Fake Security Cameras – Are They Good?

What Are Fake Security Cameras?

Published: 27-Feb-2025

TL;DR

Fake surveillance cameras can be useful as a visual deterrent, especially when you’re on a budget or filling low-risk areas. But they don’t offer real protection—no footage, no alerts, no backup. 

They work best when paired with real security measures, not used as a standalone solution. Use them smart, or skip them altogether.

Let’s start with the basics—what exactly is a fake security camera?

Simply put, it’s a camera that looks like it’s recording, but doesn’t actually do anything. No footage, no alerts, no connection to your phone—just a shell meant to look like the real deal.

Some come with blinking red lights, fake lenses, even little wires to make them seem powered up. From a distance? Honestly, some of them look legit.

Now, you might be thinking: “Why would anyone install a camera that doesn’t even work?” Fair question—and I get asked that a lot.

The answer is: for show.

The whole idea is to scare off intruders or vandals by making them think they’re being watched. It’s about visual deterrence.

You’re not capturing video—you’re banking on the fear that maybe, just maybe, someone is watching.

Photo 1: Fake security cameras (AI image)

Do I use them? Sometimes. But only in specific situations, and always as part of a bigger plan—not as the main line of defense.

I’ll explain where they actually make sense in a bit, but first, let’s look at the upsides of using these dummy cams the right way.

The Pros of Using Dummy Cameras

Okay, so even though fake cameras don’t record anything, they’re not totally useless. In the right context, they can actually work in your favor.

I’ve used them before—not as my main line of defense, but as part of a bigger picture. Here’s why they’re worth considering in some setups.

They’re Cheap—Like, Really Cheap

Let’s be real—security gear isn’t cheap, and sometimes you just don’t have the budget to cover every corner of your property.

A decent dummy cam can cost you less than a pizza (check here), so it’s an easy way to fill visual gaps without breaking the bank.

Easy to Install (No Wires, No Setup Headaches)

One of the biggest perks? No wiring, no apps, no troubleshooting. You take it out of the box, slap it on a wall or under an eave, and you’re done in 10 minutes.

If you’re just trying to make a spot “look” protected, this is a quick win.

Visual Deterrence Still Works

This is the big one. Most intruders don’t want to get caught—they want easy, fast targets.

If someone sees a camera pointed at them, especially if it looks legit, they’re more likely to turn around and pick an easier spot.

And no, they’re not foolproof. But against casual criminals or vandals, a good fake cam might be just enough to make them second-guess.

Useful When Paired With Real Cameras

I’ll sometimes use dummy cams to fill out the visual coverage, especially in areas that don’t need recording—like a side fence or a dead-end alley.

Put a few fakes up alongside real ones, and most people can’t tell what’s what. That layered approach makes your whole setup feel bigger and more intimidating than it actually is.

Related blog post: What Is a Bullet Camera?

So yeah, they’re not a silver bullet—but if you use them smartly, they can absolutely pull their weight.

But, and this is important—they’ve got some big limitations too. And we’ll get into that next.

The Risks and Limitations

Now, before you go mounting fake cameras all over your house like you’re building a movie set—let’s pump the brakes for a second. Because while dummy cams have their place, they’re not magic.

And if you rely on them the wrong way, you might end up with a whole lot of confidence… and no actual security.

Let’s break down what you can’t expect from a fake cam—because I’ve seen people make these mistakes more than once.

They Don’t Record. At All.

Sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked how many people forget this. A dummy cam doesn’t give you footage, alerts, or proof if something actually happens.

So if you wake up to a stolen package or a busted window and all you had was a fake cam out there… you’ve got nothing to go on.

Experienced Criminals Can Spot the Fakes

Look, not every burglar is a pro—but the ones who are? They know what to look for.

No cables. No movement. Weird placement. That little red blinking LED that only fake cams seem to have?

It’s handy, but it will not work on experienced burglars.

If someone really wants in, and they know what they’re doing, a dummy cam won’t slow them down at all.

You Might Get a False Sense of Security

This one’s sneaky. Once the camera is up, it feels like the spot is protected—even though there’s no real backup.

I always warn people: don’t let a fake camera replace real security measures. No alarm, no motion light, no actual footage? That’s just a prop, not protection.

Not Great in Legal Situations

Let’s say something happens—vandalism, theft, or worse—and someone asks for video. If you’ve been presenting a dummy cam like it’s legit, that can get awkward fast. Especially for business owners.

You don’t want to be in a situation where someone expects proof and all you can say is, “Yeah… that camera’s just for show.”

So here’s my take: fake cameras are fine, as long as you know what you’re getting—and what you’re not. Use them smart, pair them with real systems, and never rely on them alone.

Up next, let’s talk about when fake cameras actually do make sense.

Because in the right spots? They can still be part of a solid security game plan.

When (and Where) Fake Cameras Make Sense

Alright, now that we’ve covered the pros and cons, let’s get into the real question: “So when is it actually okay to use a fake camera?”

Because yeah, I’ve used them before—and I’d use them again—but only in very specific situations. If you treat them like a strategic decoy, they can be pretty useful.

But if you’re counting on them like they’re guarding Fort Knox? That’s where folks get burned.

Here’s when I think fake cams can actually pull their weight:

You’re on a Tight Budget

Let’s be honest—not everyone can afford a full surveillance system right out of the gate. I’ve helped people build up their home security over time, and fake cameras are a great placeholder.

You can add one or two for visual coverage now, then swap them for real ones later when the budget allows.

You’re Dealing With Low-Risk Areas

If you’re trying to watch a side gate, back alley, or shed that doesn’t need full coverage, throwing up a dummy cam can work. It’s like saying, “Hey, we’re watching this too,” even if you’re not—at least not yet.

You Want to Back Up Your Real System

This is one of my favorite uses. I’ll install real cameras in the most important spots—like the front door and driveway—and then throw a few dummies around the sides or near the garage.

That way, it looks like you’ve got a fortress of cams, even if only a few are real.

Most people won’t risk figuring out which ones are fake.

You Need a Temporary Solution

Maybe you’re renovating, renting, or waiting for your real system to arrive—a fake camera can fill the gap. Better than leaving your place looking wide open while you’re figuring things out.

The trick here is to treat fake cameras like a supporting actor, not the star of the show.

If you use them to complement other security measures—like motion lights, signs, or actual working cameras—they can totally do their job.

Next up, let me give you a few tips on how to make a fake camera look a little more believable. Because yeah… some of them are painfully obvious out of the box.

How to Make a Fake Camera More Believable

Alright, let’s be real—some fake cameras look like toys.

I’ve seen ones with giant blinking red lights, fake antennae that look like they came off a walkie-talkie from the ’90s, and plastic that shines like a dollar store flashlight.

If it screams “I’m fake!” from 20 feet away, even a half-distracted intruder isn’t gonna fall for it.

But the good news is, you can make even a really bad dummy camera look way more convincing with just a little effort. Here’s how I like to do it:

Mount It Like You Mean It

Don’t just toss it up with flimsy screws or angle it weirdly. Place it like you would a real camera—up high, angled down, watching a clear entry point.

Bonus points if it’s under an eave or somewhere a real cam would normally go. The more natural the placement, the more believable it is.

Use a Mix of Real and Fake

This is my go-to strategy: mix dummy cams in with real ones. If someone’s scoping out your property, they’re gonna see multiple cameras and assume all of them work.

They’re not gonna get up close to inspect which one has wires and which one doesn’t—they just want to get in and out without being seen.

Consider Skipping the Blinking Red Light

You know that flashy red LED that’s supposed to make it look like the camera is “on”?

Real cameras don’t blink like that, especially not at night. It’s one of the fastest giveaways that your cam is a prop.

However, most of the fake security cameras have this red light. If it has a switch for the light, turn it off.

Add a Sign or Two

Throwing up a “24-Hour Video Surveillance” sign near the fake camera can go a long way. It reinforces the idea that someone’s watching, and paired with the camera, it gives the illusion of a full system.

I’ve even added fake wiring to mine before, just to sell it.

Match the Look to Real Brands

Some dummy cams are designed to copy the style of real camera brands. If you already have actual cams installed, try to find dummy versions that look like them.

That way, everything blends, and no one can easily tell the difference.

So yeah, a little polish goes a long way. If you’re gonna go the fake route, make it believable enough to make someone think twice.

The better it blends into a “real” security setup, the more likely it is to work as a deterrent.

Next, let’s talk about the situations where you really shouldn’t use a fake camera—because sometimes, it’s just not worth the risk.

When You Should Avoid Fake Security Cameras

I’ve been pretty fair to dummy cams so far—but let’s be clear: they’re not for every situation. In fact, there are some spots where I’d never recommend using one, and I’ve had to talk a few people out of relying on them in ways that just didn’t make sense.

So here’s the deal—if you’re thinking about using a fake camera in any of these situations, think twice.

