Fake security cameras which are also known as dummy security cameras, fake surveillance cameras, simulated security cameras, and decoy security cameras can be a serious problem for businesses and their customers.
They are a nuisance, waste time and money, and pose a threat to the security and safety of staff and customers. By not being aware of the various types of fake security cameras, businesses can be misled into purchasing a product that they later discover is fake.
Most real cameras are characterized with the ability to detect visual movements and audios which comes in handy when you want to catch a thief or a bugler what exactly is a mock security camera, what is it used for and how do you spot a dummy security camera?
These and more are the questions bugging people and we would try to solve them and unravel the mystery behind a fake security camera.
How to tell if a security camera is Fake or Real
Fake security cameras are becoming very popular with criminals, and the general public, as they are low cost and easy to set up. Here are the ways to sport a fake security camera.
1. Most dummy security cameras occasionally flash a red LED light.
Don’t fall for it…
The goal here is to make you feel like it’s real and works, but in fact, they don’t work. While you can find some old security cameras that blink too light, modern security cameras don’t blink any light at all.
Therefore, one of the ways to detect a fake security camera is to flash red lights. No real camera currently shows a red light. The idea of a security camera is to remain hidden without visitors noticing.
So why would a real camera now blink to attract attention?
Most fake security cameras with LED lights are powered by small batteries that are not controlled, they just blink all the time, even during the day when the LED lights should be off.
This way you can easily spot a fake security camera.
2. Motion Detection
Another feature of fake cameras that people don’t know about is motion tracking. Most dummy/fake cameras are installed in the sensors to detect motion, causing them to rotate or sway back and forth, giving you the impression that they are tracking movement, real cameras don’t move or rotate.
Real cameras have hidden sensors that capture and record all movement and audio without changing direction. So when you see a camera move, you should know that it is a fake.
3. No night vision
Another way to detect a fake security camera is through infrared lamps. An infrared light makes it possible for cameras to capture images at night, even when there is no power.
If your security camera does not have this infrared light then there is every indication that it is a fake security camera. You can easily determine whether a camera has infrared light by looking closely at night. If you see some little red lights on the front of your security camera at night then it’s real, otherwise, it’s a fake.
4. Appearance
The physical appearance and quality of the camera really matter if you want to differentiate between fake and real cameras.
Almost all the fake cameras I’ve seen have this fragile look… which means they’re not physically strong and attractive. It is easy to detect a fake product by the quality of the materials used. Most of the fake cameras are made of light and substandard materials, while the real ones are made of at least mediocre to high-quality materials.
Therefore, looking at the physical quality of your camera, you should be able to recognize that it is fake, as real cameras are made to last and survive harsh weather conditions, unlike fake ones.
5 Brand Identities
We are always aware of the brand in everything we buy. Brand awareness is really important when buying and testing products.
Almost all fake security cameras use fake brand names and logos. One of the best ways to detect if the brand name on a fake camera is genuine is to simply search on Google. This will save you the rest of buying a dummy camera, other than doing it intentionally.
Real cameras are known for their brands, reputable brands as well. So if a camera has a suspicious brand name and logo that cannot be verified in the market and online, rest assured that it is fake.
6. Cable qualities
Mock cameras are characterized by small cable lines. Real camera manufacturers use a single quality cable that is thick in size. To determine a fake camera, you need to pay close attention to the cable. If the connecting cable consists of two parts and is also small, it is fake. If it’s single and thick, like your home internet cable, then it’s original.
Real security camera manufacturers use original cables not found in fake security cameras.
7. Power source
Most real cameras are powered by DC power from the house. Their power is supplied from the building’s electrical outlet, while most fake cameras use AA batteries as a power source. You have to take that into account.
Why install a fake security camera in the first place?
Wondering why someone installs a fake security camera in the first place? Here are the possible reasons why people use dummy cameras.
Cheating visitors and burglars
Fake or fake security cameras are used to trick people into believing they are real. Thinking it’s a security measure to trick visitors into believing they are being monitored, most people buy dummy/fake cameras.
Raise Security Awareness
Another reason why people buy fake cameras is to combine them with real cameras to give more impression of the presence of heavy security in that house. While this may work for some, experienced burglars can still discern what is real and what is fake. Since they are used to creating a false sense of security, they should not be fully entrusted with the task.
