How To Screen For Hidden Cameras & Listening Devices

Spy cameras and listening devices are photo, video and audio recorders hidden in homes or corporate settings for capturing audio and visual content. Listening devices are available in the form of GSM bugs, mobile phones, phone tapping and miniature voice recorders. Spy cameras are available in various sizes and with different features such as wide lens, night vision, motion detection etc.

Covert devices are gaining popularity

A quick search on amazon.in reveals the innovative designs of spy cameras. Cameras are disguised as everyday objects like photo frames, pens, chargers, spectacles and table clocks. Prices are incredibly affordable and start at just $10! These devices are discreet, unobtrusive and can easily go unnoticed in home, office or even hotel room environments.

In private spaces like homes and hotel rooms, these devices might be installed to get private personal footage of the target. In corporate environments, activities like photo and video recording and wiretapping are on the rise. These illicit mediums can be used to gather crucial inside information which can work to tarnish the reputation or future plans of the organisation. Unethical employees might also use such mediums to gather confidential information discussed in boardrooms for their personal benefit. In such sensitive cases, it is recommended that firms engage in professional debugging and anti-wiretapping services.

Watch out for these suspected hiding spots

Experts advise that the most common spots to hide surveillance devices are spaces where people spend most of their time. In hotel rooms and houses, the target spots include the area near the bed, bathroom, living room. In offices, surveillance devices might be installed in board rooms, meeting rooms, cabins of targeted employees etc. Most relevant placements are usually in locations that face the direction the target might sit or sleep.

For example, in a hotel room, the ceiling fan or smoke detector directly faces the guest lying in bed. In office cabins of important personnel, items such as awards, frames, figurines placed on shelves are discreet locations to watch out for.

Sweep it yourself

A simple way to look out for these devices is by identifying a hole in any smooth surface. Misplaced holes in walls or ceilings could be an indication of possible hiding spaces. It is also suggested to look for items that seem out of place. Items that are directly facing the bed or seating area, but don’t need to, are some things to pay attention to. For example, if you find an alarm clock directly facing the bed, you are advised to turn it around and look for chips or cameras. In such situations, it is recommended to be neither scared nor paranoid, but aware.

There are various other detection methods available due to technological advancements in the surveillance field. Wi-Fi networks allow users to scan the local network for connected camera devices. A limitation here is that the Wi-Fi does not support detection of cameras that are not connected to that local network.

New age cameras allow users to scan the area around them for night vision cameras. Most night vision cameras use infrared, which is invisible to the naked eye. Luckily, the infrared rays are easily detected by phone cameras. To sweep for these cameras, simply turn off the lights of the room you want to sweep, switch on the phone camera, and scan the room. If a camera is present in the room, purple or white lights will flash on the camera screen.

There are also numerous apps available on the Android PlayStore and Apple App Store. These apps detect lenses around the user and light them up, making the cameras easy to detect.

Professional debugging services are just a click away

While these methods are quick and relatively easy, they are unfortunately not foolproof. In cases of prime importance like suspected corporate cases or high profile private homes, it is highly recommended to engage in professional debugging services.

Globe Detective Agency is a pioneer in security solutions. From due diligence and background checks to forensic investigations and debugging services, GDA has been offering the highest quality of services since 1961. If you suspect that your space has been bugged, get in touch with GDA today.