Why should you not turn on the TV when checking into a hotel, but unplug the device?
Renting a motel or hotel room for a few hours or for an overnight stay has become a common practice. This type of accommodation is gaining popularity, providing greater convenience for travelers seeking a place to rest when away from home.
Upon checking into a motel or hotel, many guests often neglect to inspect the room thoroughly. However, this is a crucial step that should not be overlooked.
In a hotel room, the television is typically regarded as a fundamental amenity, usually positioned centrally and facing the bed. This location presents an opportunity for hidden cameras to be discreetly installed. From the vantage point of the television, such devices can easily capture images from various angles within the room, enabling malicious individuals to gather information about guests’ activities and personal privacy.
Moreover, the placement of a concealed recording device near the television can lead to a false sense of security for the occupant. Modern camera technology has advanced to the point where devices are increasingly compact, wireless, and capable of transmitting images to remote locations, making them easier to conceal and more challenging to detect.
Both the TV and the set-top box have an infrared source used to connect the remote control. Bad guys take advantage of this to place the camera right where the TV is located because the camera also has an infrared source, easily causing confusion for tenants when checking the room.
This is the reason why you should unplug the TV as soon as you check into a motel or hotel.
Once the television has been disconnected from the power source, you may proceed to draw the curtains in the room, switch off all lighting, and activate the video recording function on your mobile device’s camera. Utilize your phone’s camera to capture footage of every corner of the room. Since the camera operates independently of the television’s power supply, it will continue to function properly even when the TV is unplugged. Should you notice any unusual light spots on your phone’s display, it is advisable to investigate the sources of light more thoroughly.
Furthermore, utilizing your phone’s flash can help brighten every corner of the room. Hidden cameras possess a high sensitivity to light, allowing them to reflect the flash’s illumination.
While inspecting the room visually, if you notice any blue or red light spots, it is advisable to examine those areas more thoroughly.
In addition to the television, it is essential to meticulously inspect various items within the room, including pictures displayed near the bed, flower vases, potted plants, bedside lamps, and bathroom fixtures. These locations also serve as convenient hiding spots for concealed cameras.