I have now sat for three different owners who lied about interior cameras. I always make sure I ask about it on the initial video call. And I remind them about THS’ terms on the subject. In each case I was told there are definitely no interior cameras. The last one stated there was nothing that recorded video in the house, only a camera outside, which of course is allowed.
I realise that HOs are used to their Pet Cams and don’t want to give that up. But Pet Cams are for when there are no people at home. Sitters are entitled to their privacy.
My last sit had THREE interior cameras, and they are capable of recording audio. I had several very personal phone calls during the sit.
The HOs seemed lovely in every other way, and I trusted that they were telling me the truth when they said the cameras were security sensors. But when I looked at the security manual (sadly at the end of the sit), I found that, not only were they all video cameras, but the owners could press Continuous Recording on their phone app at any time. So what else could they have been lying about?
My fear is that it’s only going to get worse, as cameras are so ubiquitous. And many people can’t live without them.
Search online and you’ll find various ways, apps and other tools to discover hidden cameras.
If you find such, document and raise with the hosts, as well as THS, if needed.
Because internal cameras would be a violation in terms, you might have a basis for quitting the sit if the hosts won’t deactivate them or allow you to.
If they were hidden cameras, you could escalate a membership dispute and insist on leaving, since you won’t necessarily know whether there are more.
Remember that even if you cover the lens, sound can continue to relay and record. And that’s the case even when some cameras are unplugged, because they have backup batteries.
Recording someone secretly (even if you own the home) is illegal in various jurisdictions — it can include jail time, fines and legal damages, depending on severity. You could decide to pursue legal action if you have proof.
If you’re sitting with a minor who’s video’d in states of undress, in some jurisdictions that could qualify as child p#rn. If someone is convicted of such, they could be required to register as s#x offenders and be prohibited from living near places frequented by children, including schools, daycares and parks. Registering as an offender will show up on criminal background checks and disqualify offenders from some employment.
Use the FING app to see what is online via the wireless router. IMMEDIATELY file a member dispute. Next time this happens, file a member dispute, let the homeowner know you will be leaving, give them 24 hours to file alternate care and get the heck out of there. Fricking liars. We have had three HOs lie to us as well about interior cameras. Like, do you want people watching you sitting on the couch in your jammies eating ice cream at night? NO.
This is seriously our MAIN pet peeve about THS home owners. They feel entitle to have indoor cameras, which is actually against the law in several states.
I’ve got some questions about this. The only time I was aware of an interior camera, it was a pet cam, and the homeowner was mortified that she’d forgotten to turn it off. I know devices like Alexa are also capable of recording but I’m not sure how that works. How did you know there were cams or listening devices? Did you confront the homeowners?
Not doubting you. I know this happens. But I’m genuinely surprised it is happening this much.
thanks @Maggie8K All the cameras to my knowledge were in plain view, although there COULD have been hidden ones too. (That doesn’t bear thinking about). But yes thanks for the info. Although not all cameras are wifi cameras, so it’s possible they could be hidden more effecively.
Also, I did post this in OWNER section, and it was moved to the SITTER section. But owners need to see this!
I imagine most people see most sections just because the forum home page shows all of the most recent posts. I know that I never even notice which section a post is in.
I’m sorry this happened. As far as I’m aware, I’ve not had any internal cameras at my sits, but I also tend to sit for more modest properties, which might impact that. I also think they tend to be less common in some areas than others.
If I found myself in a similar situation, I would
First ask the host about them ( as you did )
If I still had a reason to believe that they were not being truthful, I would take photos of the cameras - and a photo /screenshot of the security manual information - and perhaps use one of the apps that has been mentioned to show that the cameras were active .
If I felt uncomfortable or that my privacy was being invaded ,I would give notice that I was leaving for my personal safety ( informing both host and THS ) - there is an Urgent Support phone line that is available 24/7 - With this evidence I would also raise a member dispute
I found out when I looked at the website for their security system. It mentioned cameras recording video and showed photos of the exact same devices. And stated they could be switched on to Continuous Recording via the app.
I didn’t raise it with them, as I only found this out AFTER I left them a glowing review. They left me a 5 star review, but only gave me 4 stars for tidiness. Which is telling, because the house was very tidy for when they got home. There were only temporary untidy areas during the sit, so how did they know about that?!
As a HO, I find this horrible! We do not have cameras in the house, or pet cams. We do have outside cameras and we state this on our profile. But to lie about this, I hope these HO’s are reported ASAP to THS. There is a certain amount of trust we both must have in order for this to work.
@BillyBonnieBenji That’s horrifying! May I ask which country? Were these white devices with a red sensor, often placed in the corner? They look like alarms, but after checking online, it turns out they could also be cameras, or both. Seen them on several sits here in the UK
Those corner sensors with a red light are common in the UK. They are for burglar alams. The red light comes on when it detects movement even if the alarm isn’t set because it’s wired into the electric system. The same are for fire but they are usually on the ceiling and round
I’m in the UK. This security system has both sensors that flash blue in this case, in addition to the cameras. This pic is from Verisure’s site, that show they are definitely cameras.
Is this a specific country problem or is it worldwide?
We have sat all over the world, over 120 sits, and never knowingly encountered them. However, we would have the last laugh …… a pair of wrinkles, buck naked, first thing in the morning drinking their coffee …… enough incentive to turn them off methinks.
@Chrissy Thank you, that’s a bit more reliefing. Guess I just need to find the best app for next time, since it’s impossible to tell the disguised camera versions apart from traditional burglar alarms. The ones online are completely identical
This is very concerning, especially since you brought it up prior to the sits and were actively lied to.
Has anyone had experience of reporting these instances to THS and can relay what was done about it? I (and no doubt everyone else) would be reassured to know that this is taken seriously by THS and home owners dealt with accordingly. This is a SERIOUS breach of privacy and security as far as I’m concerned.
