Airbnbs and homestays have changed the way we travel forever. They are letting us explore an offbeat location and live like a local. But there have been cases of hosts setting up hidden cameras which have made travellers wary of booking such vacation homes. There have been cases of privacy breaches in hotels and resorts too. And as cameras get smaller, you can expect more spying to take place. These tips will help you detect a hidden camera in your room and protect yourself.
1. Do A Physical Inspection
Level up your observation skills in a hotel room. Does that lamp look out of place? Or is the alarm positioned in a weird that lamp? If you feel that the gadgets are placed in a weird manner in the room, you have got to be extra vigilant. Smoke detectors in rooms and bathrooms also have hidden cameras so take an extra look at them. Also, check the wall decor, electrical outlets, tissue boxes, wall sockets, desk plants, and air filter equipment.
2. Use Your Mobile Phone Flash Light
So here’s the thing. Most camera lenses, even the tiniest ones reflect light. So a hidden camera would reflect light too. But how do you check that? Turn off the lights and turn on your smartphone flashlight to scan the room. If you spot a reflection, you can dig deep and check for a hidden camera.
Also read: Woman Finds Hidden Camera In Washroom Of Pune Cafe, Staff Removes It When Caught!
3. Get Your Hands On A Spy Camera Device
Okay, so did you know that you can buy a professional spy camera device? Simply look for an RF signal detector on Amazon and you will get a wide range. Sweep the room with the bug detector. And while these devices are not widely reviewed by regular consumers, it can be a great way to detect a hidden camera especially if you are someone who is on the go most of the time.
4. Cover Any Suspicious Device In Your Room
If you find a suspicious device in your room and you do not know what they are for and what is their use, the best thing to do is to unplug the device and cover it with a towel. You could also simply stuff the device in a drawer. Here are 6 Things You Must Do As Soon As You Check Into A Hotel Room.
5. Download An Application To Scan The Recording Equipment
Got no sign of hidden devices in your room and still feeling paranoid? You can download an application that will scan for frequencies used by recording equipment. Detectify and Radarbot are a few applications that you can download on an Android phone. A lot of these applications to find secret hidden cameras near you are free.
Also read: 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Booking An All-Inclusive Resort
If you do find a camera in your room, contact customer service immediately and contact the hotel management as soon as possible.