diff --git a/mods/chatplus/init.lua b/mods/chatplus/init.lua
index 15df456..fadbfa5 100644
--- a/mods/chatplus/init.lua
+++ b/mods/chatplus/init.lua
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ minetest.register_chatcommand("mail", {
 	description = "mail: add a message to a player's inbox",
 	func = function(name, param)
 		chatplus.poke(name)
-		local to, msg = string.match(param, "([%a%d_]+) (.+)")
+		local to, msg = string.match(param, "^([%a%d_-]+) (.+)")
 
 		if not to or not msg then
 			minetest.chat_send_player(name,"mail: <playername> <msg>",false)