Have you ever experienced that creepy feeling someone is watching you?
Well, you might have been right.
A new report reveals that a shocking number of hidden cameras were found in lodging areas. But don’t freak out just yet – we have some tips to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Think about all the personal things you do in a hotel room – from showering – to changing – to whatever else …
… now imagine someone watching you do those things.
Creepy!
And no, you’re not paranoid – a recent survey reported by a real estate company IPX1031 found 11 percent of participants discovered hidden cameras in their Airbnb, reported Reader’s Digest.
Absolute insanity.
While a big camera lens in the corner of the ceiling may be obvious – these days hidden cameras are much harder to find due to the availability and advanced technology of these tiny cameras.
Reader’s Digest reported:
“One of the reasons this is happening is because of the ready availability of low-cost camera technology,” says Jack Plaxe, security consultant at Guidepost Solutions. Cameras with pinhole lenses that can be easily concealed are available through Amazon and other shopping sites for less than $100.
And today’s spy cameras are so small that if they’re properly concealed, there is no telltale sign, says Mike O’Rourke, CEO of Advanced Operational Concepts. Many come already installed in clock radios, smoke detectors, lamps, and other portable devices.”
Ok great.
But how do you find out if your Airbnb or hotel room is bugged with a camera?
Thomas Ham runs a professional company called Spy Catchers LLC that’s devoted to helping people spot hidden cameras and regain their privacy and has a few tips.
In addition to a physical inspection, Ham recommends shining a light at suspecting camera lens and looking for the red/blue reflection a camera lens would reveal.
Places like alarm clocks and smoke detectors are a good place to start.
Ham also suggests an app called Fing which lists all the devices on the network and could alert you to a lurking and mysterious “camera.”
KDVR reported:
“The ‘Fing App’ works if you have the WiFi password for the space you’re staying at. It will log on to that network and it will actually give you a listing of all the devices currently listed on that network. It tries its best to give you an idea of what each device is. Whether it’s a cellphone IP, cameras, things of that nature,” said Ham.
Finally, he recommends turning off the WiFi and router when entering the property – pointing out that if the Airbnb host suddenly calls you, you have a natural opportunity to ask them whether there are cameras on their property.
With these few savvy tips – you can make sure you’ll actually have privacy on your next vacation without a stranger watching your every move.
And as a final tip – remember to do a full physical sweep of your hotel room – checking for obvious places a camera would be hidden such as near a desk to monitor your computer screen, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
Don’t go full-blown paranoia and think you’re always being watched… but these days, it’s prudent to simply give your room a quick sweep.
Were you surprised to learn hidden cameras exist in hotel rooms and Airbnbs?
Will you be checking your hotel room for hidden cameras on future trips?
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