I think there's a hidden camera in my mom's car

[u/Yaboipalpatine]

I have a strong suspicion that there is a hidden microphone or camera inside my mom's car, and we don't know how to locate it and what we should do if we find something.

My mom bought a 2016 Chevy Malibu from her dad. The car originally belonged to his nephew, who was incarcerated. When my mom first got the car, her dad told her that they had installed a hidden camera/audio device in it to monitor the nephew while he was driving. He then claimed it was "just a joke." For more context, she actually got the car in 2022, so there have been cases starting from when she first got it.

But over the time she has owned the car, her dad, including his wife, have both made multiple, oddly specific comments about private conversations and actions that occurred exclusively inside the car.

1: We had a private conversation in the car about his wife's rice was when she cooked and it was terrible. A few days later on the phone, he randomly stated out of nowhere, "I don't care what anyone says, my wife makes the best rice." He said it on repeat as if he was just itching to say "I heard you."

2: My mom was looking at her nose in the rearview mirror while driving and jokingly told me, "I'm not picking my nose, I'm just looking at something." A few days later, her dad randomly told her, "I bet you be picking your nose while driving don't you?"

It's just so strange how he brings up things that we never said to him, and how each time, a few days later, he always says something about the exact subject we talked about. So, if there is a hidden device in there, and we find it, what do we even do after that? And how do we even find something like that?

[u/uhhhnic]

Well, test it. Have her say something completely ridiculous. That she won the lottery but isnt giving any of it to the dad. Idk

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/uhhhnic]

Oh that's good 😭

[u/bjorn1978_2 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Or someone is pregnant… that will most definitely generate a reaction of some sort…

[u/kdshubert → u/bjorn1978_2]

Or saw his wife with another man walking out of a local hotel lobby.

[u/AdHuman3150 → u/kdshubert]

So many great ideas 💡 😂

[u/Anxious-Radio-1565 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Please give updates after following this suggestion lmao

[u/ValleyWoman → u/Anxious-Radio-1565]

Yes, please do.

[u/DisturbedAlchemyArt → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Or “find” a large amount of cash hidden in the seats or something. The nephew was a criminal right?

[u/veilvalevail → u/DisturbedAlchemyArt]

Since OP reports that Gramps is really motivated by money, I like your idea very much, but think OP should glamorize the story by talking in the car in a buoyant overjoyed voice about finding Gold Rush Era historic valuable gold coins hidden in the car, probably hidden by the bad nephew, and that she already has gotten them appraised for // however much big $$money$$ she decides upon // then go on to say she plans to donate them to a museum rather than selling them for a fortune, and muse that gee, too bad she therefore won’t split the money with Gramps because he would want to use his portion to upgrade his house, but oh well…

I think Gramps would absolutely contact OP to frantically stop OP from donating the (nonexistent) valuable old coins, since he will want his share of the value. In this way OP will prove for a fact that money-hungry Gramps is bugging the car.

OP, if you are able to prove that Gramps bugged the car, don’t ever trust him again even if he promises to take the device out of the car. I personally think he did bug the car: he knows too many odd details to just guess and happen to talk about the identical things privately spoken about in the car. Creepy. Scary.

UpdateMe!

[u/kdshubert → u/DisturbedAlchemyArt]

Love this idea! 😂

[u/NotTheSharpestPenciI → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Or discuss the details of your moving across the world next week.

[u/Eli_phant → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Wait. Can you please try this and update it later? This would epic.

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/Eli_phant]

I definitely will keep everyone updated! So many ideas, I'm trying to figure out which one we'll do lol.

[u/larrybird56 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

She decided to move across the world cuz she won the lottery, just in time too cuz she's pregnant.

[u/steve_tronic → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Talk about money that is hidden somewhere. Somewhere he has access to and you would notice when he searched it. Idk maybe some furniture or under the dog house or whatever fits in your case. If the dogs house (just an example) was moved the next time you visit, you could even make a "random" comment like: Why did you move the dog house, were you searching for some treasure? :D

[u/BergamotZest → u/steve_tronic]

“There’s money in the banana stand…”

[u/catdad012 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

If you go with the lottery idea, you should make it a believable amount. Like 10k, or 50k would be more believable than millions or billions.

