diff --git a/app/services/idv/proofer.rb b/app/services/idv/proofer.rb
index 50eb6902904..af56cdb4763 100644
--- a/app/services/idv/proofer.rb
+++ b/app/services/idv/proofer.rb
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ module Proofer
 
     STAGES = %i[resolution state_id address].freeze
 
-    @vendors = {}
+    @vendors = nil
 
     class << self
       def attribute?(key)