diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index e686b5d..1e35fb0 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -49,6 +49,9 @@ end
 bounty.set_nametag_color = function(player_name)
     local player = minetest.get_player_by_name(player_name)
     local props = player:get_properties()
+    if bounty.data[player_name] == nil then
+        bounty.register(player_name, 0)
+    end
     if bounty.data[player_name] > 10000 then
         player:set_properties({ nametag_color = "#ffffff" })
     elseif bounty.data[player_name] > 1000 then