Digitaler Durchblick: Versteckte Kameras in der Unterkunft? - So spürt man sie auf

Hidden cameras in vacation rentals, holiday homes, hotels, or other short-term accommodations? A nightmare for guests and an absolute no-go. When traveling, it's not easy to check for cameras, as they can be incredibly small and inconspicuous, often going unnoticed even at a second glance - especially if they were deliberately hidden. Nevertheless, these five tips from the police in Duisburg can help:

1. Identify hidden spots and check mirrors. Typical hiding places for mini-cameras include smoke detectors, sockets, lamps, mirrors, alarm clocks, picture frames, or even harmless objects like houseplants and decorative elements. Carefully examine all these items, particularly mirrors, as they can be transparent one-time mirrors (so-called venetian mirrors).

To reveal a one-time mirror, touch the mirror surface with a finger. If there is a visible gap between the finger and its mirror image, it is a normal mirror. If the finger and its mirror image touch, it could be a one-time mirror.

2. Check in the dark with a lamp. Dim the room and shine a flashlight or smartphone light around, especially towards possible hiding spots. Light reflections can reveal hidden cameras, as their lenses often reflect light.

3. Conduct a final check in the dark using your smartphone camera. Some cameras also work with infrared light, which many smartphone cameras can detect. Therefore, examine all spots in the dark while activating your smartphone camera and look for small light movements on the display. Please make sure your smartphone camera does not have an infrared filter for this test.

This can be easily tested by holding a remote control in front of the camera and pressing its buttons. If you see light movements on the smartphone display where the infrared diode is located on the remote control, the phone does not have an infrared filter and can be used for the check.

4. Call and walk through the spaces. While talking on your smartphone and moving around the room or spaces, listen for any disruptions or interference, which could indicate the presence of a hidden electronic device like a camera.

5. Scan the network with a scan app. Use a network scanner app to identify all connected devices on the local Wi-Fi network of the accommodation. Pay attention to any names or model numbers of surveillance cameras that may appear. The free WiFiman app by Ubiquiti is available for Android and iOS. If you discover an undisclosed camera in your accommodation, the police recommend documenting the find with photos or videos.

Inform the accommodation provider or booking platform immediately and request clarification. Report the incident to the police and file a complaint, as secret recordings constitute a criminal offense.