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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.

#1

Found A Hidden Camera In Airbnb Disguised As A Charger

Found A Hidden Camera In Airbnb Disguised As A Charger

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#2

Hidden Spy Camera In A Screw Head

Hidden Spy Camera In A Screw Head

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Mimi777
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Woah!! That’s wild. Most of the other ones aren’t super difficult to spot but with this one no one would know. I wonder how they found it.

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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.)

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.)

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#5

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

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

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.

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#6

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

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

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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!

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!

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bryguy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of these were found at my office in the womens bathroom. Management ending up realizing it didn't have the micro SD card so it wasn't able to record anything, but never did find out who put it there. Office is not open to the public either, so it was someone here.

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#8

Couple Found Camera Hidden Inside Clock At Rental Apartment

Couple Found Camera Hidden Inside Clock At Rental Apartment

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#9

A Camera Hidden In A Fake Screw Head

A Camera Hidden In A Fake Screw Head

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Mimi777
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clever (and creepy) idea. No one would think to look in a screw head for a hidden camera. And the fact that some of these are hidden in a public bathroom or even changing room makes it even more crazy.

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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

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

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Zophra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some evil part of me who love to stage a satanic ritual in the house and give them something to look at.

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they feel the need to monitor their guests every move and possibly to have irrefutable proof of who stole the stuff that could get stolen, if that would happen, then why do they rent their places to strangers at all?

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Meriel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it would be fun to see if it works as smoke detector too -- just start smoking on camera lol

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TimesNewLogan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So what I'm gathering from this, is to avoid Airbnb like the Plague?

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Peter Venkman
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s so big, it might as well have a boom microphone hanging from it! Lol!

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Wendy Lam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Spray black paint on it and stick a newspaper cutout that will scare the bejusus of them and a middle finger, after that bat!

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Herb Coleman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Should also be turned over to the FBI . These people clearly had intent.

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Elise Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some duct tape is a good thing to bring along from now on to use AFTER you document it and remove it before you leave.

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#11

This Hidden Camera Disguised As A Clock In My Airbnb

This Hidden Camera Disguised As A Clock In My Airbnb

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#12

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

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

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#13

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

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

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#15

Water Bottle Hidden Camera

Water Bottle Hidden Camera

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Kevin Donegan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why didn't someone use the bottle of water? What, did they put a sticker price of $19.99 on the bottle of water if opened?

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#16

Be Careful When Purchasing An Airbnb

Be Careful When Purchasing An Airbnb

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And it's dirty as, did they install it in a dirty smoke alarm shell, or has it just been there a creepily long time

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#17

A Micro Camera Hidden Inside An Electric Socket

A Micro Camera Hidden Inside An Electric Socket

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#18

Coffee Cup Lid Hidden Cam Dvr

Coffee Cup Lid Hidden Cam Dvr

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#19

WiFi Shampoo Hidden Spy Camera

WiFi Shampoo Hidden Spy Camera

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#20

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

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

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Replace the DVD with one of a black background white text message along the lines of "illegal files sized for investigation" scare the s**t out of them XD

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#21

USB Flash Drive Hidden Camea

USB Flash Drive Hidden Camea

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Elise Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some duct tape is a good thing to bring along from now on to use AFTER you document it and remove it before you leave.

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#22

Wall Clock Hidden Camera

Wall Clock Hidden Camera

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