5 Ways to Fake That You Have a Home Security System

A full-scale home security system can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home look protected. Burglars are far less likely to target a house that appears to have surveillance in place, and there are plenty of clever tricks you can use to create that illusion. Here are five effective ways to fake a home security system and keep intruders at bay.

1. Install Fake Security Cameras

One of the most effective ways to deter burglars is to mount dummy security cameras. These affordable decoys often have blinking LED lights and realistic wiring to mimic real surveillance equipment.

Place them at entry points like your front door, back door, and garage for maximum visibility. Just be sure to mount them high enough to avoid close inspection, which could give away that it’s a fake camera.

Camera mounted onto wooden wall.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

2. Use Motion-Activated Lights

Motion-activated lights are a great way to startle potential intruders and make it seem like someone is watching. Installing these lights near your driveway, porch, and backyard creates the impression that your property is under surveillance.

For added effect, combine motion lights with a fake camera for a convincing security setup.

Home at night with lights on.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

3. Display Security System Signs and Stickers

Even if you don’t have an actual system, placing security company signs in your yard and stickers on your windows can give burglars second thoughts.

Choose generic signs or purchase decals from popular security brands to make your home look monitored. Pairing these with other visual deterrents can boost their effectiveness.

ADT sign in yard of a home.
Photo Credit: The OnIt Blog

4. Set Up a Visible Doorbell Camera (Even if It’s Not Active)

Video doorbells are highly popular, and burglars know it. Installing a non-functional or inactive doorbell camera can be enough to make criminals think twice.

For added impact, place it near a motion light or alongside a “24/7 Monitoring” sign to create the illusion of constant surveillance.

Pressing ring camera button.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

5. Simulate Activity Inside Your Home

Burglars often target homes that appear empty, so creating signs of life can deter them. Use timers to turn on lights, TVs, or radios at different times throughout the day. Smart plugs make this even easier by allowing you to control devices remotely.

The more unpredictable the pattern, the more convincing it will seem. So get creative with it while you are not in your home, and it will pay off by keeping thieves away looking for an easy home to break into.

Lit up home at night.
Photo Credit: Canva Pro

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While nothing beats a real home security system, these clever tricks can make your home look just as secure and potentially keep burglars from taking the risk. By combining fake cameras, security signs, motion lights, and simulated activity, you can create the illusion of a well-protected home without spending a fortune.