I (21F) found a hidden camera in my house. I suspect my SIL (26F) put it there to watch me while I babysit my nephew (1M). What do I do?
A user on Reddit found a concealed camera inside their residence and believes their sister-in-law installed it to spy on them while she was watching her nephew. Even though they shower the child and their own baby daughter with affection, the user is surprised and uncertain about what steps to take next. The complete narrative is available below, which details their predicament and the potential violation of trust.
‘ I (21F) found a hidden camera in my house. I suspect my SIL (26F) put it there to watch me while I babysit my nephew (1M). What do I do?’
I watch my one-year-old nephew without charge from 7 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday, because a) I care for my brother and nephew, and b) I am a stay-at-home mother to my five-month-old daughter, so looking after another child is not difficult. I already possess all the necessary items at home, and I adore children.
My apartment’s unused room is now a playroom, complete with floor coverings, activity centers, playthings, a small bed, and so on. My daughter and nephew spend most of their time there, playing and sleeping. The room also has a television, and today I discovered a strange round object with a lens somewhat concealed behind it.
After doing some research online, I discovered it was a small, concealed camera with WiFi capabilities that streams live video to a mobile application. I was furious and immediately contacted my fiancé to inquire if he had placed it there. He strongly denied any involvement and advised me to contact the authorities and request a thorough inspection for surveillance devices.
The only other individual who routinely enters my house, especially the playroom, is my sister-in-law. She brings my nephew over each morning and retrieves him after her workday concludes. My brother and our parents only visit during the weekends. I believe the camera was installed not long ago, so that eliminates them.
The fact that my sister-in-law might be the culprit is further supported by an incident that occurred earlier today. I dressed my nephew in a long-sleeved footed pajama set because my apartment tends to get cold, and just five minutes later, she sent me a text message saying, “It’s going to be warmer later, so please don’t overdress (nephew), thanks!” While it’s possible this was just a coincidence, discovering the camera has made me question that possibility.
PossibleRelative772
Assuming it’s her and given that she likely saw me discover it, she must be aware that I’m onto her. Should I directly address her and inquire if it belongs to her? I am utterly baffled as to why she would even consider planting secret cameras in my home. From the very beginning, I’ve always regarded my nephew as my own child and deeply cherish him. The thought of harming or neglecting him would never cross my mind. In fact, my family frequently commends me on the exceptional care I provide for my daughter and how content she always is, and naturally, I extend the same treatment to my nephew.
Take a look at the comments from fellow users:
dioidrac − “Someone has secretly been recording my apartment. You should find someone else to watch your son, since I won’t feel safe with him here until the cops get to the bottom of this.”
[Reddit User] − Oh yikes. Firstly, definitely call the police because you don’t know with 100% certainty that it was a family member. If they can do a sweep of the house to ease your mind, that would be amazing. Secondly, hold a family meeting and tell your family what’s happened, including already notifying the police. Do this not just to gauge their reactions but in the event this was planted by someone with malicious intent, they need to be aware.
maryjannie − Don’t babysit for free. This is your home she had no rights to bug your home. I’d confront her and have her pick up her son ASAP. Childcare is her problem now.
foreverinfinate − Remove the camera and call the police and file a report. Sounds harsh, but what she did I do believe is illegal. Overprotective mom or not, she has no right to keep watch in YOUR house.
Smoke_Water − It’s your private residence, you have someone recording you with out your knowledge, thats breaking all kinds of laws. I would most deffinatly contact the police and file a report. then just unexpectedly, mention to her. “Oh, I found something creepy the other day. someone put a camera in my house.
I’ve already notified the police and intend to pursue legal action once the owner is identified. The authorities believe they can track the device using its IP address. If she is responsible, she’s probably beginning to panic. As you mentioned, if she’s involved, she’s aware that you’ve discovered the camera. Increase the pressure on her.
sunflower1940 − I babysit my 1 year old nephew from 7am-8pm Mon-Fri for free. You are being used, you know that right? A paid babysitter would make at the minimum $250 a week for those hours. Your brother should want you to be paid appropriately.
nickthedick42069 − This is illegal. You should contact the a lawyer and/or the police.
maryjannie − Please update
Calgarydude_2000 − The camera has another concern as well. Those can be hacked if not secured properly. Meaning even if the sister in law did put it there it could be open for anyone to get into if she is not super tech skilled. You could have had besides her, strangers logging in to watch not just her kid but anything else. If I remember right there was a creepy Russian site with tons of unsecured web cam things 😱. Maybe it is shut down now but it was in the news a couple of years ago.
Conspiracynut625 − Get a fake baby and walk away with him and come back in the camera view with the fake baby and start pummeling it and look into the camera with a straight face and then walk back out with your nephew. Too far? Maybe.
How would you handle the situation with your sister-in-law, particularly regarding the trust issue? Should you get the authorities involved, or should you try to work things out internally? I’m interested in hearing your opinions!
