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From hotel rooms to rental homes, hidden cameras can lurk anywhere. These devices can be discretely placed in a nook or cranny to capture your image, activities, and private conversations without you ever knowing. In some cases, hidden cameras can serve legitimate purposes, such as alerting owners of burglaries or keeping an eye on a pet. However, hidden cameras should never exist in private areas to spy on, prank, or extort you. Fortunately, there are several methods travelers can employ to detect these devices.
Click on to learn how to check to see if your rental, or your hotel room, has any hidden cameras.
Hidden cameras can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. But one thing they all have in common is some form of camera lens.
Luckily, there are a number of ways to detect hidden cameras, which will make you feel more at ease during your stay.
Begin by making a thorough visual inspection on arrival. Check common areas like the bedroom, bathroom, and living spaces for any unusual objects.
Tap or gently touch objects that could potentially hide cameras. Listen for any hollow sounds that could indicate a hidden compartment.
It's easiest to search for the camera from the perspective of someone wanting to record the center of activity in a room. For example, corners of rooms often provide the best picture of the whole space.
If you use flashlights and shine them on something you think could possibly hide the camera, you'll see a reflection in there, which is a way to detect a camera.
You could even take it a step further by downloading an app that will scan for frequencies used by recording equipment.
Some hidden cameras connect to the internet, so users can monitor them remotely. If a hidden camera uses Wi-Fi and is connected to the same network as you, you might be able to detect it by scanning your wireless network.
You can sometimes place your finger against the mirror to check for hidden cameras. The general rule of thumb is that if there's a gap, it's a real mirror. However, if it looks like your finger and the reflection are touching tip to tip, it could be a two-way mirror or masking a hidden camera.
Another trick with your smartphone: have your phone's screen facing you and rotate while looking for flashing spots. If you see a flashing area, it's most likely a hidden camera's light.
Easily bought online, a spy camera detector can scan for radio frequencies connected to hidden cameras.
Consider using a radio frequency detector (RF) to locate wireless signals that cameras might emit.
Infrared scanners can aid in hidden camera detection by picking up the invisible infrared light emitted by certain night vision cameras.
Examine the room for any suspicious wires that don't seem to serve any purpose. Cameras may be connected to power sources or recording devices.
Turn off the lights in the room and use a smartphone flashlight to search for any glimmers or reflections of a camera.
To protect yourself, unplug the device if it's unnecessary, or look the device up online to find out what the light is for.
Hidden cameras are often disguised in common everyday items, such as inside electrical outlets and smoke detectors.
Check decorative items that may seem out of place, such as random stuffed animals in a sleek or modern room.
The compact design makes it easy to accommodate a tiny camera, and the black cover makes the lens nearly invisible.
A hidden camera can have its lens covered by a fake screw, which can be connected to a DVR device through cables.
Cameras can be tucked away in the smallest of holes, so check for gaps in walls, furniture, decor, and fixtures where there might be a hiding camera.
If you find a hidden camera in your vacation rental or hotel room, make sure you're safe and contact the necessary parties.
Take pictures or video recordings of the hidden camera, which will serve as evidence during any investigation.
Cover the cameras, but avoid removing or damaging them. Use a towel or blanket, tape, a bag, or anything that will cover the lens.
You might have covered the camera's view, but you have no way to determine whether it has an internal microphone. For that reason, avoid speaking too much around the camera, especially when it comes to any private conversations or financial details.
Tell your Airbnb, your hotel, or the vacation rental company you're using about the hidden cameras.
Call local law enforcement and file a report if you think a crime has been committed.
Sources: (Norton) (CNBC) (Travel + Leisure)
See also: The most dangerous cities in Europe
How to detect hidden cameras in your hotel room or rental home
Learn where they might be hiding and how to find them
LIFESTYLE Privacy
From hotel rooms to rental homes, hidden cameras can lurk anywhere. These devices can be discretely placed in a nook or cranny to capture your image, activities, and private conversations without you ever knowing. In some cases, hidden cameras can serve legitimate purposes, such as alerting owners of burglaries or keeping an eye on a pet. However, hidden cameras should never exist in private areas to spy on, prank, or extort you. Fortunately, there are several methods travelers can employ to detect these devices.
Click on to learn how to check to see if your rental, or your hotel room, has any hidden cameras.