diff --git a/services/web/project/__init__.py b/services/web/project/__init__.py
index 825326a..480ff4c 100644
--- a/services/web/project/__init__.py
+++ b/services/web/project/__init__.py
@@ -391,7 +391,8 @@ def complete_register():
                 user_search = cursor.fetchall()
     print(user_search)
     print(user_search[0][0])
-    if  user_search[0]:
+    account_id = user_search[0][0]
+    if  account_id > 0 :
         return jsonify({'status': "DUPLICATE",'message': 'Error - use another username'}), 200
 
     user_uid = pending_data['user']['uid']