diff --git a/coremods/corecommands.py b/coremods/corecommands.py
index 26eb0d5..b372a9b 100644
--- a/coremods/corecommands.py
+++ b/coremods/corecommands.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ def identify(irc, source, args):
     """<username> <password>
 
     Logs in to PyLink using the configured administrator account."""
-    if utils.isChannel(irc.called_by):
+    if utils.isChannel(irc.called_in):
         irc.reply('Error: This command must be sent in private. '
                 '(Would you really type a password inside a channel?)')
         return