(NEXSTAR) – An Airbnb rental investigation in Philadelphia found no hidden cameras, the vacation rental company and the police department confirmed, despite viral social media posts claiming to show the devices disguised as sprinklers .
The Pictures and video posted to Twitter by user @foxytaughtyou claimed to show hidden camera lenses on sprinkler heads on the walls and ceilings of the property. She said she found 10 of these “hidden cameras” throughout the house, including one pointing to the shower in the bathroom, as well as one in the bedroom.
“Luckily it was a girls trip so I didn’t have sex…but I was naked and had to change in this room,” she tweeted. The posts went viral on Twitter and TikTok.
Airbnb has suspended reservations for the property as the Philadelphia Police Department investigates. The department confirmed to Nexstar on Tuesday that a detective responded to the complaint and found no undisclosed cameras. The sprinklers had typical sprinkler heads, a police spokesman said.
“Regarding our guest, we appreciate how she felt and will continue to support her fully, including with a refund,” an Airbnb spokesperson said.
In her viral TikTok, the guest said she did a “flash test” on the sprinklers to see if they were cameras.
A “flash test” may refer to a technique popularized by a TikTok viral last year. The video advises people to flashlights in any suspiciously placed smoke detectors, alarm clocks or showerheads. If a hidden camera is inside, you might see the lens reflect blue or red light.
Although this investigation found no hidden cameras, Airbnb says it still takes allegations of such devices seriously.
“Our policies strictly prohibit hidden cameras and we take strong action in the exceptionally rare circumstances where it has been reported, including assisting law enforcement to help them hold criminals accountable,” a spokesperson said. of the company in a press release.
The company allows ads to have surveillance cameras in public placessuch as a driveway or entryway, but it does not allow cameras or other surveillance devices in spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms where guests might sleep.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated Tuesday at 3:05 a.m. PT with the outcome of the police investigation.
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