Spy cameras have increasingly grown in use over the years. You see them almost everywhere - offices, libraries, traffic intersections, stores, and even homes! You can certainly appreciate the security concerns behind these high-tech installations. However, there are definitely times when you want them out of your life.



Physical Search

Physically searching the room can pose an inconvenience in time and effort. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs when you do discover and de-activate spy cameras in places where these should not be.

You have to perform a careful physical search of any room that you suspect has spying devices implanted. Usually, hidden cameras are positioned on the ceiling for greater coverage, behind paintings and mirrors, in electric fixtures like lampshades, and even in decorative touches like flower arrangements for chameleon-like blending. Other spies place hidden cameras under tables and shelves, so watch under furniture, too.

Whatever the reason for the positioning of the spy cameras, you have to search almost anything that looks suspicious, even nooks and crannies where very small spying devices can fit into. You will acquire more expertise in doing physical searches so do not get frustrated when you miss these devices and others find them.

Turning Out the Lights

Well, turning out all the lights is not for your assurance that the spy cameras will not be able to see you in the dark. There are infrared cameras that act like the military night-vision goggles, so rid yourself of this misconception.

Rather, turning out the lights enables you to locate tiny red or green LED lights. Wait for your eyes to adjust to the sensation of near-total blackness before proceeding. If there are spy devices anywhere in the room, then you will be guided by the LED light shining amidst the blackness. Just be sure to check the mirrors by shining a light on their surface; one-sided transparent mirrors are excellent hiding places for spying devices.

Watch, Look and Listen

Visual search is not enough. Quietly walk around the room and listen to any suspicious sound. Usually, spy cameras make clicking and/or buzzing sounds when they are in operation. If you remember the old-fashioned camera and the way it sounds when it is rewinding, then it is one of the sounds you must look out for.

Bird on the Wire

Look for wires that do not match any of the existing appliances. This is assuming that the spy devices are hardwired, which is becoming less common with wireless technology. Nevertheless, you can never go wrong with a thorough search.

If All Else Fails........

Well, you can always buy a bug detector. This is a portable, relatively inexpensive and user-friendly device that can help you do a thorough sweep of the room. The dollars you spend for any of these anti-spy cameras will be well worth it. After all, is there a price for privacy and dignity?

When you do find these spy devices, you can either complain to management, or you can just cover the lenses. If you have technical knowledge, then shut off the whole thing. Just be sure not to destroy property as you are correcting a wrong here, not committing one of your own.