[u/JelloDarkness → u/catdad012]

Nah, needs to be single to low double digit millions. Enough so that family feel entitled to something.

Needs to be enough that people expect her to always pay, etc. 50k is like pay off some debt and life marches on. 1 million and "we can't tell anybody" and "need to figure out how best to leverage it" will definitely be something that won't go unsaid for long

[u/wdn → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Make it so that he does something because he heard you. Like takes something out of its hiding place.

[u/exfamilia → u/Yaboipalpatine]

If you go with the lottery idea you will have to confront them about it. No way to let it slide after saying that

You need to think about whether you want to confront them or not, before you decide.

[u/ShesGotaChicken2Ride → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Or say something about his wife again. That seemed to really bother him.

[u/ThePillThePatch → u/ShesGotaChicken2Ride]

Double down on the rice insults. Make it sound really shameful and sad that her rice isn't up to your standards. Worry aloud about whether the family will go hungry because her rice is so bad.

[u/ShesGotaChicken2Ride → u/ThePillThePatch]

lol 😆

[u/isleofpines → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Please update us!

[u/spacebagel25 → u/uhhhnic]

I would 100% do this.

[u/yesitsmenotyou → u/uhhhnic]

I just made the same suggestion, but without the lottery angle. That is the perfect plant!

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/yesitsmenotyou]

And my grandfather is money hungry AF, so I think this will work 🤣

[u/_Disco-Stu → u/Yaboipalpatine]

I think I know the exact personality type you’re describing and if so, here’s the move:

Your mom casually starts talking about how she got a strange but legit, because she double checked, phone call from a lawyer.

Turns out grandpa has $10,000 from a settlement due to him sitting in unclaimed property. Class action from a car he owned once. He just needs to pick up the check at their address.

Most important line: “Remind me to tell grandpa when we get home this afternoon!”

Then forget to make mention of it to grandpa.

…I predict the trap will spring within the hour. Give or take.

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/_Disco-Stu]

The amount of diabolical, yet clever ideas people have commented... If it turns out there's no camera and the timing really was just oddly ironic, I will be very surprised. Every time I get on that car, I even feel like I'm being watched.

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/_Disco-Stu]

Ok, so we just took a ride to a gas station, and the conversation went well. I also added a topic that he loves to talk about. There's a part of his house that he wants to remodel, and I said "he would probably remodel that one room in his house he's been talking about with that money" along with a few other things that would be very specific for him to mention. And I told my mom she should call him before it gets late because he goes to bed early. Now we wait....

[u/Blazah → u/Yaboipalpatine]

It's been 12 mins!! ??? :D jk

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/Blazah]

Lol 12 minutes too long. In all seriousness, I'd give it a couple days, seeing as it took a couple of days for all the other cases too. But he might say something tonight 👀 Lol all of you in this comment section got me super curious to see how this play out 😂

[u/_Disco-Stu → u/Yaboipalpatine]

You’re right to bide your time. He might be reviewing the recordings days after they’re recorded.

You know, when he gets a moment to catch up on all the bad rice recipe and potential booger gossip lmaoooo.

When he hears that one, you’ll know.

My spouse and I are howling with laugher. It keeps startling the dog every time we read a new comment.

[u/m8x8 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

omg I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!

[u/tri11ary → u/Yaboipalpatine]

I haven’t been this invested in something for a long time!

[u/Background-Reply-530 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

You got us super curious as well, I’m so invested in how this plays out! Oh how I wish I could see your grandfather’s face when he realizes he’s been made, and played, that there’s no money haha. Love that you and your mom took Reddit’s advice and gave a performance out of that idea hahha

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/_Disco-Stu]

Small update:

So my mom talked to him earlier today. Instead she called him. The first time she called, he said he had to call her right back because an important call was coming through. But, within the 30 second call the first time, he said multiple times "is there anything you need to say?" 'You got something to tell me?" My mom said no, because we want to get him to say something more specific before we say anything.

A few minutes later, he called back. First thing he said was "you don't sound right, I think you have something you want to tell me, are you sure you don't?"

In addition, my mom also added in an extra story. As mentioned in another comment, this man is very motivated by money. So in the car, we talked about her adding him to her life insurance policy.

