Internet to the Rescue as Woman Thinks She Found Hidden Camera in Bathroom

A woman who thought she'd discovered a hidden camera in her bathroom has gone viral, and luckily the internet has come to her rescue. Several weeks after moving into her Denver, Colorado, rental apartment in April 2024, Brynn Foley, 26, noticed a red light peeking through the air vent in the bathroom. She told Newsweek that initially she "didn't think anything of it," but after seeing a TikTok video about hidden cameras, she grew fearful that the light was something more sinister. Following that, she went to check it again with her flashlight, and upon closer inspection, she started to think it could be a camera lens. She reported it to the police, and they took a good look at the device in the ceiling, but even they were stumped. "My heart sank, and I truly feel so distraught in that moment," Foley said. "I was looking around thinking about all the angles that camera would've had of me in my shower and toilet. I FaceTimed my friend to look with me, then went a bought a flashlight just to make sure I wasn't overreacting."

Foley shared her fears about the potential hidden camera on TikTok (@brynnfofo) to seek advice from social media users—and they did not disappoint. TikTokers were quick to share their thoughts and one of her clips has gained over 498,100 views and 6,700 likes in a matter of days. She shared several posts about the device so internet users could get a better look, and they captured the attention of plumbers, electricians and maintenance workers. "I wanted the external validation that I was not being paranoid. It was supportive, and people told me to get a ladder and rip the cover off. A few people said I was paranoid, but I noticed that most support came from women, and mean comments came from men. "I just think women are more hyperaware of our surroundings. It was amazing to see what knowledge people had and I reached so many experts," Foley continued. As the police couldn't find anything about the device, Foley wasn't sure she'd ever get an answer. But thankfully, TikTok sleuths showed that the device isn't a hidden camera, and it's in fact a humidity sensor for the bathroom fan. Foley told Newsweek: "A commenter linked me to a random eBay listing and there it was. I don't know how that commenter found my exact fan, but they did. It confirmed that I made the right decision in taking it to TikTok. "I would like to thank all the people who came together to give me peace of mind. It was so comforting to see a sense of community as people came together to help me. I know more tips and tricks on how to find hidden cameras now and will be beyond aware in the future." While the hidden camera turned out to be a false alarm on this occasion, Foley urged other people to trust their instincts if they're ever concerned about their safety. She said: "I never thought I'd know so much about bathroom fans, but here we are. The cops also agreed that, even if it was nothing, calling is better than finding out you've been secretly recorded. "One of the cops gave me good advice on how to search for cameras, and TikTok has great resources too. Trust your instincts, be aware and stay safe." With hundreds of comments on Foley's TikTok posts, people were quick to share their thoughts and offer advice. One comment reads: "Take a picture of the device and put it in Goggle—do a photo search and see what pulls up—scary!" Another person wrote: "Personally I'd put electrical tape on it and close it up and wait to see what happens and check it often especially since it's a rental and someone could come back and mess with it." While another TikTok user commented: "it looks like a sensor. I really really hope it is." If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work and your story could be featured on Newsweek's "What Should I Do? section.