diff --git a/RNS/Link.py b/RNS/Link.py
index 822e1fc..9f95ba0 100644
--- a/RNS/Link.py
+++ b/RNS/Link.py
@@ -808,7 +808,8 @@ class Link:
                         else:
                             plaintext = self.decrypt(packet.data)
                             self._channel._receive(plaintext)
-                            packet.prove()
+                            if self.status == Link.ACTIVE:
+                                packet.prove()
 
                 elif packet.packet_type == RNS.Packet.PROOF:
                     if packet.context == RNS.Packet.RESOURCE_PRF: