31/07/2026
Do Fake Cameras Actually Work? Honest Answer from the Trade.
Real talk: do those $20 dummy cameras actually deter anyone? 🤔
Honest answer from 18 years in the trade is barely, and not the people you're worried about.
Opportunists might hesitate. But anyone who's done this before can spot a dummy in seconds (no cables, no infrared glow at night, cheap housing, dead mounting angle). And here's the kicker: if something does happen, a fake camera gives you exactly zero footage for police or insurance. Some insurers take a dim view of it too.
You don't need a Hollywood setup. A properly-placed real system beats a wall of fakes and the good news? You've got solid options that won't break the bank.
Brands like TP Link make genuinely solid mid-range gear. If you want something tougher Bosch are the trade workhorses. Even Pacom and Ubiquity have solid entry points. Provision and Hilook round out reliable options without the premium price tag.
The point: a real camera from any of these (properly sited, actually wired, IR-enabled) costs maybe 2–3× a dummy but delivers everything a dummy doesn't; actual deterrent, actual evidence, and actual peace of mind.
Not sure what your place actually needs? Ask us as assessments are free, and we'll tell you straight if you don't need much. That's the local way. 👍
