Abstract: An apparatus and a method for remotely indicating that a fax has been received. Received faxes are detected using an infrared emitter that sprays infrared energy into space that is open when no paper is present in the paper tray that receives incoming faxes at a fax machine, but which space is occupied by paper when a fax has been received. When there is no paper present in the paper tray, the infrared energy is lost in space. When there is paper present in the paper tray, the infrared energy is reflected back to and sensed by a photo transistor. When the photo transistor senses the presence of paper in the paper tray, a high-brightness light emitting diode is flashed to indicate that a fax has been received.