diff --git a/packages/restapi/src/lib/chat/send.ts b/packages/restapi/src/lib/chat/send.ts
index 84d26f9f1..55838da14 100644
--- a/packages/restapi/src/lib/chat/send.ts
+++ b/packages/restapi/src/lib/chat/send.ts
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ export const sendCore = async (
      * 2. Takes care of deprecated fields
      */
     const computedOptions = computeOptions(options);
-    const { messageType, messageObj, account, to, signer, pgpPrivateKey, env } =
+    let { messageType, messageObj, account, to, signer, pgpPrivateKey, env } =
       computedOptions;
     /**
      * Validate Input Options
diff --git a/packages/restapi/src/lib/pushapi/chat.ts b/packages/restapi/src/lib/pushapi/chat.ts
index d384a2132..e422ad1bb 100644
--- a/packages/restapi/src/lib/pushapi/chat.ts
+++ b/packages/restapi/src/lib/pushapi/chat.ts
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ export class Chat {
       reference?: string | null;
     }
   ) {
-    const reference: string | null = null;
+    let reference: string | null = null;
 
     const { threadHash, intent } = await PUSH_CHAT.conversationHash({
       conversationId: target,