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The Secrets to Finding Hidden Cameras

by Elizabeth Harper on April 10, 2019

Now that tech is smaller and cheaper than ever, it's become easy to install cameras almost anywhere. In fact, once you start looking, you may realize that cameras are everywhere: on traffic signals, in parking lots and inside stores. If you're reading this article on your phone while waiting for your morning coffee, there's probably a camera keeping an eye on you right now. You may even have some "hidden" cameras of your own, like Dropcams for home security, nanny cams to watch the baby or a video doorbell to see who's knocking.

These cameras have plenty of perfectly legitimate uses. They can provide security in public spaces and prevent theft in businesses. The problems arise when they're used for nefarious purposes, which happens more often than any of us would like.  Earlier this year, police arrested a man who had secretly recorded women and girls in changing rooms at northern Virginia shopping malls. And, Airbnb has had ongoing problems with renters finding hidden cameras planted by hosts in places where guests should expect privacy. (The Airbnb regulations do allow hosts to place cameras in common areas, but they must disclose their use.)

One of the problems is that these tiny, inconspicuous cameras can be easily bought online. Browsing Amazon for hidden cameras is a little disconcerting. Cameras are disguised as alarm clocks, power adapters, smoke detectors, photo frames and even water bottles, most of them wireless and battery powered. These cameras are easy to obtain, and most require no technical skills to install, meaning anyone with ill intent could place them in a public place and watch you when you're unaware.

Aren't Hidden Cameras Illegal?

Laws pertaining to hidden cameras vary from state to state, so you'll want to check your local laws to find out the specifics in your area. The matter typically comes down to where you can expect to have a "reasonable expectation of privacy." There are certain spaces you would expect to be private, like bathrooms, dressing rooms, hotel rooms and locker rooms, and surveillance cameras placed in such areas are typically illegal. (However, if a sign informs you that you're under surveillance somewhere like outside a dressing area in a store where there are cameras to discourage theft, the cameras are typically considered legal.) In spaces that aren’t private, like browsing a shopping mall or walking down a city street, cameras are typically legal whether they're hidden or not.

Of course, the fact that hidden cameras might be illegal doesn't stop people from placing them, so it's up to you to remain vigilant.

How Can You Be Sure You're Not Being Recorded?

Cameras are small and often disguised, so the first thing to do is to take a look around. Not everyone placing a hidden camera does it in the smartest way, and you may be able to find them with a careful examination of the room. Look for the following tell-tale signs.

  • Wires in unexpected places or wires that don't seem to go anywhere While many cameras are wireless, unexplained wiring could lead to a hidden camera.
  • Lights A camera designed to be stealthy won't have any obvious signs like this, but cameras not designed to be hidden often do, and if the person who placed the camera wasn't careful, this can be an obvious giveaway.
  • Small holes in walls or other places It only takes a pinhole for a camera lens to see into a room. Some types of hidden cameras take advantage of this by hiding in innocuous objects with a small hole for the camera.
  • Objects out of the ordinary If you're in a familiar place, look for anything that's new or has been moved.

Another low-tech method of finding hidden cameras is to listen. While this won't catch every camera, some motion-sensitive cameras make a soft click or buzz as they turn on when someone walks by. In a noisy environment, you definitely won't be able to hear them, but if you're in a place where you can turn off lights, radios, televisions and other sources of sound, you may be able to hear a camera activate. You can also try turning out the lights and scanning the room with a flashlight to look for lens reflections. 

If the hidden camera is living streaming video, you may be able to see it on the local Wi-Fi network. Software, like Nmap for computers, or apps like Fing for iOS and Android devices will scan whatever Wi-Fi network your computer, smartphone or tablet is connect to and list the devices.

Unfortunately, the above methods aren’t foolproof — but don’t give up just yet. While not all hidden cameras produce obvious visible (or audible) signs of their presence, every camera has a lens that reflects light whether it's on or off. You should be able to spot a camera by doing a thorough scan of the room with a light source, looking for a glint of light as it reflects off the camera sensor. This method still isn't perfect, as you'll need to shine the light from the right angle and, with some devices, be fairly close to the camera to spot it.

The most straightforward way to find a hidden lens using a light source is to turn off the lights and pan a flashlight around the room. Go slowly, and examine suspicious places from multiple angles. If you see glints of light where there shouldn't be — areas where there are no mirrors, glass or other reflective surfaces — you may have found a camera. Mirrors can be suspicious, too, because you won't be able to see a camera hidden behind them.

Make your search easier by using a camera-detecting app on your smartphone. These apps use your smartphone's flash to light up camera lenses and help you detect them, though many have received negative reviews, which speaks to how tough it can be to spot a hidden camera. For iPhone, there's Hidden Camera Detector ($4.99); for Android, try Glint Finder (free, with advertisements). Hidden Camera Detector is a bit more helpful, as it automatically pinpoints suspected cameras on your phone's screen. Glint Finder, on the other hand, flashes your smartphone's light rapidly to make it easier to pick up a reflection, but it's on you to find the source. With either app, you'll need to be within a few feet of a camera to spot it.

The advantage of these apps is cost and accessibility. While you can purchase professional-grade camera detectors (more on those in a minute), they come with a notable price tag, while these apps are very affordable. And if you need to hunt for a camera unexpectedly, you're likely to already have your smartphone with you. If nothing else, these apps make a good stop-gap method for finding hidden cameras until you get a better solution.
 

Wired and Wireless Camera Detector

Get a Hidden Camera Detector

A professional-quality hidden camera detector is both easier to use and more effective. You can get one for under $100. Professional detectors offer two methods of finding a camera: either they look for that glint from the lens (much like using a flashlight or smartphone), or they detect RF broadcasts from a wireless camera. Some detectors rely on one technology or the other (the cheapest detectors pick up RF), while pricier models include both, a combination of features that are effective at finding different kinds of cameras.

To make visually finding a hidden camera easier, detectors use multiple flashing LED lights — or in more expensive models, lasers — to help light up camera lenses. They're as simple to use as a flashlight. Simply hold them up to your eye (make sure the lights are facing away from your eye) and activate them while looking around the room. Just like a flashlight or smartphone, you'll have to hit the camera from the right angle to tell it's there, so you'll want to take a slow, careful look around the room, focusing on specific areas where a camera might be hidden. A camera lens should light up in the detector's viewfinder, making it easy to spot.

Detecting cameras via RF can be even easier. Most detectors will beep when they find a signal, giving an audible indication when you get near a potential camera. The snag with RF detectors is that there are lots of gadgets that can transmit RF, which means these detectors will either send you straight to a camera or on a wild goose chase for a lot of things that aren't cameras. On top of that, if the camera is turned off or simply not transmitting, there won't be anything for the RF detector to pick up. In the end, even though it takes more time, using a detector that looks for camera lenses can be more effective.

If you're looking to upgrade from an app to a stand-alone detector, try the Wired & Wireless Camera Detector ($59). When turned on, the detector can be set up to vibrate or beep to tell you you're near something that's transmitting, letting you know you could be near a hidden camera even when it's tucked in your pocket. For finding the hidden camera, hold the viewfinder to your eye and look around the room until it spots something. 

If you're looking for professional grade equipment, try the Stealth Camera Lens Finder ($445). At just over four inches long, it's small enough to easily fit into a purse, and it uses simple, one-button activation. It doesn't detect RF, but that helps keep it simple to use. It can uncover hidden cameras even if they're turned off.

What Should I Do if I Find a Hidden Camera?

Even though you can find cameras on your own with a detector, it's best to contact the authorities if you do find one. Your local police will not only be able to remove the camera but also find whoever put it there — and keep them from spying on you or anyone else.

[Images: hidden camera concept via Shutterstock, Brickhouse Security]

The article was originally published  in 9/2011, and last updated on 4/10/2019


Topics

Health and Home, Cameras and Photography, Home Safety & Security, Tips & How-Tos


Discussion loading

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From Randy Clendenin on December 13, 2011 :: 6:58 pm


He gives the children a copy in Blue Ray, Dolby-a DVD of the Kung Fu Panda 2-which includes his voice of Po’s father Mr. Ping.

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From palescoot on August 03, 2016 :: 3:20 pm


What on earth are you talking about?

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From Zaphod on April 26, 2019 :: 9:09 pm


He’s talking (writing) about lesbian seagull unicorns. Duh.

