diff --git a/spec/core/matchers/matchersUtilSpec.js b/spec/core/matchers/matchersUtilSpec.js
index ca88a1ca..4a981a13 100644
--- a/spec/core/matchers/matchersUtilSpec.js
+++ b/spec/core/matchers/matchersUtilSpec.js
@@ -199,6 +199,14 @@ describe("matchersUtil", function() {
 
       expect(j$.matchersUtil.contains([1, 2], 2, [customTester])).toBe(true);
     });
+
+    it("fails when actual is undefined", function() {
+      expect(j$.matchersUtil.contains(undefined, 'A')).toBe(false);
+    });
+
+    it("fails when actual is null", function() {
+      expect(j$.matchersUtil.contains(null, 'A')).toBe(false);
+    });
   });
 
   describe("buildMessage", function() {
diff --git a/src/core/matchers/matchersUtil.js b/src/core/matchers/matchersUtil.js
index 0948e9f5..b6fb8383 100644
--- a/src/core/matchers/matchersUtil.js
+++ b/src/core/matchers/matchersUtil.js
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ getJasmineRequireObj().matchersUtil = function(j$) {
         }
         return false;
       }
-      return haystack.indexOf(needle) >= 0;
+      return !!haystack && haystack.indexOf(needle) >= 0;
     },
 
     buildFailureMessage: function() {