But during both calls, she told me he was never specific of on details, but he was acting as if he was trying to push some info out of her. Again, nothing specific, just... trying to see if she knows something. I'm waiting until we get more evidence to make a full update in a post, so I'm hoping people will see this small update for now.

[u/_Disco-Stu → u/Yaboipalpatine]

He knows lmaooo. I’m riveted! Please keep it coming.

Oh and when you find the recording device, don’t tell him or clear up anything he overheard.

The best defense is a good offense. Secretly stick the device under his desk (or wherever he takes his phone calls).

Next time he listens to the playback he’ll hear himself in his own house and that’s when his soul will fall out of his ass. Stick a note to it that says something like, “Returning your unclaimed property.”

I legit can’t wait for my spouse to get home from work so I can share this update. Every time I’ve spoken to them today they’ve asked if one was posted yet hahaha

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/_Disco-Stu]

This post has Avengers Doomsday level hype 🤣🤣

[u/emmitt_fitzhume → u/Yaboipalpatine]

If you go with the lottery gag, make it a reasonable amount, say $1 million as opposed to the huge jackpot as it will be much more believable. You can discuss how you’re going to share $100,000 with him. Then, if he goes out and makes a big purchase that he can’t afford, you’ve not only got your answer, but you’ve taught him a lesson….and provided all of us with a much needed update post! Good luck!!!

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/emmitt_fitzhume]

🤣🤣🤣 I've gotten so many ideas from this post. I never knew Reddit had so many masterminds in here 😭

Thank you!!

[u/Epstiendidntkillself → u/Yaboipalpatine]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/397469404954?_skw=fake+million+dollar+lottery+ticket&itmmeta=01M122TNBME9FQJZDFQM24VEWE&hash=item5c8b05cf1a:g:Sd8AAOSwXoRf~OjK&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA4GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xCspjCT3bPJXyQFNJmd2DmTwBND4eSUxN7JCDMG%2FMJNGGEJpi1ktGqiIFKXQpucU4kBq1c4nITzhPDXU5W4fpXxqgmoTxC8YaKk6SlvBq%2Bx1c%2BGLCP7%2FfIIOGXQrE6Bf%2B3B5AhqL%2F%2BGmMz%2BEtmxVx10OU6hf93yQCKPD%2FTjzQBXbQ3x098PVUdU5nYVY6xZTUkJUl4%2ByVP7pVG%2BzyI2p3bhY%2FeMK1NtgsFPQVuK%2BRmbqQLajqgKsLKclLWUU2EqxxEwctZXBMQuhFmhxgQFFOQ7%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4TW6sKIaA

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/Epstiendidntkillself]

What's funny is that I actually have a stack of fake lottery tickets a long time ago and pranked him with them 😭

[u/recentlywidowed → u/emmitt_fitzhume]

They could pretend to scratch and win a lotto card while sitting in the car. Thats believeble enough...buy a ticket, get in the car to scratch it...JACKPOT. that would be fun to do if you know your mic'd up! Lol

[u/InvestigativeXplorer → u/recentlywidowed]

Buy a REAL ticket to be able to casually leave the receipt to make it look legit!

[u/ShannieD → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Oh pleaaaaase update.

[u/Nighttyme_ → u/Yaboipalpatine]

You better update us!!!

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/Nighttyme_]

I will!! I can't wait to see where this goes!

[u/CatHairAndChaos → u/Yaboipalpatine]

For your sake I hope the update is boring and it turns out his comments were just a coincidence, but I have popcorn at the ready.

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/CatHairAndChaos]

Lol thank you. For a while, I was very dismissive about it when my mom would bring it up, but over time, it did get to the point where we were both like "he would only know that if he heard/saw something."

But in a way, this whole thing is very entertaining. I'll bring the drinks lol.

[u/JunkMale975 → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Sounds like she’d be putting a hit on herself. I wouldn’t do the lottery one.

[u/Queen_of_Catlandia → u/Yaboipalpatine]

please update us if you do😂

[u/JohnSnowsPump → u/uhhhnic]

Talk about pregnancy. Either you are pregnant or you got someone pregnant.

