How to detect hidden cameras and microphones?

Cameras and microphones can be hidden in all kinds of spots to spy on people. In most places, it is illegal for anyone to record without providing proper notice, but that does not mean that you are not being kept track of. If you have a feeling that you are being tracked, conduct a physical search using the technology available here to detect hidden microphones and cameras. Let us have a look how you can detect these recordings.

Conducting a Physical Search

A quick search on eBay yields a scary treasure trove of illegal wiretapping devices.  The images below are just a sample of what a GSM Bug looks like.  A GSM bug is basically a device that uses a cell phone SIM card that allows the user to dial in to a phone number where they can listen to your conversations in real time.  It's that simple.  Whoever wants to hear your conversation just dials the bug up and listens.  

This is the single biggest threat you face if you discuss information that someone could benefit from whether it be trade secrets, military intelligence, or domestic related conversations.  The threat is real.

EXAMPLE OF GSM BUGS

1.Your eyes are the best counter surveillance tool that exist.  The bugs or recording hidden devices are designed in a way that they stay discrete, but they still have to be concealed because they aren't invisible. Grab a flashlight and look for extra wires or circuits that just don't seem to belong. 

2. Investigate the smoke detectors and different electronic devices. Surveillance cameras being nano-sized can be kept hidden inside devices that require electricity like a smoke detector. Bring down your smoke detector from the ceiling and search for a camera or microphone within. Check your lamps, speakers, and other devices for signs of meddling and tampering.

3. Search for decorations that are out of place or seem strange. The most common way of hiding a camera or microphone in a room is by placing it in something inconspicuous like a vase of flowers or a teddy bear or something that always stays in the room. Look out your suspicious decorations like visible lenses or glassy surfaces that may indicate hidden cameras.

4. Look for peculiar wires that lead nowhere. There are some surveillance devices used for a short period, and they require some power supply. Check your power outlet and electronics for wires that lead into things that don’t need any power or wire that you don’t recall.

Search for Electrical and RF Signals

When you can't find a bug or hidden camera by visual inspection it's time to call a professional or buy the equipment yourself. Start by calling private investigators in your area and ask if they do counter surveillance sweeps.  Ask a lot of questions and contact more than one.  

We offer a variety of counter surveillance detection devices that can help you pinpoint a bug or hidden camera. Prices range from $100.00 on up to several thousands.  Each device offers a different level of detection but at the end of the day it will be up to you to physically locate the offending device.  This means you might have to disassemble anything that has a power cord and visibly inspect it for hidden surveillance devices. 

1. Sweep the area or your whole room with an RF detector. You can scan for frequencies using an RF detector, that transmit from microphones and hidden cameras. Get your RF detector from spygadgets.com and sweep it around the places you think are bugged. The detector will crack or make a beep sound when it receives any radio frequency.

2. Carefully listen to any interference when you are on a call. Microphones and hidden cameras tend to make an electromagnetic field because they transfer data. When you make a call using your mobile phone, take a walk around the area while talking. If you suspect any clicking, buzzing or cracking on the phone, it may be a signal that you have entered in a field where any surveillance device may reside.

3. Use a smartphone or digital camera to search for infrared lights. Many digital and smartphone cameras have the ability to see infrared light that the naked eye is not able to spot that can be used for recording purposes. Scan the camera around the area and check through the display for any unanticipated flashes or light source that may point out a hidden camera.

Do you think the government is spying on you?

If you think you're the target of a government investigation then virtually all of the detection devices you see online will not help you. Your smartphone and computer are the single most useful surveillance devices to intelligence agencies.  They contain information about you that you may not even know. We don't recommend that you purchase any of the counter-surveillance equipment we sell because it just won't help you.