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The rapid growth of home rental platforms like Airbnb has revolutionized the way we travel for vacations – however, there may also be negative consequences.
There have been numerous reports in recent years of travelers discovering concealed cameras in rental accommodations, leading to concerns about the security of staying in unfamiliar residences.
In November, a 41-year-old man named Ian Timbrell discovered a camera hidden between the cushions of a sofa in the Airbnb rental where he was staying.
He shared his experience on Twitter/X by uploading a picture of himself pointing at the camera. In the caption, he asked if it was normal or strange for his Airbnb to have a webcam monitoring the entire living room. He also questioned if it was right for him to unplug it, as he believed it was a major violation of privacy.
In October 2023, a recently married pair from China who were on their honeymoon in Malaysia reported that their stay at an Airbnb homestay was interrupted when they found a concealed camera pointed at their bed.
On Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform, the couple known as “Zhenmei Beauty” claimed that a hidden camera was placed inside a wall power socket in their home in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
According to South China Morning Post, a police investigation was launched after a device was found, and this has resulted in travel advisories and advice from specialists on how to prevent being monitored during vacations.
In July 2023, a couple brought a lawsuit against an Airbnb host for $75,000 after discovering hidden cameras recording them during their stay, mirroring a previous incident.
A couple from Texas, Kayelee Gates and her fiancé Christian Capraro, stayed at a vacation rental owned by Christoper Goisse in Silver Springs, Maryland in August of 2022. While engaging in private activity in the bathroom, they discovered hidden cameras recording them. According to the report, they then moved to the main room, turned on a movie, and began to unwind. However, they noticed two smoke detectors on the ceiling: one directly above the bed and another in the corner.
As they approached the devices for further examination, they discovered what seemed to be concealed cameras and were certain they had discovered another one in the bathroom. They removed a device from the bedroom and claimed to have found a recording camera. Ms. Gates expressed feelings of shame, embarrassment, and loss of self-worth after the event.
Do we need to check for cameras in our vacation rentals now? And if yes, how should we do it?
Keith Roberts, a technician at Advanced Sweeping, a bug detection company for both individuals and businesses, warns The Independent that it is important to remain alert and aware of potential risks. He acknowledges that there are individuals with malicious intentions in the world.
According to him, the quantity of concealed surveillance cameras discovered by Advanced Sweeping has risen in recent years.
“Surveillance devices, such as cameras and eavesdropping tools, are becoming increasingly common. In the past, they were only accessible through a limited market and required personal connections. However, they are now readily available for purchase on platforms like Amazon and eBay.”
According to Roberts, hiring a professional company is recommended for complete assurance against being recorded. However, there are some steps that an untrained person can take to detect hidden cameras.
Look around you
According to Roberts, when searching for cameras, focus on small openings where the lens may be located. Be thorough in checking everyday objects such as the backs of books, mirrors, light bulbs, and house plants. Use logic to determine potential hiding spots; someone seeking information would likely place a device in a common area like the living room, while a voyeur may target private spaces like the bathroom, shower, and bedroom.
“Inspect potential locations with optimal visibility and minimal obstructions. Typically, the camera will be positioned at a high angle to capture the best possible shots.”
Shine a torch
You don’t have to possess the skills of Inspector Gadget to effectively search for hidden cameras. A simple flashlight, like the one on your phone, can get the job done. According to Roberts, using a flashlight to scan for lenses is about 92 to 95% accurate. Turn off all the lights and slowly shine the flashlight over every part of the room – any camera lenses will reflect the light back.
Check the mirror
Concerned about the possibility of the mirror being two-sided? There is a straightforward method to verify. According to Roberts, “The fingernail test may be outdated, but it remains effective.” Place your fingernail against the glass. In a genuine mirror, you will not be able to touch your finger in the reflection. However, if you can reach your own finger in the reflection, that is cause for concern. It strongly suggests that it is a two-way mirror.
Put money into a detector.
Although companies such as Advanced Sweeping invest large sums of money in top-of-the-line device detection equipment, there are more affordable options available for purchase. According to Roberts, “There are lens hunters available for purchase, with the cheapest ones costing around £40 to £50.” For a true sense of security, it may be beneficial to make the investment.
Scan for webcams
There are two primary categories of surveillance cameras: those that store footage on an SD card and those that are linked to the internet. To locate webcams, you can connect to the host’s wi-fi and employ a free network scanner to locate any cameras that are connected to the internet. In response to Jason Scott’s recent story about camera surveillance, Dr. Adam Glen tweeted, “Most hosts typically grant access to their local network through wi-fi. Use @fingapp to scan for IP cameras on the network. While not foolproof, this method can provide an indication of their presence.”
In case you come across any suspicious activity, consider that the host may have valid security cameras outside the property. To be safe, disconnect the internet router to prevent potential surveillance.
In the event that you discover a hidden camera, do not only express your concerns to the booking company – make sure to also inform the authorities.
Source: independent.co.uk
