As security cameras become more and more popular, the market for fake security cameras also grows. These cameras can be used to protect your home or office, but it is important to be able to distinguish a real security camera from a fake one. In this article, we will teach you how to spot a fake security camera.
Table of Contents
What Are Fake Security Cameras?
Fake cams can be used to imitate a real camera, but they are not capable of recording or imaging anything. These fake cameras can also be called dummy cameras or decoy cameras.
Sometimes, Small shops often can’t afford to buy them, and large malls and buildings cut costs by using a mixture of real and fake cameras.
It can be found in high-traffic areas. They are sometimes used in conjunction with real security cams, but not in the exact same place. This gives the impression of thorough security and saves the building/homeowner/company a lot of money and installation costs.
It can be created from empty camera shells. We’ll show you how to do it later.
Fake Security Cameras: How Does It Work?
They look like real security cams but lack any recording or photographic capabilities.
These cameras are often made of a mixture of inexpensive and well-painted materials. They look almost identical to real cams from a distance.
Fake security cameras trick you into believing you are being monitored and can be used to stop people from doing things they shouldn’t.
Unreal cams can even have fake lighting or movement to fool people. These cameras are more costly and can be purchased at most major retail outlets.
It can also be made from decommissioned cameras. If you look closely, they look almost identical and still work.
Because they have never used real security cams, most people are unable to tell the difference.
Why Would Anyone Install A Fake Security Cam?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to install a fake security camera. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Cost savings: It can be expensive to set up a real security camera system, especially if you want high-quality cameras that can take clear video. Fake security cams, on the other hand, are much cheaper and can do the same job at a fraction of the cost.
- Deterrent effect: One of the main reasons people put up security cams is to stop thieves from breaking into their homes. Even a fake security camera can keep thieves away, since they might not be able to tell the difference between a real and a fake one. This could make them think twice before breaking into a house.
- Appearance of security: Even if you don’t have enough money for a real security camera system, you may still want to make it look like there is security to keep thieves away. You can make it look like your property is being watched by putting up fake security cameras. This may be enough to keep some crooks away.
- Easy to install: Fake security cameras are typically very easy to install, as they don’t require any wiring or complicated setup. This means that you can quickly and easily add them to your property without having to hire a professional.
- Maintenance-free: Real security cameras need to be taken care of and fixed, but fake security cameras don’t. This means that once you put them up, you can leave them alone and they’ll keep people away for years to come.
Overall, fake security cams may not be as safe as real ones, but they can still be useful for keeping thieves away and making it look like there is security. If you’re on a tight budget or just want an easy, low-maintenance way to keep thieves away, a fake security camera could be a good option.
How To Spot A Fake Security Camera
The security camera system can be fake or real, as you probably know. The main difference is in the purpose of these security camera systems. Professional security cams are used to protect and monitor properties.
A fake security camera, on the other hand, is used to protect your property from trespassers and other illegal activity.
Besides the obvious benefits of installing your own unreal camera, here we list how to spot a fake camera.
1. LED Lights
The fastest way to tell if a security camera has been hacked or genuine is with LED lights. Night vision is a feature of a real security camera. When it is dark, real security cams will blink with their red LED light. Dummy cameras or fakes do not blink. You should not be deceived, though, as fake or dummy cameras have flashing LED lights to imitate the real thing.
Bad intentions and people with malicious intent can quickly spot a fake security cam by the operation of its LED lights. They are intended to imitate the real thing. Experienced criminals will recognize a fake CCTV camera if it flashes even at night.
Real security cams don’t seem to be too loud, as they are discreet and not overpowering. Dummy surveillance cameras, on the other hand, have an overwhelming and obvious presence because everyone is supposed to see them.
For example, although you could find some old security cams with flashing lights to modern security cams, no light flashes at all.
Flashing the red light is one way to identify a fake camera. A red light is not visible on any real camera at the moment. Security cams are meant to be hidden from view so that visitors don’t notice them.
- You can check out Why Is My Blink Camera Flashing Red 2023: Top Full Guide to learn more related information
2. Cheap Materials
In most cases, a fake or dummy camera for CCTV looks cheap and fragile. A unreal camera is usually made from plastic instead of the standard waterproof aluminum cover. At first glance, it is easy to distinguish between high-quality metal from cheap plastic.
You can make this distinction even easier if your dummy cameras are placed in a convenient location, such as the front door. It is easy to spot a fake camera, as you can see.
3. Security Camera Locations
Fake cameras are not able to withstand harsh weather conditions because they are made from low-quality materials. It should therefore be placed somewhere safe and protected, such as under ceilings or eaves.
Real cams, on the other hand, are constructed with high-quality materials to withstand extreme weather conditions. It can be placed anywhere, even outside, without any protection. A real camera installed outdoors is protected from all-weather elements.
4. Wiring
The wires do not indicate if a security camera has been hacked. Some cameras come with wires, while others have wires built-in. Some cams have no visible wires. Fake cameras attempt to imitate real cams by using wires that stick out.
While this may fool some people, others will see that it is a fake copy of the real thing. Although wires may make unreal cams appear real, they could be used to conceal the camera.
5. Tracking and Movement
Some of these fake cams will also rotate in an attempt to mimic motion-sensing elements of real cams. Real security cams and motion-sensing cams don’t swivel. Real cameras can only start recording when the sensor is activated.