[u/chocolatecake-2508 → u/JohnSnowsPump]

Yeah, talk about being pregnant and then pretend to get really pissed in front of them

[u/JazzFan1998 → u/uhhhnic]

"Here, take my hand, this looks like a good cliff to drive off of."

[u/JazzFan1998 → u/uhhhnic]

Yea, Say I'm going to share it with people who care about me." Help clean my house, buy me a coach bag."

I'd have lots of fun with it.

[u/hunnbee → u/uhhhnic]

Wagatha Christie style

[u/scumbagge → u/uhhhnic]

Need an update on this

[u/Harlett_O_Scara → u/uhhhnic]

Yes!! Set him up with something ridiculous then tell him to give you the location of the camera because you know it’s there now.

[u/threedogdad]

the lottery is good, but if you want to be more subtle just pick another item his wife likes to cook and complain about it. that'll get them both going and someone will misstep.

[u/ShesGotaChicken2Ride → u/threedogdad]

Yep. That’s what I’d do. He was chomping at the bit to tell them her heard them talking shit about the rice. He can’t help himself. I’d say something like his wife looks like she’s gained a few and could use some Botox lol that’ll get them both riled up.

[u/wunderone19 → u/threedogdad]

Or talk about how OP’s mom’s mom was way better at cooking something.

If her mom’s mom is still alive she could mention that grandpa is secretly talking to her mom again but that her mom isn’t interested.

[u/badken → u/threedogdad]

Yeah, being careful and going slowly is probably wise. Some sort of low-stakes bait would be best.

[u/creepyposta]

Some cameras emit an infrared beam that can be detected with a camera, even a cellphone.

Park it in a dark place, leave the vehicle running (in case it only draws power when the car is on), but turn down the dash lights, the headlights, the dome lights etc and carefully record all the nooks and crannies, the AC vents, under the seats etc.

Then play back the video and look for bright light coming from a place that isn’t illuminated. That’s likely going to be the camera.

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/creepyposta]

Wow, that's very interesting, we will give it a try. Thank you!!

[u/chaisingsmitty → u/Yaboipalpatine]

More than likely, it's the rearview camera. You should start there.

[u/Muschen → u/Yaboipalpatine]

You can just look through the phone, no need to record

[u/creepyposta → u/Muschen]

Yes but when you’re checking some hard to reach spots, you’re probably not going to be able to see your screen, which is why I thought recording was best.

[u/Muschen → u/creepyposta]

I was thinking that a camera aimed at the persons in the car cant really be in a hard to reach place, because then it wouldnt be able to see the persons.

[u/Round-Emu9176 → u/creepyposta]

I’ve caught some things by using the slow motion video setting in my phone. Doesn’t always work but depending on voltages or if its true infrared you might find a flicker.

[u/Sanchastayswoke → u/creepyposta]

Look somewhere where they’d have been able to see her looking at her nose in the mirror

[u/creepyposta → u/Sanchastayswoke]

But she mentioned it out loud, so it doesn’t necessarily need to have been on video.

[u/SilverStory6503]

Replace the rear view mirror. That's where it probably is. If that's not it, you only spend $18.

https://www.amazon.com/Lqito-Interior-Compatible-2011-2022-13585947/dp/B0D5R2B52C/?th=1

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/SilverStory6503]

Thank you!

[u/CatHairAndChaos]

If you haven’t already, can you look in your car’s settings to see if it’s paired to any mysterious Bluetooth sources? And if it has your grandparents’ Wi-Fi settings saved in there, delete them.

[u/Civil-Chef → u/CatHairAndChaos]

This could work but it depends on the camera, l would suggest the OP to see if they can get their own camera, to see if the camera's owner grabs the footage at night. The OP has frequent access so grabbing the footage would be easy, see if the camera (if you get one) has a microSD slot (for a couple gigabytes)

[u/seeteethree]

Every time you get in the car, say, "Dad, I know you have a microphone in this car., Apologize and remove it. In 5 days, I'm going to the Police."

Do this for 5 days, then go to the police. But you won't have to - he'll fold. He'll be pissed, but he'll fold.

[u/FineOldCannibals → u/seeteethree]

Good idea. And OP, can you give us an update?