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From Shannyn on April 18, 2021 :: 10:33 am


Hahahahahaha 🤣

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From Rich Moser on July 26, 2017 :: 1:48 pm


Really, that is SOOOO interesting! Tell us more!!!!!!!!

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From Leila on October 14, 2012 :: 7:38 am


Hi,

i have purchased the following camera tracker Spy Hawk Maxi-Tech Pocket Pro “Defender” Personal Bug Sweep Detector at first i can find the hidden spy camera but the people who installed another hidden spy camera are professional in spying therefore by using the same machine Spy Hawk Maxi-Tech Pocket Pro “Defender” Personal Bug Sweep Detector i am unable to find the spy hidden camera but i am 100% sure its there.
why am i not being able to find the spy hidden camera this time, i googled & find out that it exist spy hidden cameras that are undetectable.
what makes these spy hidden cameras undetectable? or should i purchase another detector?

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From Josh Kirschner on October 16, 2012 :: 8:44 am


First of all, how do you know there is a hidden camera? Maybe it’s not finding one because there isn’t one?

The detector you’re using uses flashes of red light to illuminate the camera’s sensor and is only effective up to about 10 feet. Beyond that and you would need a laser emitting detector, like the one in the article above.

Also, it’s possible that some cameras could be hidden from your detector either because it’s behind mirrored glass or otherwise makes the sensor difficult to view.

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From Irene Rojas on November 25, 2012 :: 8:30 pm


is there a camera .....the hunter cant find? for instance like the law enforcement… do they have cameras that the hunter cant find?

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From Lisaj209@comcast.net on June 25, 2016 :: 5:34 pm


Hi Im out of Modesto CA I had a question in viewing your post well really two questions. First when you said it could be a camera behind mirrored glass could a camera be hidden behind a glass light fixture. And if possible how small do they get do they need wiring.And if behind a glass fixture up in ceiling can someone or many people still see through. And same for up in a ceiling fan as well.Please get back to me I live around drug dealers and addicts who dont like me my neighbor upstairs deals and smokes all night.They dont like me here and have police come out because people throw bags of cat liter at my door.

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From The real J C on December 04, 2019 :: 2:11 am


This person is not out of California! I found software in my phone that records and foxfire indexing that is sent to someone this was talking about a Siren and I have hooked up to my alarm system and I was welding some metal and it had some powder coat on it talking to my father and I dropped and busted a bag of cat litter by the door and have been accused of being a drug dealer because I have worked hard and have nice things .Not sure what else to say but probably has to do with my phone is rooted and running off a shell program that can’t seem to access at same time hacked over Facebook messages and few days later my gf moved in with a close friend of mine and all my Predictive text makes fun of me about it and my screen on my tablet changes sometimes has even directed me to craigslist for cemetery plots I’m sick of it and I’m going back to the FBI and hope they get catch the people involved .This was the worst thing ever happened to me . I just want you to stop please and know my ex and her son meant the world to me and never will speak to me again because of things you caused! Uploaded input text? Yeah it’s over! Not scared anymore!

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From Robert Rodriguez on July 11, 2021 :: 7:17 pm


My device tells me there’s a hidden camera but I can’t find it

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From Josh Kirschner on July 21, 2021 :: 2:43 pm


Can you be more specific about what device you are using and what it is telling you? There are a number of scam apps out there or you may be getting a false positive.

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From Kenneth on April 10, 2022 :: 10:54 am


I’ve experienced some strange things over the last 5 years since my wife and I separated I had never heard of gaslighting before this is anyone out there ever heard of it all I know is this there’s very very strange things going on in my life and I am not text marked wish I could figure this out or get some help because if I’m losing my mind I need to be institutionalized but if I’m not then someone near me around me or in my circle is trying to hurt me yeah I know for sure that I have found out one person did I loan my personal device to use had placed an antique am on me now I was not aware that this kind of Technology existed I’m old school and when I was in school the first computers that came out I was almost out of school and kind of avoided it so it might be a fad that went away how wrong was I I just want to know if I’m losing my mind are fishes real some of the things that I can tell you is finding foot tracks outside my windows and placing what thread with Scotch tape across hallways and doorways seeing those things being disturbed now I have bought a night vision camera and I bought a cheap detector both of which wound up mysteriously not working for no unexplained reason if there’s anyone out there that could help me I would appreciate it cuz I have no money to hire professionals

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From Gps Tracker on October 25, 2012 :: 3:56 am


One of my friends too came across such an disorder, I suggested him to use a camera detector for the safety of the House in recent times. They are along with the big horn available and no other chance of misleading the connection even if some other person tries to perform such tasks.  These Security systems must have high visibility theft deterrent, Powder coated-corrosion resistant and also the locking system that prevents to padlock shackle.

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From mandy on February 02, 2015 :: 1:37 am


you make no sense and sound like a retard…did you graduate? your words dont go together to make sense and its F…g annoying ..trying to read your idiot talk and thinking WHHHHAAAAAT???? What are you trying to say….never mind…i dont even care

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From Um . . . on March 04, 2016 :: 5:33 pm


Your comment is just as poorly written.

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From Dustin Coffman on April 06, 2019 :: 11:13 pm


Agreed

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From levy on July 13, 2019 :: 1:45 pm


Translation software often chooses the wrong words to use when translating other languages.

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From Roy on November 03, 2013 :: 9:10 pm


There’s an app in iTunes named “Spy Camera Lens Detector”. It works more or less and since it’s free it’s almost a steal.

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From Pushpa Naik on February 21, 2014 :: 11:25 am


If person dont have any camera tracker only has a cell phone is there any possibilities….!!!????

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From Rajaram on February 26, 2014 :: 1:26 am


Hi , after not completing my maters i got and still get a feeling of someone watching my privacy, Can some one help me out ?  i do not mind showing it to good but not to a few .. i cant give a police case since am not able to find any proof.. what i should do ?

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From Manuel Cornejo on June 25, 2014 :: 7:33 am


Dear Sirs

There are also cameras place at a distance from the ocular that are communicated by optical fiber. What about these? How can you pinpoint them?

Sincerely

Manuel Cornejo

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From Josh Kirschner on June 26, 2014 :: 8:24 am


It’s possible that a fiber optic cable would carry the light signal from the detector to the sensor and back again so that it could be picked up by the detector above. But I wouldn’t count on it.

To detect more advanced cameras, you would probably need a device that detects other electronic devices, and scan the room with that. Though even that wouldn’t work if the camera is using a long fiber optic cable and is at a significant physical distance.

But take my advice as speculation, as this is not our primary area of expertise.

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From Tiffany on March 01, 2021 :: 4:04 am


Dear Josh,

What about locating game cameras that run on batteries and store imagines on an SD which must be physically removed and put in another device like a PC to view.

Beings nothimg is being transmitted nor received, it isn’t likey to have a radio, and thus no RF to detect. Correct?

Is there another frequency it may emitt? Perhaps an electric pulse?

Thanks in advance

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From Chris on September 24, 2021 :: 8:58 pm


Where can a third party/person report that there is a hidden camera and microphone operating anonymously?

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From Mikele Gioia on February 18, 2015 :: 6:44 am


Most of the systems (such as IP micro SPY camera, micro, bugs, microphones, microrecorders…), thanks to their technical characteristics and their very small size, are concealeble in many objects. Not everyone, however, when purchasing a surveillance device are capable of concealing the same in an effective and professional manner.
For this Endoacustica Europe offers the expertise of its technicians to provide a quickly and safely service able to fully satisfy its customers.
http://www.endoacustica.com/wireless_cameras_en.htm

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From Martha Jean Adams on October 14, 2017 :: 6:53 am


Lately, I have been hearing a long high decibel beep so did about every 30 minutes in the bedroom of our rental apartment.  My husband does not hear it as he is hard of hearing.  I can hear so well that it wakes me up a night.  Do you think there is a hidden camera in there.  Should I ask the apartment manager to come check it out?  I have a very uncomfortable feeling about it.  Marthajean

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From Josh Kirschner on October 16, 2017 :: 11:19 am


Some Internet routers and boxes have an internal battery backup in case there is a power failure. When these batteries run low/die, the box will start beeping intermittently. We had this issue with our Verizon FIOS box and it drove us mad for days before we finally figured out where it was coming from. To fix it, you just need to pull the battery out (no need to replace it unless you really want to). The beeping noise is more likely to be something like this than a hidden camera (which shouldn’t be beeping for any reason).

