Systems and methods for verifying physical proximity to a network device are provided. The method includes acquiring a tag identifier from a tag fixed in, on, or proximal to a network device, using a computing device. The tag is configured to be read and written to by electronic communication with the computing device, when the computing device is disposed in proximity to the tag. The method further includes transmitting data indicative of the tag identifier to a server, and receiving an authorization confirmation from the server. The method also includes rewriting the tag so as to replace the tag identifier with a new tag identifier, using the computing device, and performing one or more operations with the network device after receiving the authorization.