Is Your Partner Cheating? 6 Steps You can Take to Catch a Cheating Partner

In honor of Valentine’s Day and all those who spend it alone, this month we’re going to look at the less glamorous side of PI work, domestic investigations. At MG&A, we try to concentrate most of our time on criminal investigations, insurance fraud and corporate indiscretions; that said, we have definitely worked our share of adultery cases. I guess you could say we are pros. 

We’ve been doing this for 40-years and we’ve helped a lot of people. We’ve also witnessed humanity at its worst. People are capable of doing some pretty rotten things when they feel they have been wronged, especially when it concerns matters of the heart-specifically infidelity or cheating.

That’s because cheating is a form of betrayal, and betrayal hurts worse than anything. Betrayal comes from the heart. Betrayal is personal. When someone betrays you, they’ve taken your trust and lit it on fire. When that happens, it can get real ugly, real fast. 

If you’re reading this, you may be here because you’re currently experiencing some pretty intense feelings. Maybe you found something or heard something that has your mind going a million miles an hour. You want to take action, but before going full-on “War of the Roses,” we suggest you do a little investigating first. in many cases, when one person accuses another of cheating, the relationship takes a turn whether they are or not. You want to be absolutely sure before making any accusations. 

Take a Moment

In most situations, people start to think their partner is up to no good based on a feeling or something they may have heard, found, or witnessed. However, sometimes our minds like to play tricks on us. Before you take that next step and go full-on Joey Greco, take a minute to consider what’s happening. Ask yourself, “Are my suspicions legitimate, or am I just being paranoid.” Perhaps you were hurt in the past, and now you’re projecting those feelings on your new relationship? Or maybe a previously failed relationship is still haunting you, making you a little jumpy? There may be a reasonable explanation you haven’t considered, so don’t make any hasty accusations. If they aren’t cheating, false accusations could ruin a relationship. If they are, you don’t have any evidence to back up your allegations. 

Look for the Signs 

When people cheat, they begin to exhibit certain behaviors you haven’t seen before. The best way to confirm your suspicions is to start collecting information. Start by taking note of suspicious behaviors:

• They spend a lot of time away from you and don’t ask you to join them.
• They are super protective of their phone and won’t let you near it.
• They have a new “friend from work” you haven’t met, and they talk and text a lot.
• They suddenly start dressing better or have a new style altogether.
• They “disappear” often.

Keep a journal of these unusual activities; it will come in handy when you present your case.

Once you’ve determined something seems fishy, you can start to take some action. Tread lightly, though. You never know, your partner could be planning a surprise for you, or really is working late to make a better life for you both. Again, you don’t want to make accusations until you have real proof.

Track with Technology

Thanks to technology, there are plenty of ways to find out where someone has been. Google offers several solutions:

• You can track their location history if they use Google by checking their Google Maps Activity. 
• Google Timeline shows places they may have been and routes they may have taken based on their location history.
• You can also type ‘Find My Phone’ into the search bar to see the phone’s current location. 

If they use an iPhone, try the Find My iPhone and Find My Friends app. You can also see your partner’s frequent locations under Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations. 

Note: There are apps out there you can install on someone’s phone if you can get access, but we do not advise it. (It’s illegal, and you could go to jail or get fined.)

Show Up, Unannounced

You could creep about like a stalker if you like, but this usually ends in tragedy and embarrassment for you. Instead, the next time your partner is “out with friends” or “working late,” show up. Bring him/her coffee or a meal at work, or pop in to say hi while you were in the neighborhood. You’ll be able to maintain your dignity, and if you happen to catch them in the act, you have your proof. (If you are married, snap a couple of pictures with your phone, they will come in handy in court.)

Check out The Credit Card Statements

If you don’t usually track your expenses, you may be able to catch him/her off guard. Look at the past few month’s statements. Look for hotels, restaurants, bars, and excessive shopping bills. If something seems out of place, take note and keep the statements in your journal.

Call US

If you feel pretty confident something is going on, but you still don’t have proof, don’t throw them out and hire an attorney. Instead, give us a call (or another PI, but why hire someone else when you can hire the best). 

There is still a chance you may be wrong. If you leave or kick him/her out, and they go running to the arms of another, you could be making things much worse. In many cases, being with someone after the fact is not considered cheating. 

By hiring a Private Investigator like us, you’ll get your answers. We are experts at finding and catching people up to no good. We can track their whereabouts, provide surveillance and either get you actual proof or put your heart at ease. If he/she isn’t cheating, your relationship isn’t damaged by false accusations, but if they are, you have everything you need to get a lawyer and take them to the cleaners.

Call Michael Guadagno & Associates at (919) 363-6321 or send us a message. We are discreet and the service we provide are always kept confidential.