Private Investigator's 30-Second Method to Check for Dating App Infidelity
According to recent research, approximately one in five individuals in relationships have used dating apps, with some studies suggesting this figure could be as high as 30%. Paul Evans, a private investigator from I-Spy Detectives, specialises in uncovering infidelity and has shared a surprisingly simple digital technique that can provide clues in under a minute.
The Quick Check Using Email or Phone Numbers
Paul explains that many dating platforms will indicate if an email address or phone number is already registered when attempting to create a new account. 'This can work in your favour if you go to well-known dating sites and try to sign up with your partner's email address or phone number,' he tells Metro. The process involves:
- Navigate to the sign-up page of a dating site or app.
- Input your partner's contact details as if you are joining.
- Observe the system's response: if prompted to complete registration, they likely don't have an account; if shown a message like 'this email is already in use' or redirected to a password recovery page, they are probably registered.
This method requires no access to your partner's devices or inbox, taking less than 30 seconds per platform. Paul advises repeating it across major dating services or any you suspect your partner might be using.
Interpreting the Results and Red Flags
While this hack alone cannot definitively prove cheating, Paul emphasises it should not be disregarded, especially in long-term relationships. 'It is possible the account was created before the relationship began,' he notes. 'However, if you have been together for years with no reasonable explanation, it is a significant red flag.' He adds that even inactive accounts can signal potential boundary issues, as digital trails often emerge before physical evidence in infidelity cases.
Paul cautions against hasty conclusions, suggesting pairing findings with behavioural cues like secrecy or emotional distance. 'It could be an innocent mistake, but if combined with other signs, trust your instincts,' he advises.
Expert Warnings on Trust and Privacy
Before attempting this method, relationship experts urge careful consideration. Margaret Ward-Martin, a BACP counsellor and founder of The Grace Project, recommends reflecting on your motives. 'Is it to confirm suspicions or catch your partner in a lie? Understandable, maybe — productive, unlikely,' she tells Metro.
Susie Masterson, a BACP-registered therapist from Stockport, highlights the risks of breaching trust. 'By breaching confidentiality, you're breaking an implicit trust with your partner,' she explains. 'Mistrust can stem from their behaviour or something missing in ourselves. Ultimately, trust is a choice, and constantly seeking to disprove it can be self-sabotaging.' She suggests focusing on self-understanding first, possibly with therapeutic support, to make informed decisions.
Handling the Outcomes: Safety and Next Steps
If the hack reveals cheating, Margaret warns of potential backlash, including privacy invasion accusations. In abusive situations, she stresses prioritising safety by contacting police or domestic violence agencies. Otherwise, the choice to stay or leave is personal.
Susie notes that relationships can sometimes recover from infidelity if underlying issues are addressed. Conversely, finding nothing may leave lingering doubt and guilt. Margaret questions: 'If the relationship is dripping in mistrust, is this really one you want to be in?' She recommends considering therapy or planning an exit if needed.
This method offers a quick way to gather evidence, but experts agree that reaching a point of suspicion itself may indicate deeper relationship problems worth exploring openly.
