(C, null, href_list["type"])
 		return