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From mama on April 19, 2018 :: 10:41 pm


This item sold on a site called spyware catalog along with bird chirping high-frequency electromagnetic weapons that are used to make you nauseated and other items that art just annoying. No you’re not crazy at all these high-frequency noise keep are meant you awake and make you look crazy. Because the sound is super low it is just annoying when you’re with someone who can’t hear it I had to deal with the bird chirping once so I did some research and found it on this site years ago cuz I cannot find where it’s coming from and it wakes me up all night

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From Lulu on June 16, 2018 :: 9:27 pm


Turn off your wifi.  You will hear it slowly go away like a record player almost

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From Kevin D Murray on July 20, 2015 :: 11:10 am


Detection gadgets either count on the camera lens being able to reflect the light you shine at them, and/or them transmitting a radio signal. Not all cameras can be discovered via these methods. Education is your best defense.

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From Lisaj209@comcast.net on June 25, 2016 :: 5:52 pm


Hi I hope I dont sound crazy but i have a strong wanna say feeling but is beyond that.Ill say reasons to believe there are cmaera or as I heard a neighbor say one too many cameras here in my apartment.One in bedroom and one in kitchen possibly ceiling fan.The problem is no one will believe me but my aunt.She came over a few times and she new.My neighbors have thrown cat fieces at my door and police have came out becauese of it.My question is can a camera been small enough to fit behind a glass fixture up in ceiling behind glass.But up in glass and still be able to see through whe light swithch is on or off.And what about a ceiling fan.How does a women find this by myself.Is it possible.Thank You Out of Modesto Ca Ashwood Village Apaertments..

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From Lulu on June 16, 2018 :: 9:32 pm


I hope you are ok im going through some things myself where i live as well.  My email is thebombdotcombiatch.com.  yes its a real email.  Lol

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From Do!ores I on July 11, 2020 :: 4:14 pm


I have some sick person with camera and audio ruining my life No one bell me even with the Finder l have I did find a camera in the sprinkler in my bathroom I was so angry I got the broom and knocked it down, flooded my apt.I was so dumb not to show it to someone first! I am still having problems even my car. He has shown me photos of me driving on my phone. You need proof in this world

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From Michelle Blankenship on December 06, 2020 :: 9:53 pm


Me too! Diagnosis sane mind. 7 years in hell.

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From Kevin D. Murray on July 26, 2017 :: 12:53 pm


Update of 2015 comment:
An employee of a major corporate client of mine found a spy camera in the restroom.

The company really cares about their employees and asked me to create a spycam detection training course for their security and facilities personnel (also available to the public at http://spycamdetection.training).

Awareness of what to look for, and how look without the need for gadgets is the main focus of this on-line video, self-paced, low-cost course.

Spybuster Tip: Cameras hidden behind black plastic (like a tissue dispenser) will not be detectable using camera detection gadgets which have antennas or flashing red lights. A camera can work in an enclosure like this because infrared light passes through the black plastic. (Google: Black-Ops Plastic)

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From C on January 13, 2020 :: 1:43 am


I have just recently moved to a new apartment and in the process of moving my dresser. I have stumbled upon tonight 5 cameras disguised as knobs .. thoughts, recommendations, and can it be traced back to the person that was responsible for putting them there either an agency or an individual!?

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From Fired for asking to much on February 23, 2022 :: 11:41 pm


What moving company ,was it a southern CA.,and was one of the movers red headed with a name starting with j . If so explains a little about what hell I have been going through for the last 3 years with my girlfriend. If so please answer back this maybe the lead to a large scale investigation .one that involves hundreds of people possibly 😳.

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From Cisco on August 27, 2023 :: 8:42 pm


Wat type of knob’s and where in the knob was it located

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From Bender Rodriguez on August 19, 2015 :: 3:31 am


The person probably doesn’t speak English much at all and used a translator to make his post. If anything, this should teach lazy high schoolers such as yourself to stop using Google Translate on your Spanish/French/whatever assignments because that’s what it sounds like when you copy/paste what the translator spits out to you—it’s often actually NOT ACCURATE.

Maybe one day you would like to post on a foreign website using a translator and would wish the people to be patient with you in an effort to understand you instead of throwing an unwarranted, petulant teenaged tantrum at you.

