diff --git a/projectroles/remote_projects.py b/projectroles/remote_projects.py
index f2847d71..3bf2e7d3 100644
--- a/projectroles/remote_projects.py
+++ b/projectroles/remote_projects.py
@@ -383,7 +383,8 @@ def _is_local_user(user_data):
         :return: Boolean
         """
         return (
-            SYSTEM_USER_GROUP in user_data['groups'] or not user_data['groups']
+            not user_data.get('groups')
+            or SYSTEM_USER_GROUP in user_data['groups']
         )
 
     @staticmethod