Be careful of what you say or do. No one is safe from surveillance these days as hidden cameras become almost undetectable. However, when playing with cheap technology like Nanny Cams, even the hunter can become the hunted.
Hidden cameras and Nanny Cams are gaining in popularity because you can use them for so many things. Given their name because of the main use - finding out abusive nannies- Nanny Cams can look like ordinary clock radios, teddy bears, pencil sharpeners, pot plants and much more.
People use them to check up on Nannies, children, cleaners and other household workers as well as even spying on cheating partners. They come in wired and wireless forms and can range in prices from around a hundred bucks for a basic camera.
You’ll also need a device to record the footage, such as a recordable DVD player, and if you purchase a wired model you may need someone to wire the thing up for you.
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There are always privacy issues when recording video and sound and Nanny Cams could be a potential legal risk if you don’t know the state or federal laws that govern their use. Perhaps consultation with your lawyer before using one would be beneficial if you’re concerned about legal ramifications.
The Biggest Privacy Issue of All
Just like wireless internet, wireless Nanny Cams send out a signal that can be intercepted. As a qualified electronics technician I know how easy it is to pick up some cheap gear that can be used to turn a Nanny Cam against the people who are using it.
Imagine someone parked outside your house watching the show on your Nanny Cam, imagine the strange guy next door watching every move you make in your own house. Wireless monitoring systems are easy targets for anyone with a little knowledge in the electronics field.
Real Life Article: 'Nanny Cams' A Window for Video Spies
The so-called "nanny-cams" are best sellers at stores like Fort Lauderdale's Spy Shop International. One big problem, though, according to the Spy Shop's Joss Klavans, is that they make it easy to spy on camera owners in their homes.
"You are getting a false sense of security with wireless," Klavans said, adding that "whenever you have a wireless system you are going to have to deal with people being able to pick up that same channel."
Like thousands of other parents, Lisa Liebman bought a nanny-cam to keep an eye on her kids.
Unknowingly, she opened a window for peeping toms, thieves or even kidnappers to see into her home.
Unknowingly, she opened a window for peeping toms, thieves or even kidnappers to see into her home.
To demonstrate, NBC 6 senior correspondent Ike Seamans drove through her neighborhood and picked up her nanny-cam's signal with just an inexpensive television receiver.
