Hidden Cameras and Other Surveillance Devices
Three days ago Airbnb released an update stating that they are banning the use of indoor security cameras in listings globally as part of their efforts to simplify their policy on security cameras. Previously cameras were allowed indoors but not in sensitive areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms.
Despite this rule there have been several disturbing instances over the past decade where guests have found cameras in places they shouldn't have been resulting in some lawsuits against the company. One New Zealand family staying in Cork were horrified to find out that their stay was being live-streamed by a camera in the dwelling.
So what does this new rule mean? Ultimately it is just a protection for Airbnb against these kinds of lawsuits. Those unsavory hosts who put the cameras in spots they weren't supposed to knew it was wrong to do so then, so is this new rule going to deter them any further going forward? Probably not, which begs the question should you avoid accommodations through places like Airbnb, VRBO, or booking.com?
Personally I'd say no, as my experiences with booking.com at least have all been very positive. That being said, I still do a sweep of the rooms to look for anything suspicious and I trust my instincts. If you get that eerie feeling that you are being watched, maybe you aren't being paranoid. So what can you do to overcome that?
Perform a Visual Inspection
Check Common Locations: Begin with areas where hidden cameras are commonly placed. Look for small, unusual objects or devices in locations that offer a wide view of the room. Common hiding spots include smoke detectors, air filter equipment, books, wall decorations, electrical outlets, indoor plants, lamps, and shelves. If there is a creepy looking garden gnome on a bookshelf in your room, don't walk away, run!
Inspect Lights and Electronics: Hidden cameras often have tiny green or red LEDs that can give them away. Turn off the lights and look for any unusual glowing dots. Cameras might be embedded within electronic devices like TVs, alarm clocks, or chargers. If you are in a room that has two smoke detectors think 'That's odd isn't it?'
Look for Lens Reflection: Use a small flashlight or the flashlight app in your phone to scan the room. Slowly sweep the light across the room and pay attention to any reflective flashes that could indicate a camera lens.
Examine Mirrors: Ensure that mirrors in the room are genuine. Conduct the fingertip test: touch the mirror with your fingertip, and if there’s a gap between your finger and its reflection, it’s likely a real mirror. If your finger and its reflection touch tip to tip, you might be dealing with a two-way mirror, which could hide a camera.
Do a Full Room Scan
If you are still not comfortable after your search you can also invest in some electronic devices that can detect cameras or bugs. These products use passive, wireless, and infrared scanning technology to accurately detect hidden cameras, eavesdropping devices, and GPS location trackers (in case you are worried a potential thief has placed one on your vehicle- more on that later).
Kind of makes you feel a bit like James Bond, yeah? If you want to go that extra mile with one of these devices they aren't really that expensive.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CoolMouse Hidden Camera and Bug Detector
Whether you're in a hotel room, meeting room, or any other space, it gives you the protection you need anywhere.
Car Theft
Maybe you are driving somewhere that has seen a rash of car thefts like the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec have been experiencing recently. Most of them are being sent via shipping containers overseas to be sold in Africa and the Middle East which would explain the high theft rates in those two provinces as they provide easy access to a port that reaches the Atlantic. If you were curious here are the 10 models that were the most targeted in Canada:
1. 2020 Honda CR-V
2. 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 series
3. 2020 Ford F150 series
4. 2020 Lexus RX series
5. 2021 Toyota Highlander
6. 2019 Honda Civic
7. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
8. 2020 Land Rover Range Rover
9. 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 series
10. 2021 Jeep Wrangler
Most are trucks or SUVs with the Civic being the exception. Why the Civic? Probably because they are so easy to get replacement parts for in remote places like Western Africa where they are being re-sold. So, how are the thieves getting the cars?
Keyless Fob Scanning
Nearly all of the cars stolen are those that have the smart key or remote starter. These keys constantly transmit a signal that the car recognizes as you approach. When it detects you are close enough it will automatically open the car and you can then start it and drive off. The problem arises because a potential thief can clone your key's signal, or use a relay to to send the signal to a second thief who is near your car.
If you happen to have left your keys on the hangers by your front door, or perhaps on your desk by the window, then it's signal can be picked up by a device outside and then used to trick your car into thinking you are the one driving it away. Now there are some general tips to help prevent vehicle theft and some are just common sense but there is also a way to protect your car from this electronic kind of theft. First the general tips:
Lock Your Doors: You think??? Should be obvious, but many thefts occur because the owner simply left their car unlocked. Always lock your car, even if you're leaving it for "just a minute."
Close your windows: If a thief can get a finger inside the window they can either slip a device inside to access the unlock or they could rock the window off its track and push the window down to gain access. I know it's tempting on hot days to keep them cracked a bit but don't do it, it doesn't make that much difference. Just open the doors and wait a minute. Consider buying a window shade instead.
