Social IssuesNOV 5, 2020

23 Times People Found Hidden Spy Cams In Various Shapes And Forms

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These days, when privacy issues are becoming the most talked-about subject matter, no one can feel totally secure. This is especially true with hidden video cameras that have been reported all around vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and other private spaces.

Spotting a hidden cam stuck in an everyday object you’d never suspect, staring right at you, is a downright scary and violating thing to go through. But the best weapon against them is arming yourself with knowledge of where and what to look for, in order to feel a little safer.

Bored Panda compiled a list of cameras hidden in the most innocent-looking things and talked to Lina Survila, a global tech PR and chief editor at Abstract Stylist. Lina shared some useful tips on spotting hidden cameras and building self-awareness about your privacy in the interview below.

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#1 Found A Hidden Camera In Airbnb Disguised As A Charger

alexundone

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245points

#2 Hidden Spy Camera In A Screw Head

amazon.com

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222points

#3 Photo Frame Camera

spyequipmentuk.co.uk

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211points

In an interview with Bored Panda, the global tech PR Lina Survila said that with rising concerns on hidden cameras in Airbnbs, the cybersecurity industry is facing a big challenge in this grey area. “People's concerns about being watched in inappropriate situations may lead to new regulations.”

However, Lina said that until then, “there's not much that we can do when it comes to rentals.” The tech specialist suggests building self-awareness about the issue on your own. For example, “if you have a suspicion of being watched in private areas like the bedroom, bathroom, or any other areas (Airbnbs, hotels, etc.), look for hidden cameras first.”

#4 In "Oh, That's A Thing Now" News, A Colleague Of Mine Thought It Odd That There Was A Single "Motion Detector" In His Airbnb In The Bedroom And Voila, It's An Ip Camera Connected To The Web. (He Left At 3am, Reported, Host Is Suspended, Colleague Got Refund.)

In "Oh, That's A Thing Now" News, A Colleague Of Mine Thought It Odd That There Was A Single "Motion Detector" In His Airbnb In The Bedroom And Voila, It's An Ip Camera Connected To The Web. (He Left At 3am, Reported, Host Is Suspended, Colleague Got Refund.)

textfiles

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195points

#5 Family Discovers Hidden Camera Livestreaming In Airbnb, Husband Was The Man Who Found The Stream

We just found a camera hidden in a smoke alarm case in the private living room of a listing. We were travelling with children.

The host admitted to the concealed camera over the phone, only after presented with our irrefutable proof.

Nealie Barker

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188points

#6 A Visitor Found An 'Air Freshener' Spy Camera In A Shopping Mall Bathroom In Russia

reddit.com

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175points

Lina said there are a couple of tactics to do so, like “turning off your light and looking for blinking small dots or searching for radiofrequency disturbances during calls.”

She also warned people to be aware that hidden cameras can be found attached or integrated into objects like chargers, lamps, frames, shelves, and mirrors. “Usually, if these cameras are not using wi-fi, you can find an SD card placed inside the camera.”

In case you spot a hidden camera, Lina recommends reporting the incident to your Airbnb, hotel, or other rental provider. “You may find many free apps that help you find hidden cameras, but when installing them, be careful not to give unnecessary permissions, which might lead to exposing all your information to a third party.”