“Lens detection is very effective if used properly, but it requires patience and proper technique. If the data is transmitted only at intervals, then an RF scanner will be fairly useless. If it is a store-and-retrieve device, where the collected data is held on an SD card to be physically recovered later when you’ve left the building. “RF scanning, for example, will only help in identifying a device if that device is actively transmitting. However, no single method is going to be 100 percent accurate. Many handheld devices that do RF scanning and lens detection are available on the commercial market, with most costing less than $100.

“There are essentially three primary methods for checking for a hidden camera: scanning of radio frequencies (RF), lens detection, and physical search. Here’s his advice for looking for a hidden camera. The Monk has searched for hidden devices in conflict zones for the highest levels of the U.S. I interviewed a Technical Surveillance Countermeasures and Intelligence expert from Advanced Operational Concepts who goes by the anonymous nickname “The Monk” (he declined to be named due to the sensitive nature of his work). Check for Hidden Cameras: How to Look for a Camera ContributorArtist | Adobe Stock

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. Protect yourself by learning how to check for hidden cameras in your vacation rental or hotel room.

One 2019 survey found that a whopping 11 percent of respondents had found a hidden camera in an Airbnb. And unfortunately, it’s also a recently emerging trend as more and more people report this invasion of privacy. It’s a horrifying scenario-finding a hidden camera in your hotel room or vacation rental.

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