Use a Steering Wheel Lock: Devices like a steering wheel lock might be just enough of a deterrent to have a thief pass on your car and find an easier target.
Install an Alarm System: A loud alarm can draw attention to a theft attempt and deter thieves. Ensure your car alarm is functioning properly and consider investing in a system that notifies you on your phone if it goes off.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Another obvious one but items like iPads etc. can tempt thieves to break into your vehicle. Always take valuables with you or hide them in the trunk or glove compartment.
Park in Well-Lit Areas: Parking in well-lit areas or secure parking garages can significantly reduce the risk of theft. If on a driveway or in a outdoor parking spot park with the drive wheels (i.e. front wheel drive or rear wheel drive) in towards to house or structure as that makes it harder to tow. On a street, turn the front wheels into the curb.
Use a Vehicle Tracker: If, despite your efforts to prevent it, your car is stolen, having a GPS tracking system installed can help police recover it more quickly. If you don't want to have a system installed you could always hide an Apple AirTag or similar device in your car.
Secure Your Keys: Never leave your keys in the car, even in seemingly safe situations like fueling up or warming up the car in your driveway. Avoid hiding a spare key near your vehicle, because why would you do that in the first place??? Don't leave your keys too near an outdoor area that can be accessed by thieves to try and clone your key. Better yet, invest in a Faraday cage style bag or box for the keys - see below.
Regularly Check on Your Vehicle: If you're leaving your car parked for a prolonged period, be sure to check on it once in a while. The sooner you can report the car missing to the police the better your chances are at recovery.
Faraday Cage
Ok, so I mentioned this earlier but what is it?
A Faraday cage is an enclosure used to block electromagnetic fields. It's typically made from conductive materials like metal mesh or sheets. Named after Michael Faraday, a 19th-century physicist who discovered that an electric charge resides only on the exterior of a charged conductor. This phenomenon effectively shields the inside from external electric fields and electromagnetic radiation and vice versa. Okay getting all sciency here but keep reading...
You've probably got one in your home and don't know it. You know that door on your microwave? See the mesh in the glass? You guessed it. That is a form of a Faraday cage designed to prevent harmful microwave radiation from exiting the appliance. Outside of that, Faraday cages can be used to protect against data theft, especially in the form of wallets or bags designed to shield credit cards and mobile phones from RFID skimming and unwanted wireless communications.
Lanpard Faraday Bag for Key Fob (2 Pack)
Effectively stopping your keyless entry fobs from being remotely accessed. No worry about thieves amplifying your fob signal and opening the car anymore.
So, if you want to make sure that your key cannot be relayed or cloned then consider picking up one of these devices in a bag or small box form and just keep the key in there when not in use. The type you want is up to you but just be aware that gaps or openings in the cage can allow some electromagnetic fields to penetrate so make sure that whatever you use can seal decently.
Samfolk Faraday Box for Car Keys
This set gives you the box as well as two of the pouch style cages.
Now I also made note earlier about using a device to find a GPS tracking device that a thief may have put on your car. Why would they do that? Well, if your vehicle is one of those top ten listed above, or is a tempting enough target then they will gladly follow you around using the GPS tracker they stuck in your wheel well just to wait for the perfect opportunity to steal your car. So using that scanner will help you find and remove any such tracker, which you should take to the police. I don't know that they can do much to trace it but I know in some cases it can be done.
Okay, there you have it. Your best shot at avoiding vehicle theft when traveling, or at home for that matter.
Summary
It is always a good idea to make sure you are as safe as possible when you travel. This includes your privacy and your belongings. Travel should be a great time, not something that should ever make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. Hopefully these tips will help prevent that feeling from happening.
For additional tips on safe travel read our post about how to protect yourself from identity theft when you are traveling. >>>
Il Digestivo
Here are some the other products that were mentioned in this article.
Pacsafe RFIDsafe Wallet
A nice zipper style wallet that will keep out RFID signals. You can store several credit cards, passports, boarding passes and even a pen.
The Original Club Steering Wheel Lock, Red
This one has been around deterring thieves for quite some time now. I'm sure most of you have seen it a few times. Cro-moly steel construction resist sawing, prying, hammering, and freon attacks. Fits steering wheels with inner dimension from 8.75 to 14 inches.
Universal fit for cars, light trucks, vans, and SUVs.
EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade
This sunshade for your car windshield blocks UV rays, reduces heat build-up, and ensures cool comfort on hot summer days. Effortlessly install the window cover, fold it and store it in the storage pouch.
Apple AirTags 4 pack
Just in case you want that extra level of security to be able to find your car. Get a four pack so you can put one in your luggage as well to make sure you can track those too.
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