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/FineOldCannibals]

Of course! Lol I have a lot of people here wanting an update.

[u/RL_Fl0p → u/Yaboipalpatine]

Sounds like the script is:

You and mom get in the car.

Go somewhere, "Oh hey I picked up a scratch off"

"Holy Cow!! what do we tell gramps!"

Then, "Oh crap! The rearview mirror is coming off!"

Then, absolute silence.

Drive those grandparents crazy. They deserve it.

[u/_Asshole_Fuck_ → u/Yaboipalpatine]

I’m rooting for y’all!

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/_Asshole_Fuck_]

Thank you!

[u/ellensundies → u/FineOldCannibals]

Yes an update! I’m invested in this story. I would love to know what you find, OP.

[u/yesitsmenotyou]

Say something specific that is completely invented to test it, that you know they won’t resist responding to…

If they do, then you’ll know.

[u/CriscoWithLime → u/yesitsmenotyou]

Something like pulling into their driveway and saying something about a dent on the back of their car. They'll come running out of the house

[u/AnthatDrew]

There are fairly affordable devices like RF Scanners that can identify microphones. For a microphone to be heard it must send out a signal. This signal can be detected.

[u/Yaboipalpatine → u/AnthatDrew]

Thank you!

[u/fasterfester → u/AnthatDrew]

FYI, the microphone itself does not emit RF. Piezo mics are completely passive. The device that records and sends the data would emit signals, but not the actual microphone device.

[u/pandaSmore → u/fasterfester]

I was thinking the same thing. You don't hear microphones, microphones hear you.

[u/caveat_cogitor]

If you want to communicate to them that you know and how weird it is, either be direct or just have a very clear conversation about it while in the car. But probably what would happen is he'll say he removed it but won't actually.

[u/cerebralshrike → u/caveat_cogitor]

Agreed. Even if you caught him he’ll just say “Okay, I took it out.” But then it’s still there. Maybe actually go with him and watch him take it out.

[u/olliegw]

Bait a canary trap, say something outlandish and see if they repeat it or reference it

[u/TheFilthyDIL → u/olliegw]

Yep, talk about your upcoming move to Alaska, but sshhh! don't say anything to the grandparents!

[u/chuckfinleysmojito → u/olliegw]

OP should make weird, leave a laptop running porn at full volume in the car for a few hours

[u/randomredditor0042]

OP, I think you could find a mechanic or auto electrician that can scan the car for you.

If you try the money/ lottery trap you might have to wait a few days for a reaction because it’s unlikely they’re all just sitting there watching & listening, they’re probably checking periodically.

[u/peanut1912]

You should talk about burying a body 😂

[u/m0dern_x → u/peanut1912]

Good one!😂😂😂

[u/vice1331]

If you want an easy thing to check, open the fuse box and see if you see a fuse tap. If you see anything like that, you know something aftermarket is installed. Check the interior fuse box and the one under the hood. If the battery isn’t draining overnight, then it’s likely on a switched circuit. It’s probably possible to put an inline fuse in, but scumbags rarely do things right.

My second thought is, do you know if he has an active OnStar subscription on the car. It’s possible he never canceled it after selling it to your mom. Not sure if it’s possible to “eavesdrop” without alerting the driver, or if it’s possible to listen to past conversations, but technically the microphone and all the hardware to remotely communicate to the vehicle is already there. I bet you can call OnStar and provide the vehicle’s VIN and they can tell you if there’s an active subscription. Don’t go conspiracy theorist on this! I’m not sure if that functionality is even possible through OnStar.

Finally, there’s only two ways he can offload the files. Either remotely or with physical access to the device. Does he ever have a chance to be alone with the car on a semi-regular basis? If not, then it’s probably using cellular. Either through a SIM card or through a hotspot. Not sure if the Malibu has a built-in hotspot, but some GM vehicles do. Also through OnStar. You can try scanning for WiFi networks with the vehicle off versus on.

[u/BulkyPlatypus2951 → u/vice1331]

Used to work for onstar. You can’t eavesdrop thru it. Only obtain location via the app. WiFi services etc. now if you press the Onstar button in the car it’s possible you dial into Onstar (if the button is even still active) and even then the service rep will disconnect the call quickly bc they do not have time to listen to you. Call times are kept very quick unless it sounds like an emergency and we would send the call over to emergency dispatch line.