High-Crime Areas

If your neighborhood has a history of break-ins, car thefts, or worse, don’t mess around—go with the real thing.

Fake security cameras might work on a casual thief, but seasoned criminals can spot them fast. And the last thing you want is for someone to call your bluff.

Question: “But what if I can’t afford a full system yet?”

My take: Start small with one or two real cameras—maybe a doorbell cam (a lot of them here) and one watching the driveway—and build from there.

It’s better to have one working camera than five fake ones doing nothing.

Business or Commercial Property

If you own a shop, office, or rental property, don’t rely on dummy cams. Not only can that backfire if something happens, but you could also be in a legal mess if someone assumes they’re being recorded and they’re not.

Customers, tenants, or employees expect real protection—and accountability.

Anywhere You Might Need Footage

This one seems obvious, but I’ve seen people install fake cams in places where they might actually want to review what happened later—like the garage, or a shared apartment hallway. And when something goes down?

“Well… it looked like it was recording.”

Yeah—no thanks.

If you even think you might need to go back and check the footage someday, don’t go the dummy route.

Legal or Liability Situations

If someone slips on your property, vandalizes your fence, or there’s some kind of dispute, and you’ve got a fake cam sitting there—you’re gonna wish it was real.

People might ask for video, and if you can’t produce it, you’re left empty-handed.

So bottom line?

Fake cameras are for low-risk, support-only situations. If you’re dealing with anything where security, evidence, or liability might come into play, they’re just not worth the gamble.

Next, let me show you a few smart alternatives—some of which are almost as affordable, but actually offer real protection.

Smart Alternatives to Dummy Cameras

So maybe you’re thinking, “Alright, fake cameras sound a little risky—what else can I do if I’m not ready to go full-on security system yet?”

Good question. I’ve got a few solid alternatives that won’t break the bank, but actually give you some real function—not just a false sense of security.

Here’s what I usually recommend when someone’s in that “not quite ready for the big setup” stage:

Budget-Friendly Real Cameras

These days, you can find real, working cameras for the same price as some dummy cams. Seriously.

There are affordable models that give you live view, motion alerts, and cloud recording—some even work with your phone.

Look at brands like Wyze, Blink, or Eufy if you’re just starting out.

Would I trust them to secure a warehouse? No.

But for watching your front porch or garage door? Absolutely.

Motion-Activated Lights

One of the simplest—and most underrated—security tools out there. I’ve seen motion lights scare off people faster than any camera.

Why? Because when a light suddenly flips on, it says “someone’s watching” even if there’s no one around.

Bonus: they’re easy to install and work whether you’re home or not. And yeah, they pair really well with either real or fake cameras.

Doorbell Cameras

If you can swing it, a doorbell cam is one of the best all-around security upgrades for the money. It covers your main entry point, gives you footage, two-way talk, motion alerts—the whole deal. And it’s way more functional than a plastic dummy stuck to the wall.

Hybrid Dummy Cameras

Okay, here’s a little middle-ground trick—not all fake cameras are completely fake.

Some models are technically “dummy” cams but come with real motion sensors or flashing lights that react when someone walks by.

It’s not full surveillance, but it adds a little realism and presence that a basic dummy can’t match.

So yeah, if you’re not ready for a full camera system, that’s totally fine—just don’t stop at a plastic shell.

There are tons of small upgrades that actually do something and give you way more value for the money.

Let’s wrap this up with a quick recap and my final take on when fake cameras make sense—and when you’re better off going with something real.

Use It Wisely or Not at All

time to wrap this up with a little real talk. Fake surveillance cameras can be useful tools—but only if you treat them like props, not protection.

That’s the part a lot of people miss. They throw up a few dummy cams and think they’ve got full-on security. Spoiler: they don’t.

So, when do I say, “Yeah, go ahead and use a fake camera”?

✅ When you’re working with a tight budget
✅ When you’re covering low-risk or secondary areas
✅ When you’re using them to support a real system
✅ Or when you just need a temporary visual deterrent

But if someone asks me, “Can I rely on fake cameras to protect my home?”

My answer is always the same: Not by themselves. Ever.

Here’s my approach:

Start where you can. If you can only afford one real camera, make it a good one and cover your most vulnerable spot—like the front door.

Then if you need to fill in a few extra angles with dummy cams for visual coverage? Sure, that works. But always keep working toward the real thing.

Security isn’t about looking safe—it’s about being prepared.

And fake cameras? They’re just one small piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.