He probably said:

One of my friends also had this problem. I suggested he use a camera detector for the safety of his how now. They are available with the “big horn” so that there is no chance of missing a detection no matter who uses it. For theft deterrence, security systems must have high visibility, powder coated, corrosion resistance and also a locking system to prevent shutting it down.

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From HolyShit on June 13, 2019 :: 1:11 pm


First of all, Bender? That name alone already suggests that you’re one of them. And all these stalkers are really obsessed with being a grammar expert or something. Do you guys think you sound smart enough to teach other people how to write English properly?


And they are very ill-tempered so they “spit” the word “spit” a lot. I think it may be in their head, it sounded smart and witty, when in reality, they just sound like a curmudgeon but a lot more annoying.


If you are feeling that guilty for your sick crimes of so far, go to the police station yourself and confess. You might feel a lot better.

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From Dont be an idiot on October 05, 2019 :: 4:09 am


Holyshit, you’re an idiot. Bender is correct on everything he said.

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From Pm lady on July 11, 2020 :: 3:58 pm


I’m going to catch you Bender with Proof and pictures

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From Fired for asking to much on February 23, 2022 :: 11:49 pm


Jason from a moving company. I won’t say because I don’t want to jump to conclusions.  But if it is help me so I can help you put this sicko behind bars. I know more but don’t want to say because every device I own has been hacked and I’m still trying to fix it 5000 dollars and 1 year later. I pretty sure I know who it is just can’t get the proof to make it stick.

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From Jenn on November 28, 2023 :: 11:47 am


I live in Florida, me and my husband separated about 6 years ago he moved to Tennessee. We had a smart TV mounted on the wall in the bedroom. Well not a few months after he left, I got a screenshot on my phone sent to me from an unknown number and it was of me laying in the bed live right there just a few seconds before that. He somehow hacked into the smart things app and he could remote view me from the TV in the bedroom. So far I’ve spent about 16,000 but he also had help neighbors up the road he paid them good money to keep it going. Good luck to you I’m still trying to deal with it maybe the end of it I hope. It disables your whole life and no one understands unless it’s happened to you. These people do some crazy stuff. If they would just worry about their own lives they would get so much further in life.

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From Michele F on September 01, 2019 :: 8:04 am


Here’s the thing about translators…if someone is using a translator from another country or is trying to communicate because they don’t speak English, then quite frankly they shouldn’t be using a translator at all! For the mere fact that half time time it doesn’t come out right in the first place, so we’re here on the other end trying to figure out what the person is TRYING to say! Ugh it’s frustrating! so why even bother trying to communicate!! That to me makes absolutely no sense at all!!

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From Bender Rodriguez on August 19, 2015 :: 3:35 am


*house (not “how”)

And I can’t quite figure out what “big horn” was supposed to be. Maybe it’s a logical guess, but I can’t think of it. (Again, an example of how translators give bad advice a lot of the times.)

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From old english on February 26, 2016 :: 10:36 am


big horn make big noise. Perhaps google meant a loud alarm or siren.
At least he (assumed gender) tried to communicate.

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From levy on July 13, 2019 :: 1:54 pm


It is translated from “loud beep.”

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From Jamie on August 20, 2015 :: 2:47 pm


I have a feeling that my controlling and crazy jealous husband has installed hidden cameras in our home. If this is true, divorce is not far. However, I need to find them first. If they are wireless, don’t they run on my home wireless internet network? Would killing wifi disable them? And do the wireless ones run on battery? How does this work? I’m not a tech savvy person so I’m sorry if my questions seem dumb. I just need help with shutting them down!

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From B on September 10, 2015 :: 12:29 pm


Turning off the WiFi might not really help. If they are hidden, it will most likely be on a separate WiFi. Easy way to find out: connect your desktop directly to your wireless router. Download an administrative program for the router ( the one for Netgear routers is pretty versatile, even if it can’t give you complete access, it can show you how many devices are connected). If you can connect, see what is connected to your Wi-Fi. Usually, it will have done detail about the device by default (android dev - usually a phone or tablet, partial tv name for smart tv’s, and laptop/pc names). Web cams, laptops, tv’s, desktop pc’s,etc… all of these can have programs that make it look add if the device is off, when in fact, it can be streaming audio and or video to a server, or backing it up on the hard drive. I keep a sticker on my camera when not in use and a noise canceling sticker ( sometimes small thick bandades work just as well) when I’m not using them. You also have programs on your cellphone that can record and upload your conversations, texts, photos, even be remotely activated to turn on your camera or microphone. I found some of these issues with my mom’s stuff after my father did not want his genius step son to fix a DNS error on her laptop. I suggest ( if you are that afraid of this matter and can’t find it yourself) to call in a pro for a sweep, get a crapy old cell phone that’s prepaid, and keep any pertinent or incriminating conversations/texts on the crap phone and conversations outside the house. Just done thoughts. But, a spouse spying on you in his/ her own home is no longer considered invasion of privacy in most states as it is there residence as will. Good luck.