These cames can also record all movements and will not be moved. Fake security cams will record any movements. Cameras cannot track movement. Therefore, if you see a camera moving, it’s likely a dummy security camera or a fake camera.
6. Branding and Marking
You can instantly check the branding to identify a fake or dummy camera. Fake cams don’t have branding on their exterior. Real security cameras, on the other hand, have branding to prove their legitimacy. A fake camera may have branding. However, an internet search will quickly reveal whether such a brand exists or not.
These dummy cameras that have branding on them are fake. It is not enough to confirm that the branding is there. Once you start to search for the brand, it must be searchable.
Most security cameras will display multiple branding in prominent locations. These features will not be present on fake or dummy cameras, and they are only for show.
7. Installation and Dummy Security Cameras Locations
A thief can easily spot a fake or dummy camera and determine if it is the real deal. Outdoor security cameras are exposed to wind.
Water and other elements of the outdoor life can cause damage to fake cameras made from inferior materials. It must be placed somewhere that is protected from the elements, such as under ceilings and eaves.
Real cameras, like ours, are made from high-quality materials. They are built to withstand any Mother Nature throws at them. It can also be placed anywhere outdoors unprotected. It is safe to assume that a camera is placed outdoors without protection from the weather elements or wear real.
8. Security Camera Covers
Many cheap replica cameras look fake.
The material used is a major factor in the difference between genuine and fake security cams. Fake cams are often made from cheap plastic rather than the aluminum waterproof cover. This is especially true when the camera is placed near the front door.
9. Power Source
The majority of real cams can be powered from within the house by DC. They are powered by the main electrical outlet of the house, while most fake cameras use AA batteries for their power. Here are some things to consider.
Some fake cams use rechargeable batteries. Be cautious if you see a camera with a rechargeable battery. Real security cams don’t have rechargeable batteries.
Fake cameras’ recharging features are often ineffective as they cannot produce the same power as real cameras. A fake surveillance camera may also have a power source that powers its CCD/CMOS sensor.
Potential Consequences Of Using Fake Security Cameras
False sense of security
The biggest problem with using fake security cameras is that they can make you feel safe when you’re not. If you only use fake cameras, you might forget to do other important things to keep your things safe, like locking doors and windows or getting a real security system. This can make it easier for people to steal from you or do other bad things.
Reduced credibility
If a thief does break into your property and finds out that your security cams are fake, it can hurt your reputation as a business owner or property owner. If you own a business, this can be especially bad because it can hurt customer trust and faith.
Legal issues
Using fake security cams could be against the law where you live, but this depends on the laws in your area. If you put up fake cameras in a way that breaks local laws or rules, you could be fined or even charged with a crime.
Missed opportunities for evidence
If a crime does occur on your property, fake security cameras won’t provide any useful evidence for law enforcement. This can make it more difficult to catch and prosecute the criminals responsible.
Reduced property value
Sometimes, using fake security cameras can make your property worth less. People who want to buy or rent your place might think it’s not safe or that you’re not serious about security.
Even though fake cameras can scare bad people away, they’re not as good as real security. If you use fake cameras, make sure you don’t feel too safe, follow the rules, and still show you care about keeping your place safe.
What Are The Different Types Of Common Fake Security Cameras
There are several different types of fake security cameras available on the market today. While they all serve the same basic purpose of deterring criminals, each type has its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of fake security cameras:
- Dome cameras: Dome cameras are perhaps the most common type of fake security camera. They are designed to mimic the appearance of real dome cameras, complete with a visible lens and a dome-shaped housing. Dome cameras are often used in retail stores and other public areas, as they are highly visible and can be an effective deterrent.
- Bullet cameras: Bullet cameras are another popular type of fake security camera. They are designed to look like real bullet cameras, with a long, cylindrical housing and a visible lens. Bullet cameras are often used in outdoor settings, as they are weather-resistant and can be mounted on walls or poles.
- PTZ cameras: PTZ cameras are made to look like real pan-tilt-zoom cameras, which can move and zoom to take pictures from different angles. Fake PTZ cameras might have a moving base that you can see or a lens that looks like it moves. They are often used in public places with a lot of people, like parking lots and shopping centers.
- Solar-powered cameras: Some fake security cameras are made to look like they are solar-powered. They even have a solar screen on top of the building. Even though these cams don’t produce any power, they can be a good deterrent because they make it look like the property is well protected and being watched.
- Wireless cameras: Fake wifi cameras are made to look like real ones, right down to the small transmitter on the back of the case. Even though they don’t send any video, they can be a good deterrent because they make it look like the property has high-tech security equipment.
FAQs
1. What Is the Best Fake Security Camera?
The best fake security cams will take the above information into account and mimic the looks, behavior, installation location, and branding of real cams
2. How can you tell if a security camera is on?
It is important to ensure that your security camera works properly and records the correct information. This will depend on what type of camera you have. An IP security camera equipped with infrared blinking red light should have a small red light surrounding the lens.
Logging into your security software is also possible. If cameras are functioning properly, this will allow you to view live-stream footage. Security cameras usually have power indicators that let you know if the cameras are working. These indicators can be a blinking or red light, depending on the camera.
