diff --git a/client/helpers/backgroundHelper.go b/client/helpers/backgroundHelper.go
index ebf42e6..313c785 100644
--- a/client/helpers/backgroundHelper.go
+++ b/client/helpers/backgroundHelper.go
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ func CheckForMessages(storage_path string, job *client.RequestsJob) (int, string
 		if err != nil {
 			return -1, "CheckMessages: ProcessInboundServerResponse", err
 		}
-		if len(fs_msg.Chat) > 0 || fs_msg.Invitation.Step == 3 {
+		if len(fs_msg.Chat) > 0 || (fs_msg.Invitation != nil && fs_msg.Invitation.Step == 3) {
 			// chat or invitation answer => save the server message
 
 			out, err := proto.Marshal(fs_msg)