Found a hidden camera in my Airbnb last month in Portland. Owner claimed it was for "security."

So I'm staying at this place in Portland Oregon for a work trip. Third night there I notice this weird little box on a shelf in the living room pointing right at the couch. Looked it up and it's a hidden cam that connects to wifi. Confronted the owner and he said it was just for watching for break ins. Like bro that's illegal in most states. Now I'm wondering how common this actually is. Anyone else dealt with this?

2 comments

2 Comments

allen.charlie18d ago

Oh man, that's beyond creepy. I'm paranoid enough that I do a full sweep of every rental before I even unpack now - I feel like Inspector Gadget but way less competent and more sweaty. Found a clock radio once in a cabin that had a lens so tiny I almost missed it, ended up feeling like a total goofball standing there with my phone flashlight for 20 minutes. You did the right thing calling it out though, that owner deserves zero benefit of the doubt.

grace_allen18d ago

Dealt with this exact thing last year in a rental in Austin. Called the cops and they told me to document EVERYTHING and take photos of exactly where it was aimed. Ended up getting the owner fined and banned from the platform because he had SEVEN more cameras hidden around the place including one in the bathroom vent. Making a police report is what really made the difference for me. The platform took it way more seriously once I had that case number.