How To Spot A Fake Security Camera In 6 Easy Ways

1. LED Lights

LED lights are the fastest way to determine whether a security camera is fake or not. A real security camera has night vision. Real security cameras blink with its red LED light when it gets dark. Meanwhile, dummy or fake ones do not. However, you should not be fooled, since some fake or dummy CCTV cameras have flashing LED lights to mimic the real ones.

People with bad intentions can easily figure out how to spot a fake security camera through the operation of its LED lights. Those that stay on 24/7 are designed to mimic the real deal. If the LED lights in your CCTV flash even during the daytime, experienced criminals will know it is fake. Moreover, real security cameras are not too overpowering since they aim to be discreet. Meanwhile, dummy surveillance cameras have an overpowering and obvious presence since everyone is meant to be seen.

2. Cheap Materials

A fake or dummy CCTV camera looks cheap and flimsy in most cases. Also, a fake camera is typically made of plastic instead of the standard waterproof aluminum cover. Even at first glance, one can easily recognize the difference between high-quality metal and cheap plastic. This will become even more apparent if you place your dummy cameras in an easily accessible location, like the front door. As you can see, knowing how to spot a fake security camera is not that difficult.

3. Security Camera Locations

A fake camera cannot withstand harsh weather elements since they are made of low-quality materials. Hence, it should be installed somewhere safe or sheltered, such as under eaves or ceilings. On the other hand, real cameras are made with high-quality materials and constructed to withstand harsh weather. This way, it can be installed anywhere unprotected, even outdoors. Hence, a real camera that is installed outdoors is safe from all kinds of weather elements.

4. Wiring

Wires are not indicators of whether a security camera is fake or not. Most cameras have built-in wires, while some cameras are wire-free. This means that there are no visible wires for some cameras. Fake cameras try to mimic how real cameras look by adding wires that stick out, making it look obvious.

This can fool some people, but some will recognize that this is just an attempt to copy the real deal. While the wires’ presence may help make dummy cameras look real, it could also give it away.

5. Tracking and Movement

Motion-sensing cameras are available in the market nowadays. These cameras, as the name suggests, sense motion and record movements. However, they do not swivel or move when something or someone comes near them. Meanwhile, in an attempt to mimic the motion-sensing element of real cameras, some of these fake ones will rotate back and forth. It is worth knowing that real security and motion-sensing camera typically does not swivel. These real cameras will only begin recording the moment its sensor is activated.

Moreover, these cameras will record everything and not move. A fake security camera will make noticeable movements. Movement tracking in cameras is not an affordable option. Thus, it is not a standard or even possible feature for most units. When you see a moving security camera, it is most likely a dummy or fake one.

6. Branding or Markings

To easily spot a dummy or fake camera, you can immediately check its branding. A fake camera does not have any branding on its exterior. On the other hand, real security cameras have brand markings proving its legitimacy. If a fake camera contains a branding, a quick browse on the internet will reveal if such a brand is real, existent, or not.

Know that these dummy cameras with branding are still fake. Finding the branding on the camera is not a reassurance that it is real. The brand has to be searchable once you try to research it. Generally, real security cameras will have several branding displayed in a notable and prominent location. Fake or dummy cameras will not have this detail-oriented features about them and are made just for show.