diff --git a/RNS/Link.py b/RNS/Link.py
index 0b7b856..1e27f46 100644
--- a/RNS/Link.py
+++ b/RNS/Link.py
@@ -277,8 +277,8 @@ class Link:
                     signature = packet.data[:RNS.Identity.SIGLENGTH//8]
                     
                     if self.destination.identity.validate(signature, signed_data):
-                        if self.status != Link.PENDING:
-                            raise IOError("Invalid link state for proof validation")
+                        if self.status != Link.HANDSHAKE:
+                            raise IOError("Invalid link state for proof validation: "+str(self.status))
 
                         self.rtt = time.time() - self.request_time
                         self.attached_interface = packet.receiving_interface
diff --git a/RNS/Transport.py b/RNS/Transport.py
index e9c8d8a..f314175 100755
--- a/RNS/Transport.py
+++ b/RNS/Transport.py
@@ -1741,8 +1741,8 @@ class Transport:
     def activate_link(link):
         RNS.log("Activating link "+str(link), RNS.LOG_EXTREME)
         if link in Transport.pending_links:
-            if link.status != Link.PENDING:
-                raise IOError("Invalid link state for link activation")
+            if link.status != RNS.Link.ACTIVE:
+                raise IOError("Invalid link state for link activation: "+str(link.status))
             Transport.pending_links.remove(link)
             Transport.active_links.append(link)
             link.status = RNS.Link.ACTIVE