diff --git a/config.toml b/config.toml
index f0a052b..109efd2 100644
--- a/config.toml
+++ b/config.toml
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ reject_future_seconds = 1800
 #api_secret = "<ln bits api>"
 
 # Nostr direct message on signup
-#direct_message=true
+#direct_message=false
 
 # Terms of service
 #terms_message = """
diff --git a/src/config.rs b/src/config.rs
index 9222821..52f0922 100644
--- a/src/config.rs
+++ b/src/config.rs
@@ -320,7 +320,7 @@ impl Default for Settings {
                 node_url: "".to_string(),
                 api_secret: "".to_string(),
                 sign_ups: false,
-                direct_message: true,
+                direct_message: false,
                 secret_key: None,
                 processor: Processor::LNBits,
             },
diff --git a/src/db.rs b/src/db.rs
index d0843fd..ee31735 100644
--- a/src/db.rs
+++ b/src/db.rs
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ pub async fn db_writer(
                     ) => {
                         // User does not exist
                         info!("Unregistered user");
-                        if settings.pay_to_relay.sign_ups {
+                        if settings.pay_to_relay.sign_ups && settings.pay_to_relay.direct_message {
                             payment_tx
                                 .send(PaymentMessage::NewAccount(event.pubkey))
                                 .ok();