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TSCM Bug Sweeping Services

How to Detect a Hidden Camera

Being spied upon is one of the creepiest things imaginable for a woman, be it through a hidden camera in your own home, a public bathroom, an apartment, or a changing room in a shop. Fears like these are more than paranoia and, in fact, are very real. Many cases have been reported in the media, such as a report publicized by the KTLA News Station. According to this news report, a young boy of 5 found a hidden camera facing the toilet at the restroom of a Starbucks. Reports like these are a reminder that the perceived danger is actually real.

Spy cameras today are so small that they can be placed virtually anywhere. They may be concealed in wall outlets, clocks, pens, smoke detectors, and many other places and remain undetected by the human eye. However, this does not mean they are impossible to detect. The sensor of a hidden camera always reflects back light. Thus, the trick is to lighten the sensor.

There are many types of hidden camera detectors out there.

Camera Detectors (Standalone)

For smaller areas, like bathrooms and dressing rooms, go for a Mini hidden camera detector). However, if you want to scan for a camera from more than 10 feet away, a wired & wireless camera detector might be a better choice as these hidden camera detectors conduct a scan for an RF transmitter within a range of 10 meters; any transmitters detected indicate the presence of a listening device or a hidden camera.

Using a hidden camera detector is easy. Simply scroll through its lens and push a button, upon which the device begins emitting bursts of red light. These bursts reflect off the sensor of a hidden camera, emerging as steady red flares.

The hidden camera detectors are very simple to handle, but you won't actually discern the giveaway flare unless the detector is used from an appropriate angle. So, concentrate on potential places where cameras could be hidden and focus your scan on these areas. The founder of TSCM UK says that spy cameras are typically concealed in small places like smoke detectors, vents, spaces in the floor, and also in infrequently used objects like air fresheners. As the hidden camera detector works only when light is reflected off the camera's sensor, it will be ineffective if the camera is concealed behind a mirror or other reflective surfaces.

Smartphone App Options

If you are on the lookout for an economical alternative? You can download certain apps that temporarily convert your phone into a hidden camera detector. The Glint Finder app is available for Android phones, while iPhone users can download the Hidden Camera Detector. The principle is the same, but of course, these apps won't give you an RF transmitter or the notifications that a Wired & Wireless Camera Detector will. They will simply reflect the light off the lens and give you a location of the hidden device.

The problem of security is a pressing one, but steps can certainly be taken to reduce the risk. And hidden camera detectors do a pretty decent job of ensuring your safety and privacy both in your home and outside.