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.

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

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#1

Found A Hidden Camera In Airbnb Disguised As A Charger

Hidden spy cam disguised as a phone charger with micro SD card found in an Airbnb, illustrating hidden spy cams in various shapes.

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    #2

    Hidden Spy Camera In A Screw Head

    Close-up of a hand holding a tiny hidden spy cam with wires and video connectors on a white background.

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    #3

    Photo Frame Camera

    Black and white framed photo of a bridge with a hidden spy cam concealed within the image on a brick wall background

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    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.)

    Hidden spy cam disguised as a wall sensor next to a red curtain, shown dismantled with wires exposed in hand.

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    #5

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

    Surveillance footage of people in a room captured by hidden spy cams disguised as smoke detectors on a ceiling corner.

    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 Report

    #6

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

    Hidden spy cam disguised as an air freshener mounted on a tiled bathroom wall with floral wallpaper above.

    reddit.com Report

    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.”

    #7

    Found This Camera Disguised As A USB Charger In The Woman's Bathroom At The Starbucks I Work At. It Was Plugged In Directly Across From The Toilet. Please Keep An Eye Out!

    Black USB charger disguised as a hidden spy cam placed on an incident report form in a bathroom setting.

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    #8

    Couple Found Camera Hidden Inside Clock At Rental Apartment

    Close-up shots of a hidden spy cam disguised as a digital clock, showing the camera lens and battery compartment.

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    #9

    A Camera Hidden In A Fake Screw Head

    Hand holding a small hidden spy cam disguised as a black box with a s***w in the center, illustrating covert surveillance.

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    #10

    A Couple Who Rented A Home Through Airbnb Say They Were Horrified When They Spotted A Number Of Hidden Cameras Recording Their Every Move

    Hidden spy cam disguised as a smoke detector mounted on a ceiling, blending in with common household devices.

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    #11

    This Hidden Camera Disguised As A Clock In My Airbnb

    Hidden spy cam disguised as a digital clock with visible lens and LED display on a black wooden surface.

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    #12

    Camera Hidden In Pen Holder, With The Lens Seen In The Centre Of The Green Sticker

    Pen holder on desk disguised with hidden spy cam lens next to a computer keyboard in an office setting.

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    #13

    Tying Up Stuff In The Hospital Ceiling, Nice Spy Cam Mr. Data Guy...

    Hand holding a fire sprinkler head with a hidden spy cam installed inside in a warehouse setting.

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    #14

    Hidden Camera Spy Cam Notebook

    Black notebook hiding a discrete spy cam inside, showcasing clever hidden spy cam design for stealth surveillance.

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    #15

    Water Bottle Hidden Camera

    Water bottle used as a hidden spy cam with internal camera and components revealed behind label and cap.

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    #16

    Be Careful When Purchasing An Airbnb

    Hidden spy cam disguised inside a smoke detector with visible wiring, showcasing creative spy cam shapes and forms found by people.

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    #17

    A Micro Camera Hidden Inside An Electric Socket

    Person holding an electrical outlet device revealing a hidden spy cam embedded inside the socket cover.

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    #18

    Coffee Cup Lid Hidden Cam Dvr

    Person holding a coffee cup with hidden spy cam disguised as part of the lid and straw on a white table.

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    #19

    WiFi Shampoo Hidden Spy Camera

    Hidden spy cam disguised as an Adidas shower gel bottle, showcasing creative shapes and forms of spy cameras.

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    #20

    Inside This Non-Functioning Smoke Detector Is A Hidden Night Vision Hd Camera And Dvr

    Smoke detector on ceiling that may hide a spy cam, illustrating hidden spy cams found in various shapes and forms.

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    #21

    USB Flash Drive Hidden Camea

    Hand holding a small black object shaped like a capsule that hides a hidden spy cam lens on one side.

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    #22

    Wall Clock Hidden Camera

    Wall clock with a hidden spy cam disguised as a sensor below the six, showcasing creative spy cam shapes.

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    #23

    Outlet Hidden Camera

    Two electrical outlets shown, one revealing a hidden spy cam disguised within the outlet cover for covert surveillance.

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