A method for preventing misuse of a transponder left inside a vehicle, which is part of a keyless vehicle access system and coacts with a control system for access and driving authorization located in the vehicle. The control system emits, in response to a locking command, a check signal by way of which it is ascertained whether transponders are still located in the vehicle interior after locking. Transponders which are detected as being located in the vehicle interior after locking are recorded in a memory associated with the control system. Upon a subsequent legitimate access to the vehicle, transponders that are not again detected in the interior are inhibited.