Are you being watched? Ways to spot a hidden camera in a summer rental property
One in four Americans said they have discovered a hidden camera in a vacation rental property, according to a new survey from the financial company IPX1031.
The company surveyed 1,000 people in March. 20 percent of respondents said they discovered a device outside and five percent reported finding one inside the property.
“After finding the camera, 1 in 10 respondents covered or unplugged it for the remainder of their stay,” the company said in its report.
Milton Shull, owner of Boston Bug Sweep, said technology has come a long way in the two decades he’s been in business. Many cameras and microphones can be as small as the tip of a pencil.
“When I first started, all the devices had to be wired. It was very time consuming and costly,” Shull said. “[Now] it’s almost impossible [to spot a camera] with the naked eye.”
The cameras are also more affordable than ever, ranging in price from $29.99 to a couple of hundred dollars.
“They’re high definition, high-quality video, and audio that can transmit anywhere in the world,” Shull said. “It’s so easy for people to be violated.”
Skip Graham, owner of Spy Tech Surveillance & Security Camera Equipment in Belmont, N.C. told WSOC he helps customers discreetly protect their homes by installing cameras in the most unsuspecting places.
“The technology we can buy now for less than $100 was selling for thousands of dollars just ten years ago,” Graham said.
There are mixed rules on surveillance cameras at vacation properties, whether they’re hidden or not.
VRBO, for example, prohibits surveillance devices inside all properties, but they are allowed outside of the reference if the homeowner discloses it in the listing.
Airbnb says that property owners can have cameras inside if they mention them in the listing, but cameras aren’t allowed in private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms.
Shull said if you’re renting a place this summer, it doesn’t hurt to look around for anything unusual.
“If you see two smoke detectors in one room, that’s kind of odd. If you see a planter may be up on a top shelf with a tiny hole or a crack, take a look at it. Anything black usually is a good place to hide a camera,” Shull said.
There’s a way to use your cell phone to detect a hidden camera that is emitting an infrared signal. Shull also advises renters to check the properties’ Wi-Fi to see if any suspicious devices are connected to the local network.
If you do find something, Shull said don’t touch it, take pictures and call the police.
“Personally, I would call the authorities before I call the owners,” Shull said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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