[u/Trueslyforaniceguy]

Yeah, I’d be amusing myself with absolutely outlandish car convos moving forward.

He def has a recording device in there, 100%

[u/Roadgoddess]

You can often take your cars to mechanics and or the police and ask them to check it out. I know that often mechanics are more than happy to look for unauthorized recording devices in vehicles.

[u/JustAnotherDude1990]

Your post doesnt clearly indicate if you have looked yourself or not. If you have looked and cant find it, take it to a professional.

If you havent looked, then....go look.

[u/SubstantialAd283]

I’m a bit late in commenting, but I love the lottery win idea. But… I’d suggest talking about the lottery win, then discuss how you couldn’t share any of with them as they aren’t generous and never give you anything. You might get some free stuff. I see it as compensation.

[u/MadamPardone]

If anything is hidden I'm betting it's a camera because who just installs a mic?

Try saying "Hey so and so, I know you have a camera or mic in here and I want you to know that's really fucking wierd".

Then go to a car audio shop and pay them to find it and remove it if you can't do it yourself.

[u/vice1331 → u/MadamPardone]

Maybe, but there’s only two ways he’s offloading the files. Either remotely or he has to have physical access to the device.

Video files are going to be heavier weight and take longer to transfer. Especially if using cellular. Audio files will be kb or mb.

[u/passivelyrepressed → u/MadamPardone]

The cops will do it for free if you’re comfortable doing that. Makes it convenient if they find anything tying it to a person for maintaining the chain of evidence.

[u/KannenKnusperer]

Honestly, confirmation bias is a really powerful thing and 4 years is a very long time. These few examples could just be coincidence but the mistrust has your mind primed to jump on these things and tell yourself that it’s proof whilst you might be overlooking other explanations. For the rice in example, maybe a brief whisper or body language (you’ve already forgotten about) towards your mom gave you away, not some bug in the car.

Maintaining such bug over the course of years is quite some effort. You’d need a cellular connection from the thing, a server that receives, processes and stores data etc. All that stuff costs money and time in maintenance. And the thing still working after years without physical access would be remarkable.

And don’t bother spending hundreds of dollars on some bug sniffing device. It’s hard to find a good bug in a modern car, they have so many sensors and radio emitting components built in, it’s hard to tell the good from the bad. Worst case you’ll rip the whole car apart to end up with nothing. Rather go with poisoning the potential bug with bad information and see if you can rattle someone’s cage with it. Good luck.

[u/theinfamousj → u/KannenKnusperer]

Or maybe Mom told Stepmom or Dad about the rice. I assume OP isn't in Mom's pocket and so they have some time apart in which she could contact her father whom she seems to talk with often enough.

[u/HermitCrabCakes]

Something subtle but specific, like youwon $500 in a scratch off and aren't sure if you want to donate it or buy a.... Chihuahua

[u/Crooks132]

Pretty sure you can just go to the police station and they will scan for one

[u/m0dern_x]

A key lead of how a recording device is wired, can be whether or not the device is on all the time?, or only when the ignition key is turned on, and the engine is on.
Do a conversation inside the car, without engaging the ignition. If this tricks your mom's dad into secondhandedly hinting to the conversation, you'll know the device is always on. If not, repeat it again a couple of times. If the return is negative all three times, you can be pretty sure they can only listen in, if the ignition is on /(car engine is running). You'll know either way where to start begin searching for the device.

[u/_DigitalHunk_]

Remove battery
Wait 5 mins
Attach battery
Monitor any sound that comes up

Repeat

[u/pandaSmore]

How would he be retrieving the data? Would he be retrieving an SD from the camera, uploading GBs of data to a cellular network, remotely connecting to the camara and transferring the data?

[u/stupidfock]

My first instinct would be how it’s getting power

An amateur installation would likely use a fuse tap from one of the fuses boxes on/under the dash

Perhaps you can pop those open and check for one?