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From B on September 10, 2015 :: 12:36 pm


My phone is a dick, but I’m sure you can determine what the typos should be. P.S. just remember that wifi and gps scramblers and jammers are illegal to use in most states unless you are a government employee with a court order, or a member of homeland security. So, i dont suggest you try that route.

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From Jamie on September 10, 2015 :: 1:03 pm


Appreciate the breakdown of the above info. I am probably going to have to have someone do a sweep because a lot of what you said was like reading Chinese or something, lol. Thanks so much for your help though, I truly appreciate it!

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From Some IT Guy on October 19, 2017 :: 12:57 am


While this is an old comment, I figured I’d go ahead and chime in for you or anyone else who may have similar questions or concerns. If the authors of this article wish to utilize any portion of this comment to update the article/etc, please feel free, I do not mind. Had to split this into two comments, it ended up being longer than I anticipated.

There’s a couple of possibilities when it comes to hidden cameras, you can have:
hardwired cameras, wireless cameras, or battery-powered cameras.
Some cameras can have a combination of these features.

Wireless cameras can use either WiFi, RF, or Bluetooth to transmit their data. WiFi and Bluetooth are actually forms of RF (radio frequency transmissions) that operate at different ranges. RF detectors can pick up on these cameras to some degree, but because of the prevalance of WiFi devices and networks, you’re going to be encountering a ton of false-positives.

Battery power really isn’t practical for cameras that transmit using RF signal because of how quickly the battery would drain. These features are more common (WiFi and/or Bluetooth) on cameras that need a source of power (need to physically be plugged in to an electrical outlet).

Battery powered cameras tend to be easier to install. Since they don’t require a physical power source, your only real limitation is finding somewhere to hide the camera. Most people that place hidden cameras, specifically amateurs/voyeurists, are (in my opinion) less likely to have the technical knowledge to wire a camera to a circuitboard or build it into something existing in the environment. This means that they’re far more likely to buy a “complete” product from somewhere like Amazon. It’s a good idea to go ahead and take a look through Amazon’s selection of “spy cameras” and “hidden cameras”, because this gives you a good idea of what kind of products are out there, what kind of products these cameras are typically hidden in, and whether any of these products may currently be in your home environment. Examples of these products include things like fountain-style ink pens, photo frames, travel coffee mugs, car-alarm key fobs, fitness bracelets, sunglasses, etc. - These types of hidden cameras tend to be very inexpensive, but the upside is that the limited battery life and the lack of wireless signal requires that the person using the hidden camera periodically recharge the device, and periodically connect it to a computer to download the video footage.

Directly in contrast to this are “dummy” type products that a camera can be built into and plugged in, in a normal location, without attracting any undue attention. This provides a power source for the camera, and increases the likelihood (not definitively!) that it would feature WiFi or Bluetooth, but equally plausible that it may just have a hidden SD card. Examples of products like this are “spycam” alarm clocks, smoke detectors, USB wall chargers, LED lightbulbs, etc. - Cost is a huge factor here, though, the more features it has like WiFi and the higher quality of the actual product, the more it’s going to cost, and the easier it’s going to be to identify online.

There’s almost no way to completely hide a camera, though. Most “spy/hidden” cameras don’t have any LED indicators that “give away” the positioning of the camera, but if you closely inspect supsicious devices, you can clearly see the camera lens. It’s more common for there to just be a “hole” the size of the lens in the product, for instance, in the smoke detector hidden cameras. In an alarm clock spy camera, it’s going to likely be behind the glass/plastic face of the clock itself. On a USB wall charger, it’s going to be a little circle directly above the USB port.

