You've scanned your room and found something that shouldn't be there — a device you don't recognise, a small lens where there shouldn't be one, or a signal that raises a serious flag. Your heart rate goes up. What do you do next?
This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step — how to document what you found, who to report it to, how to protect yourself legally, and how to get a refund. Stay calm and move through this methodically.
Do not move, cover, or unplug the camera before photographing it and reporting to the police. Tampering with evidence can complicate any legal case. Document first, report second.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately
Don't touch it — document everything first
Take clear photos and video of the device in place, its location, the angle it's pointing, and the surrounding area. This is critical for the police report and any platform dispute.
Leave the room immediately
Don't spend any more time in a compromised space. Take your belongings, passport and phone, and get out. Go to a hotel lobby, café — somewhere public you can make calls safely.
Call the local police
This is a criminal matter in most jurisdictions. File a police report in person, show them your photos and scan data, and ask for a case reference number. You need this for the platform dispute and any insurance claim.
Report to the booking platform
If you're at an Airbnb, contact Airbnb support immediately — this falls under their AirCover protection. Have your police report reference number ready. For hotels, report to both the platform and the hotel directly in writing.
Request a full refund and alternative accommodation
You are entitled to a full refund. Airbnb's policy explicitly covers hidden camera incidents — they will typically arrange and fund alternative accommodation for the same dates.
Preserve your evidence
Back up your photos and videos to cloud storage immediately. Screenshot your booking confirmation, any communication with the host, and your report to the platform. If you have scan data from SafeRoom, save that too.
Reporting to Airbnb Specifically
Open the Airbnb app → Trip → Get Help → Report a safety issue → "I found a hidden camera or recording device." Attach your photos and describe what you found. Airbnb's Trust & Safety team typically responds within hours for serious incidents.
A camera found in a bedroom or bathroom is a direct violation of Airbnb's terms and grounds for an immediate full refund and host removal from the platform.
What About the Law?
Covert filming in a private space is illegal in virtually every country. In the UK it falls under voyeurism laws (Sexual Offences Act 2003). In the US, all states have some form of voyeurism statute. In the UAE, it's covered under cybercrime and privacy laws with serious penalties.
Date-stamp your photos. Screenshot the police report reference number. Save every email and chat message with the platform and the host. If this escalates to a civil claim or criminal case, this documentation is your evidence.
Prevent This From Happening Again
The uncomfortable reality is that most hidden cameras are never found — because most guests never look. Running a quick scan before you unpack takes two minutes and it's the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself.
SafeRoom scans your hotel room or Airbnb across three layers: the WiFi network, Bluetooth, and a guided 8-step physical inspection of the most common hiding spots. It runs entirely on your iPhone with no data sent anywhere.
Scan before you unpack. Every time.
SafeRoom checks WiFi, Bluetooth, and 8 physical locations in under 2 minutes. Free to try for 7 days.
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