“In hotel rooms, for example, if items continue to be placed in a particular location after a room is serviced, then that could be a sign that the item needs to be positioned that way so that a camera has a good angle of view.Of course, this could also just be the maid tidying up, so don’t immediately jump to full paranoia.” For example, Airbnb’s rules about electronic surveillance devices state: “We require hosts to disclose all surveillance devices in their listings, and we prohibit any surveillance devices that are in or that observe the interior of certain private spaces (such as bedrooms and bathrooms) regardless of whether they’ve been disclosed.” So make sure you check a vacation rental listing carefully for any mention of a nanny cam in the living room before you make a reservation.
It’s a horrifying scenario—finding a hidden camera in your hotel room or vacation rental.
And unfortunately, it’s also a recently emerging trend as more and more people report this invasion of privacy.
The Monk says, “Bathrooms, bedrooms, and office space/desks are very common targets.
Areas where computer screens are going to be visible are especially sought after, as the camera may capture login passwords, bank account information, personal browsing habits, and all sorts of other valuable information.
“If that doesn’t work,” says Ernie Naran, Director of Special Projects for Focus One Consulting Group, “turn objects [with suspected hidden cameras] such as radios, clocks, et cetera, around so that they face in a different direction.
If that is not possible, cover the items with a towel.” Depending on where you’re traveling, checking for hidden cameras might not be such a great idea.
If you can’t get away with prying open smoke detectors, opening the backs of paintings, and possibly opening a section of a wall to see if anything is inside, then you won’t be able to complete a full and proper physical search.
“When faced with these types of limitations, often it is best to utilize a hybrid of all three search methods to whatever extent you find possible.
“Smoke detectors, alarm clocks, even electrical outlets and power strips can have a complete audio/visual monitoring suite built in with room to spare.
But even if the device itself is hard to detect, the activities of those responsible for the device may be more telling.
This was how an Airbnb guest found a camera concealed inside a motion detector that seemed out of place in a bedroom.” It could be helpful to familiarize yourself with what hidden cameras can look like.