It is very true that most people do not know how to find out if a camera is fake or real. I will show you how to spot a fake security camera anywhere, anytime.
Most real cameras are marked with the ability to detect visual movements and audios that come in handy when you want to catch a thief or an eavesdropper; what exactly is a fake security camera, what is it used for, and how do you spot a fake security camera?
If you are ready to implement steps forward and want to learn how to spot a fake security camera, go ahead and read this article to the end.
Now, don’t get it wrong, these fake security cameras or dummy security cameras, which may also be known as fake security cameras, simulated security cameras, and decoy security cameras, all have the same purpose and meaning; to scare people with bad intentions away from your property – but at a fraction of the cost of the real camera.
Why would someone install a fake security camera in the first place?
Ask yourself why anyone would install a fake (we also have reviews of high quality cameras) in the first place?
These are the possible reasons why people use fake cameras.
1. To save money
The main reason is that they didn’t want to spend real money on a security camera. So they will buy a fake one instead because it will cost them less—a dummy camera.
2. Trick visitors and Burglars
Dummy or fake security cameras are used to fool people into thinking they are real. Believing it to be a security measure to fool visitors into thinking they are being monitored, most people buy dummy or fake cameras.
3. Increase Security Awareness
Another reason people buy mock cameras is to mix them with real cameras to give the impression of a stronger home security presence.
While this may work for some, experienced burglars can still tell the difference between real and fake. Since they are used to create a false sense of security, they should not be trusted completely.
How does one detect a dummy/fake camera?
As you know, the security camera system can be either real or fake. But the main difference lies in the purpose of these camera systems.
A professional real security camera is used to monitor and protect properties. In contrast, a fake security camera is used for a different purpose: to protect against trespassing and other illegal activities within your property.
Besides the obvious benefits of installing your own fake camera (see below), here we list how to spot a fake camera.
It’s nice knowledge to have in general in case you’re out and about and feel “watched” by cameras or if you can see right through them.
Here are a few pointers on spotting fake, or rather cheap, fake cameras:
1. A quality camera is not placed with blind angles or in easily accessible places.
A real security camera should always be placed in a swaying and fixed location that is not cluttered with blind spots. This is because real security cameras are very intelligent and do not allow their blind spots to be clogged up by anything else.
A common feature of fake cameras is that they are attached to large plastic tubes and angles.
These so-called “roofs” seem sturdy when used for decorative purposes, but most people don’t realize that they are only made to simulate the use of a real camera.
A real surveillance camera can be mounted on a tripod or any metal pole instead of these cheap imitation mounts.
2. Most dummy security cameras blink a red LED light occasionally.
Yes, it’s a fake. If you have a real security camera, you won’t see a flashing red light.
The flashing light is used to let people know it’s working and to prevent tampering. Real security cameras do not blink!
Please don’t fall for it… The goal here is to make you feel like it’s real and working, but in reality, they don’t.
For example, although you could find some old security cameras with flashing lights to modern security cameras, no light flashes at all.
Therefore, one way to spot a fake security camera is the flashing the red light. No real camera currently shows a red light. The idea of a security camera is to stay hidden without visitors noticing it.
So why would a real camera now flash to attract attention?
Most pretend security cameras with LED lights are powered by small batteries that are not controlled.
So they will flash all the time, even during the day when the LED lights are supposed to be off.
This way, you can spot a fake security camera without any problems.
3. Motion Detection
Another feature of fake cameras that most people don’t know about is motion tracking.
Most dummy/fake cameras have motion detection sensors built-in, causing them to rotate or swing from side to side, giving the impression that they are tracking motion, while real cameras do not move or rotate.
Real cameras have hidden sensors that detect and record records all movements and audio without changing direction.
So whenever you see a moving camera, you should know that it is fake.
4. Very Low light level
If you have a real security camera, it will often be placed on a dim lamp or low light level lighting, making the environment very dark for the camera to work. The camera will not work at all for this reason.
However, you can use a bright lamp for the front door or right at night for security cameras to avoid being detected by intruders.
5. The quality of the picture?
Cheap imitation security cameras are made of poor material, and therefore the picture quality is always low. Depending on the brand of the fake camera, the picture quality may or may not be clear and vivid for you.
Real security cameras have a much better viewing angle than a fake camera. This is because they are made with better CCD/CMOS chips to eliminate noise when filming at different angles, making the video clear and vivid for a longer period of time.
So, therefore, it’s best now to buy a cheap Chinese knock-off brand, but a “real fake” camera instead.
6. No Automatic Night Vision
Some cheap imitation security cameras have this feature, automatically detecting and recording motion when the lights are off. Real cameras, however, don’t have this feature, and you have to manually set the motion detection technology with a remote control to turn them on at night.
Another way to detect a fake security camera is Infrared Lights.
An infrared light makes it possible for cameras to take pictures at night, even when there is no power.
Night vision is a feature that is only used in real cameras.
Because of the low level of light at night, a security camera with night vision can capture an image of people in motion when it is dark outside.
