The truth is, it has become very easy to find and buy these types of products. And the technological advancements allow them to be much smaller and also easier to install. So, we would like to highlight some tips that might help you to spot them and stay safe.
How to find a hidden camera
The good news is that with a bit of research and some knowledge, there are ways to find any hidden camera. As most of them will be connected to a network, with some detection equipment or an App, it is possible to scan for radio frequencies or check the number of connections in the network.
But a physical search can be more trustworthy and make all the difference. So let’s see how to do that and where to start.
1. Know what you’re looking for.
There are day cameras and night cameras. Many have motion sensors, meaning they will only turn on when something moves nearby and activates them. That’s why it’s a good option to do a physical search. They come in many sizes and with different resolutions. However, regardless of the type or size, all cameras need a clear view without obstacles.
2. Start by observing the place in normal light.
Start by observing the place in normal lighting conditions. See if you find weird or strangely placed items. Remember, a camera needs a good point of view, without obstacles. An awkward dot in an object or wall, a shiny bump on an object, wires that don’t seem to belong to the equipment they are connected to, or power outlets or adapters plugged for no obvious reason are all suspect.
3. Check if you can hear a buzz.
Cameras make a low buzzing noise when connected. See if you can hear anything in general while you move along the area. Pay special attention in areas such as bathrooms, near the bed, and in common or working areas.
4. See if all surrounding objects are what they seem.
Check if all the items are in the places they’re meant to be and if they work properly. Situations, where an object has a strange hole or too much wiring, or instances where there is more than one object with the same function, are strange.
In changing rooms, always test the mirrors with a simple trick: touch the mirror with one finger and see if there is a gap between your finger and its reflection. In a normal mirror, there is a normal gap. But in fake 2-way mirrors, there is no gap. Don’t use a fitting room where fake mirrors are used.
The most common places to hide spy cameras inside a house are electronics, being the most common; then there are smoke detectors, electrical outlets, like power adaptors, digital TV and Internet boxes, wall sockets, air filter equipment, or alarm clocks.
Other popular objects to consider are wall clocks, pens, lava lamps, tissue boxes, books and shelves, hairdryer holders, and stuffed teddy bears. Plants (among the leaves) and vases are also common, just like couch cushions, clothes hooks, tabletops, and wall decorations.
5. Use a lantern.
If you find something strange, like a hole or a bump, but you’re not sure if it can be a camera or just a normal thing on the object, shine a bright light directly onto it. If it’s a camera, it will reflect a “bluish” light when you do so.
6. Turn off the lights and use your smartphone.
Then after that first step, turn off the lights and look for soft light spots. Found none? Then it’s time to use your smartphone.
The IR spectrum light used by night cameras is invisible to the human eye, but not to most front cameras on a smartphone. While in complete darkness, use your front-facing camera (which commonly doesn’t have an IR filter) to look around the place. If you find any light that you can’t see without your camera, you might have found something.
What to do if you find a hidden camera
If you find a spy camera that was not disclosed to you, you should immediately walk away and call the police.
Don’t interfere with it or try to check anything else. You might be erasing the evidence the police need. Remember, it might have been the person who owns/rents the place, but it could have also been planted by a trespasser for some other reason.
Have you ever used any of these tricks or know anyone who has? What other tips would you use to protect yourself in such a situation?