Although Airbnb’s rules dictate that a host must disclose the presence of cameras in their “House Rules,” we all know that occasionally the rules are simply not followed. It’s not nice to think about, but the truth is that there are some property owners who want to disturb the peace and privacy of your home-away-from-home. This is by no means the vast majority of hosts and property managers, but it’s an unfortunate reality we have to face when we travel.
So how exactly could perpetrators break into you and yours? Primarily through hidden cameras placed in common devices like smoke detectors and air filters, as well as hidden behind things like books and pieces of furniture.
Knowing how to find hidden cameras is key to protecting yourself and ensuring your private moments stay just that: private.
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Look for any devices that don’t look normal
A Toronto couple found a hidden camera in their Airbnb because they noticed something was wrong with the alarm clock in their room. It was connected to a wire that looked like a phone charger, which didn’t seem quite right. This prompted the couple to investigate further. Smoke detectors are another popular hiding place for cameras. Check if the smoke detector looks abnormal in any way.
If you notice something seems different about a tech device in your room, check the device and remove the battery backing. For example, you might see that your device has a different charger, a camera slot, a different type of battery, or a light that doesn’t belong. If you see any technology that doesn’t seem like enough, you can also search the make and model number online to see if you’re dealing with a gadget with a hidden camera.
You can also look for additional suspicious signs, such as two smoke detectors near the same location or devices placed in strange places.
Step 1: Check if the smoke detector looks abnormal in any way.
Step 2: If so, take a closer look and remove the back of the battery. For example, you might see that your device has a different charger, a camera slot, a different type of battery, or a light that doesn’t belong.
Step 3: If you see any tech that doesn’t seem like enough, you can also search the make and model number online to see if you’re dealing with a gadget with a hidden camera.
Step 4: In addition to alarm clocks and smoke detectors, there are a number of other common devices that hidden cameras can be hidden inside. Check the following:
- Night lights
- Electrical sockets
- Power strips
- Boxes for DVD/Blu-ray or video games
- Desktop and laptop computers
- Computer mice/keyboards
- Wall clocks
Step 5: If you suspect any product on Airbnb, simply cover or turn off devices like alarm clocks, which are common places to hide cameras.
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Look for the camera lens
Hidden cameras are found in small items such as pens, motion detectors, Bluetooth speakers and necklaces. There are also tiny, self-contained cameras one inch or less that people can hide in normal decor like lampshades, picture frames, houseplants, and shades.
Step 1: Look for holes where someone might have put a tiny camera.
Step 2: Turn off all the lights in the room.
Step 3: Shine a flashlight around the area to look for the camera lens. The lens should reflect light, making it easier to see.
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Use your phone to find hidden cameras
You can also install certain apps on your phone that can scan for hidden cameras. These apps, like Hidden Camera Detector, may not be as accurate as an RF scanner, but for less than $5, you can give them a try. Some of these apps may even be free.
Of course, when every opening is a potential spot for a hidden camera (and in an unfamiliar environment), looking for lens flare can be difficult. Fortunately, there are apps that can help. For Android, you can try Glint Finder, which uses your camera’s flash to locate lens reflections. For iOS, there’s a Hidden Camera Detector app, which can not only search for lenses, but also help you monitor Wi-Fi.
In addition, certain smartphone cameras can detect infrared illumination, which is how most cameras equipped with night vision can capture images in the dark. Note that not every smartphone camera will be able to detect infrared light. Here’s how to look for infrared indicators:
Step 1: Turn off the lights in the place you are staying and turn on the camera on your phone.
Step 2: Point your phone around and look for purple or white flashes of light, paying particular attention to areas such as ceilings, around wall photos, air filters and electrical outlets.
These purple and white auras that appear on your phone’s screen are infrared rays that are blocked by the naked eye — but not by your iPhone.
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Check drawers, cupboards and hatches
Sometimes people hide recording devices in storage areas. One Airbnb guest claims that, for example, he found a cell phone recording in the bathroom under the sink. Inspect areas such as bookshelves, dressers, and closets, especially if these areas may conceal a device that could be recording in a private space such as a bedroom or bathroom. Bathroom fans, vents, and other openings in the wall or ceiling are favorite places for people to hide cameras.
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Use the scanner
If you’re really determined to prevent hidden devices from invading your privacy, you can invest in a hidden device detector. Cameras that use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to send or receive data will emit an RF signal. You can buy an RF signal detector that will pick up these signals and then locate the hidden camera. This RF signal detector, for example, can find small hidden cameras and other types of bugs and recording devices.
You can buy other detectors for anywhere between $20 and over $300. It just depends on the features and quality you want in your device scanner. However, no RF device will find hidden cameras 100% of the time. If the camera is recording but not sending data, the RF detector will not pick up the camera.
In addition to searching for a camera using the RF scanner or the app, you can also scan the Wi-Fi network for all cameras that are connected to the Internet. Sometimes hidden cameras are hardwired, with the wiring hidden behind walls, meaning that scanners and apps like these may not be able to detect them at all, but this is relatively rare. Here’s how to scan a Wi-Fi network:
Step 1: Download an iOS app like Fing or iNet to find out which devices are connected to the network.
Step 2: Open the app.
Step 3: Follow the steps to scan your Wi-Fi network.
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Turn off the Airbnb router
There is another simple way to help detect spying attempts. Many Airbnb spaces have their own router for guests. Security experts have found that this little trick works well in detecting spying attempts.
Again, there are ways around this, like using a separate router or wiring the camera. But this option is a very effective method considering how little effort is required.
Step 1: Find the router in your rental.
Step 2: Turn off the router. You can do this while you’re out for the day so you don’t lose Wi-Fi when you need it later.
Step 3: If you don’t hear from your host, everything is probably fine.
Step 4: If the host contacts you and asks what’s wrong with the router, know that they are monitoring it for some reason. Unless they have a good explanation as to why, it could be an indication that they are spying on you.
What to do if you find a hidden camera
If you find a hidden camera installed in your rental home, there are a few things you need to do right away. You should first contact your local authorities so they can investigate the situation. You should then contact Airbnb and report the incident and the owner of the apartment.
According to Airbnb rules, it is not allowed to install surveillance devices in any part of the bedroom or bathroom. Airbnb requires all hosts to thoroughly identify all cameras on the rental property, which includes exterior security cameras, so you know if the cameras are located and where. Regardless of minor differences in privacy policies from state to state, it is usually illegal to install street-facing hidden cameras.
Some states have even passed or required additional restrictions or laws regarding hidden cameras. For example, in New York, a homeowner has the right to install a hidden camera because it is his personal property. However, privacy laws prevent recording any moments where there is an “expectation of privacy.” This law is relatively similar in all states.
A term such as “expectation of privacy” is intentionally left broad and vague – it applies to areas such as a bathroom, bedroom or unusual rooms, which includes parts of the home you rent. Penalties for violating privacy are getting tougher. Now you could face charges like trespassing, spying or stalking.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn