How to Find Spy Equipment in Your Home

We are used to seeing CCTV cameras in public places, but surveillance camera use is increasing in homes.

Surveillance is becoming increasingly common in all areas of life. You may not consider yourself as a target, but if you hold a position of power or responsibility within an organization, if you are known as an activist or even if you frequent certain websites, then your home could be a target for gathering intelligence. There also are other people who might want you under surveillance, such as an angry neighbor, an ex-spouse or even your current partner could be spying on your every move.

Things You'll Need

• Bug detector kit
• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Listen for unusual interference on land lines and cell phones. Static, popping or odd scratching sounds are indications of phone bugging. Also listen for noises when you hang up the phone. Take note of "silent calls" when you get them, listen intently for any background squeal or buzz. Silent calls are indicators of slave devices attached to your line. However, be aware that these things may have simple explanations, such as computer-generated calls made in error. A bug detector kit will be able to confirm or disprove your suspicions.

2. Check mirrors by turning off lights and shining a flashlight over the surface of the mirror. You will be able to see any devices hidden there.

3. Examine light fittings. They are a favored place to conceal bugs and cameras as they can scan and pick up conversations all round the room.

4. Pay attention if your radio suddenly develops interference, especially on channels where normally there is none. Similarly with your TV; broadcast frequencies are used to disguise eavesdropping signals.

5. Check electrical wall plates and sockets. Try to move them with your hand. If loose, they may be hiding devices. Also check them visually; often a hurriedly replaced wall plate will be out of alignment. Similarly, run your hand along any vinyl baseboard; lumps may be hiding devices.

6. Suspect any surprise electrical or electronic gift. If you receive such a gift from someone unexpectedly, even a friend, check it out. The friend may have been used to deliver a device to you by this simplest of methods.

7. Watch for white dust, dry-wall or plaster debris on window ledges, shelves, furniture and floors. This is a sign that a device may have been set into the wall nearby.

8. Notice if furniture has been moved slightly. Couches and chairs are ideal places to hide bugs. Turn off all electrical equipment and just listen for several minutes. Many devices give off barely audible sounds as they continuously transmit their signal.

Tips & Warnings

• Bug detector kits and anti-surveillance tools are readily available to purchase on the Internet.

References

• SpyZone: Listening Devices
• Cnet News: E-tracking Through your Cell Phone

Resources

• Granite Island Group: Warning Signs of Covert Eavesdropping or Bugging
• Trend Hunter Lifestyle: 18 Surveillance and Home Security Inventions