diff --git a/crates/core/src/database/questions.rs b/crates/core/src/database/questions.rs
index 84f9eac..7722250 100644
--- a/crates/core/src/database/questions.rs
+++ b/crates/core/src/database/questions.rs
@@ -387,23 +387,8 @@ impl DataManager {
                 // inherit nsfw status
                 data.context.is_nsfw = community.context.is_nsfw;
             } else {
-                let receiver = self.get_user_by_id(data.receiver).await?;
-
-                if !receiver.settings.enable_questions {
-                    return Err(Error::QuestionsDisabled);
-                }
-
-                // check for ip block
-                if self
-                    .get_ipblock_by_initiator_receiver(
-                        receiver.id,
-                        &RemoteAddr::from(data.ip.as_str()),
-                    )
-                    .await
-                    .is_ok()
-                {
-                    return Err(Error::NotAllowed);
-                }
+                // this should be unreachable
+                return Err(Error::Unknown);
             }
         } else {
             // single
@@ -421,6 +406,14 @@ impl DataManager {
                 return Err(Error::DrawingsDisabled);
             }
 
+            // check muted phrases
+            for phrase in receiver.settings.muted {
+                if data.content.contains(&phrase) {
+                    // act like the question was created so theyre less likely to try and send it again or bypass
+                    return Ok(0);
+                }
+            }
+
             // check for ip block
             if self
                 .get_ipblock_by_initiator_receiver(receiver.id, &RemoteAddr::from(data.ip.as_str()))