diff --git a/backend/services/email_api.py b/backend/services/email_api.py
index 2f1ebdfe..f282c3e1 100644
--- a/backend/services/email_api.py
+++ b/backend/services/email_api.py
@@ -21,6 +21,10 @@ async def send_welcome_email(
     request: SendWelcomeEmailRequest,
     _: bool = Depends(verify_admin_api_key)
 ):
+    raise HTTPException(
+        status_code=403,
+        detail="Forbidden"
+    )
     try:
         
         def send_email():