A couple from Arkansas was deeply disturbed when they discovered what they believed to be a ‘hidden camera’ in their vacation rental home.
During a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona last year, Eliot and Nancy Young decided to stay at an Airbnb instead of a hotel. Their first night took an unsettling turn when the next morning, Eliot noticed a “smoke detector” positioned directly above the bed.
A lawsuit they filed describes the incident: “As he laid there… [he] became more puzzled by the location of the ‘smoke detector’ and decided to investigate further.”
Upon closer inspection, Eliot discovered it was actually a ‘hidden camera’.
They found a memory card inside the alleged device, which contained ‘videos of past renters dating back to 2020’.
The lawsuit also claims they discovered ‘devices that [they] believed could livestream what had transpired the night before’.
Alarmed by their find, they contacted local authorities. The situation was particularly troubling given that their children were with them on the trip, staying in another room.
An Airbnb spokesperson informed UNILAD: “Hidden cameras have always been and will always be banned on Airbnb, and issues are exceptionally rare. We supported the guest and suspended the host from the platform last year, and we stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation into this allegation.”
Incidents like this are becoming more of a concern as technology advances.
Fortunately, experts offer advice on identifying potential spy cams in places like hotels and rental properties.
According to smart home device company Eufy, the first step is a thorough physical inspection.
Consider how someone with ill intent might think, identifying likely spots for cameras in key areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and restrooms.
Check common items like smoke detectors, alarm devices, lamps, vents, shower heads, picture frames, plants, and stuffed animals, especially if they seem out of place.
Even with diligence, some devices can remain unnoticed, so purchasing a lens detector might be advisable. These devices use specific lighting to spot camera lenses, indicating their presence with a blinking light.