Using Tech to Catch a Cheater in the Act
While there has always been debate on how many people in monogamous relationships end up cheating on their partner, estimates range between 15 and 50%. Being the victim of a cheating partner can be mentally and emotionally devastating and can have long-lasting effects that can follow you into new relationships and situations. Regardless of how negatively this could impact someone’s life, studies estimate that many people still continue to cheat on their partners and will likely continue to do so.
If you are one of the unfortunate group who suspect that their partner is cheating on them, there are many ways to catch them in the act. People who are tempted by the allure of another individual leave bread crumbs whether they realize it or not. One such trail often left behind are their technological footprints, more often than not leading the searcher right to the tempter or temptress. If you suspect that your partner is being unfaithful, use the following suggestions for using technology to catch him or her in the act.
1) Monitor his or her browser history. This is obvious when it comes to finding out whether your partner is perusing dating sites. However, even if they are not cheating this way, browser histories can show if they are purchasing gifts, hotels, making reservations or using social media sites to meet a new partner. Even if your partner deletes their history (which should be a red flag in itself), cookies will also leave traces of their activity.
2) Monitor call and text history. This is an easy route if you have access to your partner’s phone records or account login information. Notice several calls or texts to the same unknown number? Could be cause for concern. This is particularly useful if your partner is secretive of their phone and does not give you access to it. If you do have access, are there unknown people in there? Are there NO texts or call history? Red flag!
3) Check in on digital receipts and bank statements. Everything today is digital. Gone are the days of physical paper trails, but the same incriminating evidence exists virtually.
4) Install a snooping app. If you are able to install software on your partner’s phone that is able to track their activity and location, this can be a sure way to find out whether or not they are cheating on you. Another option is to download a cloud service (i.e. Uppidy) that saves text messages, photos, etc. to a cloud (which could then be accessed by you). It could even be as simple as enabling their “Find my Phone” feature. Be very careful if you choose to pursue this option. Though it may be an easy way to get your answer, some deem it unethical and in some cases, illegal.
If you need help navigating these murky waters, contact a private investigator who is skilled in both using technology to find evidence of cheating and in understanding how cheaters use technology to do their dirty business.
