If you use a key fob to access your apartment, condo, gym, or parking garage, you may wonder: “can you tell if someone has copied or cloned your fob?“
The short answer is: not directly — but there are clues, system logs, and building policies that can help you understand what’s going on.
Today’s blog post talks about what you can check, what you cannot check, and what to do if you’re concerned about unauthorized copies.
(And if you need a trusted, transparent duplication service, visit MiniFob or FobToronto for same-day fob copying.)
Can You Detect a Copied or Cloned Fob?
1. You cannot tell by looking at your fob
The RFID chip inside broadcasts the same ID number, so the access system reads it as the same device.
There are no physical signs, no app notifications, and no alerts that say, “Your fob has been duplicated.”
2. Buildings can sometimes see suspicious activity in the access logs
While you cannot see logs, property managers or security teams often can.
They may detect signs such as:
- Two entries in different locations at the same time
- Unusual access times
- An increase in scans from the same ID
3. Most systems cannot differentiate between the original and a clone
Access control panels (HID, ioProx, Indala, AWID, Keyscan, etc.) treat all fobs with the same ID as one device.
They don’t tag them separately or show “Clone #2” or “Copy #3.”
They simply show that your fob ID was used.
Signs Your Fob Might Have Been Cloned
Even though you can’t detect it directly, you might suspect cloning if:
- You notice door entries in your building’s security app (if available) that you didn’t make
- You find tampering on your mailbox, locker, or unit door
- Your building reports access events linked to your fob at times you were not present
- Your landlord or management mentions unauthorized access
If you share your fob with roommates or cleaners, it might simply be them — so check first.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Fob Was Copied
1. Report it to building management
They can:
- Check access logs
- Disable the old ID
- Issue you a new fob
This is the only reliable way to invalidate all unauthorized copies.
2. Request a new access credential
Once your building assigns you a brand-new ID, any cloned versions instantly become useless.
Can MiniFob Detect Cloned Fobs?
No.
Just like the building, we cannot see whether another copy of your fob exists somewhere else.
What we can promise:
✔ We clone only the fob you bring in
✔ We do not store your data
✔ We duplicate on-the-spot within minutes
✔ We offer a lifetime functionality guarantee
If you ever need a replacement, new backup, or want to avoid losing access, visit:
👉 MiniFob Store Locator
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