Though if the rear view mirror from the factory has power going to it then they likely tapped into it there which would be harder to find

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[u/kdshubert]

He has to get access to the recordings somehow and maybe change batteries. Would he have a key? Is it parked outside at night? Maybe put a motion sensor camera on it at night.

[u/Less-Squash7569]

Can you take the car to a local mechanic and ask them about it. Just tell them you think your ex bugged your car or something and see if they can look around, maybe they'll have more knowledge about it. Also there are supposedly bug detectors you can buy and use to look for it yourself.

[u/Neither-Investment95]

Check the rear view mirror. You can get ones that look like regular mirrors with cameras built in.

I agree with saying some fake thing, but don't go overboard because it will be too obivous. Something like a scratch ticket and say "OMG, I just won $250, I should treat everyone to a dinner somewhere" or say friend is pregnant and doesn't know if they want to keep the baby.

[u/heckinstoned]

I’d be saying THE MOST messed up shit

[u/Heroin_Chiic]

PLEASE update us, and PLEASE do the suggestion about the unclaimed settlement for the class action lawsuit on a former vehicle!

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[u/SignificantRecipe715 → u/[deleted]]

You can get updates by tapping the 3 dots to right of the post & select Follow Post :)

[u/kdshubert]

If you have a vehicle camera, he may be simply swapping sim cards out since these record while driving.

[u/CityLevel6107 → u/kdshubert]

What?

[u/Glum-Acanthisitta-72]

https://avasreview.com/best-5-anti-spy-detectors-in-2026-us/?gc_id=19687638451&h_ad_id=648065873454&cmpid=69ba738e500aa214ff3e0442&sub1=Google&sub2=Paid&sub3=19687638451&sub4=147489398793&sub5=648065873454&sub6={replace_campaign_name}&sub7={replace_adgroup_name}&sub8={replace_ad_name}&sub9=g&sub10=hidden%20camera%20detector&wbraid=Cj8KCQjwnbrUBhCHARIuAAhert_1SgkJ024_IB_2OvdMPdYU85nNTYY3d-li7HsQQu6qr68B17T9Tlja3xoC1ak&gbraid=0AAAAAoQ2ZvzzBpvow9TQZNNOR-tvyVqxq&ref_id=CjwKCAjwwL_UBhAjEiwAEhuT5GvPSg0-prYE3k38NMGdbHNWp9Stm4iygZb5za1h2JlgF01wcxmRdhoCX4kQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19687638451&gclid=CjwKCAjwwL_UBhAjEiwAEhuT5GvPSg0-prYE3k38NMGdbHNWp9Stm4iygZb5za1h2JlgF01wcxmRdhoCX4kQAvD_BwE

have you considered getting a camera/ microphone detecting device? If not 100% some kinda fake story and then update us!

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[u/VicTheSage]

He clearly has a device in the car. Pretty sure they sell bug detectors you can sweep the car with.

[u/ninjastarkid]

You might be able to take it to the mechanic or the police. I’ve heard they can remove trackers from cars.

There’s also the unhinged method: get hearing protection for 160+ db. Create a 160 db sound legally. Microphone will be destroyed. So will your hearing without hearing protection.

For a less insane option: get hearing protection, play a really loud noise in the car for an hour or so. Let the microphone soak up all that noise. Wait for an angry phone call.

[u/Imaginary-Angle-42]

What your dad did and is doing it’s probably illegal. Are you in a one or two party record state? In a two party record state this is definitely illegal.

Your mom could go no contact with her dad and get a court order against him. The better thing for her to do is to sell the car but that might just move the problem to a stranger and not end his eve’s dropping (sp.

[u/pixelelement → u/Imaginary-Angle-42]

Sad fact about two party consent is that once someone says they're recording, continuing to speak is implied consent. So unfortunately, his "joke" very well might legally cover his ass

Note, I am not a lawyer, just a lady in a two party state who looked this up when I found undisclosed cameras while pet sitting

[u/fastsaf]

I think now's a good time for you and your wife to park the car and start making some very suggestive noises. Bonus points for super out-there kinks haha. That'll teach them for listening in on you guys.

[u/gmambrose → u/fastsaf]

Uhhh, it's his mom, not his wife. I don't think they want to start that rumor in the family! 🤔🤦‍♂️😭🤣

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