The only exception to this would be cameras hidden behind a lens (which affects the quality of footage) or cameras hidden behind mirrors. Nearly every other spy camera/hidden camera that exists, you can visually spot the camera if you look close enough and have a reasonable idea of where to look. Cameras typically aren’t going to just be “in the wall” or “in the ceiling”, and if they were, it’d be more noticeable than just hiding it inside of something less suspicious.

As the other gentleman above mentioned, on your home network, you can connect to your router/wireless modem and it will list all devices that are currently connected to your wireless network. For instance, with a Verizon Fios router (typically Actiontec brand), from a computer that is connected to the wireless network, you can open any web browser, and visit “192.168.1.1” in the web browser. This will take you to a login page for your router. The default login/password tends to vary by the model of your router and the service provider, but newer Verizon routers tend to have this information on a sticker on the side, along with the WiFi password.

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From Random IT Guy on October 19, 2017 :: 12:59 am


Comment was limited to 5000 characters, here’s the rest:

So, you log in to this page, and look to see what devices are connected, having a bunch of devices connected on your network (active connections) that exceeds the number of devices that “should” be connected is an indicator that something may be amiss. I personally re-name all connected devices (IE: Kid’s Laptop), so an unexpected device is easier to identify. Just don’t forget that smart tvs, wifi thermostats, wifi speakers and other such items will also be in your list of connected devices; in our “Internet of Things” era, it can be surprising how many things you actually have connected to your network.

In circumstances where the cameras are not in your home, like a public bathroom, hotel room, or other such environment, it becomes significantly more likely that these will have some sort of WiFi/Bluetooth means of transmitting their recordings, typically to a web-server online, though some individuals also make use of WiFi-based hard drives/networked hard drives. Regardless of the specific configuration, it gives the individual the means to collect the recorded data remotely without ever needing to return to the location in which the camera was installed. People that do illegal stuff typically don’t like returning to the scene of the crime. The unfortunate thing here is, this is the territory where we’re getting into more advanced concepts, where the individual is likely going to be collecting their “payload” in a manner that cannot be traced back to them, in case the camera(s) were to be discovered. This article does a pretty fair job of explaining how you can detect these types of cameras out in public settings.

Also, Jamie, final thoughts here: I can’t speak to your personal situation, but “crazy jealous and controlling” is a very concerning statement to me. That kind of behavior is dangerous and only tends to escalate, and particularly can escalate with very tragic results. I implore you to be careful, individuals that exhibit these traits also, unfortunately, tend to put a lot of effort and learn a lot about tracking/monitoring their “significant other’s” activities, particularly online and on their mobile devices. There’s no way to know whether any of this is occuring in your situation, but even visiting sites like this one could get back to him. Not to be an alarmist, but I recommend using your web browser’s “private browsing” feature to help mitigate the likelihood of him seeing search results like this site, or using a trusted friend’s computer at their home, instead.
Additionally, if you have/do/did find hidden cameras in your home, do not turn them off, do not disable them or tamper with them in any way, you’re better off if you do not touch them at all. Disabling them, your husband will become aware of this quickly and may react in a violent or negative manner, especially because he will question the motives/intentions that lead you to discovering these devices, and will likely assume the worst.
The laws regarding hidden cameras tend to vary by state, some states, there is no legal “reasonable expectation of privacy” in private dwellings, especially in common/shared areas of the home; most states legislation holds this true even in bedrooms. Again, it varies pretty wildly throughout the country, check your local laws to find out what your rights are.

While I strongly recommend against touching/tampering/messing with these devices, I am not discouraging you from taking action. If it’s illegal in your state, call the police. By not touching the devices, it preserves the state of the evidence and will greatly aid the police in prosecution. If it’s not illegal in your state, you should still evaluate your options.

Many states consider controlling behavior, harassment, stalking and other related behavior to be domestic abuse/domestic violence. Something like hidden cameras in your home could easily meet this standard. Some states will allow for protection orders in which he would be forced to remove himself from the home, while continuing to pay for the home, and would also have to maintain a certain distance from you. Otherwise, many states have programs to help relocate/temporarily house individuals in similar situations.

Domestic violence is more than just physical abuse. It includes verbal abuse, manipulation, coercion, stalking, economic control, abusing trust,  threats, and intimidation to name a few. I hope this finds you well, please take care of yourself and stay safe.

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