In our modern world filled with technological advancements, privacy is a growing concern. Listening devices are one of the growing concerns that threaten our privacy because of their small size. Finding hidden cameras or listening devices will be difficult because they are meant to blend in with their surroundings. Keeping yourself safe and personal information private means you may need to identify hidden listening devices. This blog will give you some tools to help you detect a hidden listening device and how to stop them.
What Does A Listening Device Look Like?
There are many different listening devices on the market, including wireless headphones. However, hidden devices are typically very small, no more than 0.5 inches, have a small hole in the center, are black or silver, and can look like a coin. Some listening devices can be cylindrical, flat, or circular as well. If you notice anything suspicious or a small device somewhere you wouldn’t expect, it is best to get it checked out or take photos of the device to have as evidence in a civil case.
Places Where Devices Could Be Placed And How To Detect Them
Small places where listening devices can be placed are almost too obvious, but many people overlook them because we see them every day. Let’s look at common places where listening devices could be hiding.
Car
Your vehicle is a common place for someone to place a listening device because you spend a large amount of time there. Commuting to work, meeting up with friends, or running to the grocery store, people may talk to themselves or family members on the phone during their drive. Listening devices will absorb sound waves and emit radio frequencies, which could cause radio interference or odd sounds on your phone calls.
The best way to find a listening device in your car is to do a visual inspection around wheel wells, bumpers, or underneath seats. You may also consider using a radio frequency detector to see if you can find frequencies nearby. Finally, try listening for weird buzzing or clicking noises that could indicate a listening device. If you can not find the device, your local police department or a private investigator may be able to help.
Living Rooms Or Bedrooms
Common rooms in your home or apartment are another common place for devices to be hidden. There are tons of places in these rooms where devices could be placed, including furniture, light switches, TVs, lamps, sockets, and smoke alarms. If you have a hunch that a device is in your living room or bedroom, it will take extensive searching to locate it. However, listening devices will need to be placed in an area that has a consistent power source. Listening devices are more likely to be placed in electrical objects like light switches, sockets, or smoke detectors inside a home.
Inside Smoke Alarms
Most people don’t open their smoke detectors unless there is a problem. Most of these alarms are ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ making them a great hiding place for hidden devices. Putting devices in smoke alarms will give them access to electricity and can capture sound from across the entire room, or multiple rooms, depending on the placement.
Checking the cover of the detector and the section poking out of your ceiling is a great place to start. While listening devices are small, they can look suspicious once you start poking around. If needed, utilize your phone’s voice memo app to see if it can pick up strange sounds or buzzing when close to the smoke detector. Another helpful option may be to look up a photo of your model of detector to look for inconsistencies.
In Mobile Devices
We carry our mobile phones with us everywhere, to some of the most private places, including the bathroom or shower. Listening devices can be placed inside your mobile phone, although there is a lower risk of this compared to your vehicle or home. Some listening options include malware or apps that could be downloaded on your phone without your knowledge. It could use your phone’s microphone to listen to phone calls or conversations you have while the phone is present.
Using your phone to detect a listening device inside the phone might be more difficult. The most effective way to determine if your phone has been tapped is to take it to the police or a smartphone expert. Other apps could be downloaded on a partner’s or friend’s phone to see if anomalies or magnetic fields are being emitted from your phone.
Ways To Block Listening Devices
If you are unable to find the listening device or are not able to leave the premises, you can try to block the sound from being picked up on the device. This can help protect your privacy until the listening device can be found and removed. Speaking in lower tones or under the sound of ambient noise is the best way to distort the sound. Turn on music, run the dryer, or turn up the volume on the TV while talking to cover up sensitive pieces of information.
Investigative Help From St. George Investigations
St. George Investigations can help protect your safety and find those who are compromising it. Listening devices are just one of the scary ways that your life can be put in jeopardy, which is why you should trust the professionals to help you handle the situation with grace. Our investigation techniques can help you find listening devices, track infidelity or fraud, and gather evidence needed for a civil case. Reach out to our team to meet with a private investigator today.