Unfortunately, fake camera sellers cannot make their cheap imitation security cameras work at night because the images are too grainy and lack detail.
If your security camera doesn’t have that infrared light, all indications are that it’s a fake security camera.
You can easily determine if a camera has infrared light by looking closely at night. If you see some tiny red lights on the face of your security camera at night,
Its appearance and design can determine the authenticity of a camera. In general, the more traditional a camera looks, the more likely it is to be authentic.
7. Appearances
The external appearance and camera quality play a big role when you want to distinguish a fake camera from a real one.
Real cameras have a protruding lens, and if it’s not there, it’s a fake. Why? Because the lens is at the heart of monitoring and recording activity that takes place around your home or business.
Cheap imitation security cameras have a round lens that resembles a button. Because of this, some people comment that the eyes are so small that they look like buttons.
Real cameras have an oval lens shape for a better view at night and also when it is dark outside.
Almost all the fake cameras I’ve seen have that fragile look… which means they’re not physically strong and appealing. It’s easy to spot a fake product by the quality of the materials used.
Most fake cameras are made of lightweight and low-quality materials, while the real ones are made of at least medium to high-quality materials.
So if you look at the physical quality of your camera, you should be able to tell that it is a fake because, unlike the fakes, real cameras are made to last and can withstand harsh weather.
8. Buttons
Another common feature that distinguishes a real camera from a fake one is that the buttons are not scattered everywhere. Or what’s that supposed to mean? Real cameras have all the buttons located right on the face of the camera.
So while it’s possible to find a fake camera with different systems for setting things up, then it’s just a sign that it’s a fake security camera.
9. Brand Identities
In everything we buy, we are always aware of the brand. Therefore, brand awareness plays a big role in buying and testing products.
Almost all fake security cameras use fake brand names and logos. One of the best ways to tell if the brand name on a fake camera is real is to do a Google search. This will save you the rest of buying a fake camera unless you do it on purpose.
If you’re still not sure, you can do a quick test. Just search the brand name on Google, and if there is a website, it is genuine. If there is no website at all, then this security camera is fake.
Real cameras are known for their brands and reputable brands at that. So if a camera has a suspicious brand name and logo that cannot be verified in the market and online, you can be sure that it is fake.
11. Cable qualities
Tiny cable wires characterize dummy cameras. Manufacturers of real cameras use a high-quality, single cable that is very thick. To spot a fake camera, you need to pay close attention to the cable.
If the connecting cable is two-piece and also tiny, then it is a fake. If it is one piece and thick, just like your internet cable at home, it is original.
12. Power source
Most real cameras are powered by DC from the house. This is because they are powered by the building’s main electrical outlet, while most fake cameras use AA batteries as their power source. Here’s what you should consider.
Rechargeable batteries power some fake security cameras. If you see a camera that has a rechargeable battery, you should be careful.
This is because real security cameras usually do not have rechargeable batteries.
The recharging feature in fake cameras is usually useless because it cannot generate the same amount of power as a real camera. Another indication of a fake surveillance camera is the power source to power their built-in CCD/CMOS sensor.
In a nutshell
Some people are wary of the idea of buying a security camera but still want to protect their homes from burglars.
So they might install fake cameras to fool burglars and visitors into thinking that they are real and have security installed in their house.
Other people may choose not to buy fake cameras, but only cheap Chinese knock-offs or real fake cameras, but these are usually ineffective in the end. Either buy quality products or a good fake.
Some people may also want to increase their security awareness by installing a dummy camera that other people can see, but this is often only effective for those new to installation and don’t know the difference between a real or fake camera.
Things to look out for:
A dummy or fake security camera should mimic real security cameras in terms of appearance, behavior, installation location, and branding of real cameras.
If you want the best fake security cameras that meet the above requirements, go for an Outdoor Waterproof Fake /dummy Security Camera with Blinking Light.
This dummy camera looks like a real camera with its perfect size, shape, and design. It also behaves like a real security camera by flashing red lights to attract attention and spinning when it detects motion.
So if you want to increase your security awareness or fool burglars into thinking you have security cameras installed in your home, then Outdoor Waterproof Fake /dummy Security Camera with Blinking Light is the best choice for you.
The best way to create an illusion of activity with your security cameras is to place them in a location where they can rotate. This will create the impression that they are constantly on the lookout for something unusual, making you feel safer.
Additionally, you can use fake cameras by placing them closer to potential targets and turning them off when they are not needed.
What Is the Best Fake Security Camera?
A Dummy or fake security camera should be able to mimic real security cameras in terms of the looks, behavior, installation location, and branding of real cameras and can be very useful; you have to pick the right ones and invest in the better ones otherwise they will be easily identifiable as fakes.
Final thoughts…
To that extent, I have shown you how to spot a fake camera with this post.
However, if you want to buy a fake security camera for known reasons, you should always go for dummy security cameras with visible cables, much more realistic LED lights, and a hidden brand name and mount them in a place where you would mount an expensive camera.