Power transmitting unit (PTU) usable with a wireless power transfer system to supply power and maintain a control signaling link to a local power receiving unit (PRU). A cross-connection circumstance between the PTU and a remote PRU is determined, where a control signaling link between the PTU and the remote PRU is established in an absence of power transmission to the remote PRU from the PTU. In response to the cross-connection circumstance, the control signaling link with the remote PRU is terminated while the supply of power and the control signaling link with the local PRU is maintained. In a related embodiment, a wrong-placement characteristic where power is transferred to a rogue local PRU in an absence of a control signaling link with that PRU, is detected. In response, the supply of power is maintained for at least a waiting period.