10 Easy Private Investigator Methods to Expose Cheating & Infidelity

As of May 2024, more than half of the world’s population uses social media, with 5.07 billion people using the platforms. Now, everyone is showcasing their best and most filtered image on their social media pages, which has created unrealistic expectations and portrayals of relationships, leading to dissatisfaction with real-life partnerships. 

A loving, caring, and loyal partner feels less unworthy than a beautiful and attractive partner. These platforms have created many insecurities, and they are also becoming a major factor in breaking a relationship. 

According to stats published in 2020, a dating site for married people had an increase in 1,500 new members per day compared to 2019. So if you feel something is wrong with your partner lately, you should confirm your gut feeling by gathering concrete evidence. 

Now, the question arises: How are you going to do it without hiring expensive private investigators? We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we will share 10 easy “DIY” Private Investigator methods to Expose Cheating.

Signs of Cheating

Before jumping to conclusions, paying attention to your partner’s behavior is essential. When someone starts cheating, they often become more cautious to conceal their actions. Statistics show that about 20% of married men cheat on their spouses. While they may try to lie, their natural tendencies often reveal the truth. If you suspect your partner might be cheating, certain behaviors can raise red flags. However, it’s crucial to consider these signs within the context of your relationship.

Here are the 15 most common signs of Cheating,

1. Changes in communication
2. Change in Intimacy Pattern
3. Changes in mood or personality
4. Accusing you of cheating
5. Taking extra care of their appearance
6. Secret Friendship
7. Going on work trips more often
8. Changes in sleep patterns
9. Loss of interest in household chores or responsibilities
10. Paying more attention to their social media profiles
11. Being less interested in spending time with you 
12. A lack of interest in your life:
13. Changes in their online behavior
14. Sudden possessiveness of belongings
15. Emotional detachment

1. Surveillance:

The Cheater is always looking for excuses to spend time with the person they are involved with. So, the best method to catch the cheater is Surveillance. Keeping an eye on your partner, whether in person or using mobile tracking, is a common way to catch someone cheating. It involves secretly watching and following them on foot or by car and documenting where they go with photos and videos.

This private investigator method allows you to observe behaviors and interactions directly, which can be more telling than indirect evidence like phone records or social media activity. It’s beneficial because it helps confirm or dispel suspicions with concrete proof. 

Tools You’ll Need:

• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Video Recorder 
• Notebook and Pen

Step-by-Step Guide to Surveillance

• Know the suspect’s routine and identify key locations where surveillance is necessary (e.g., workplace, gym, frequent hangouts).
• Choose a discreet location where you can observe without being seen.
• Follow the suspect at a safe distance. Use binoculars for long-range observation.
• If the suspect goes to a location where you can’t follow, stay outside and observe from a distance.
• Use your camera or video recorder to capture any suspicious interactions or activities.
• Wear casual clothes and avoid looking like you’re on a mission. Act like you belong in the environment you’re surveilling.
• Surveillance requires patience. Stay calm and don’t rush the process. It’s better to miss a small detail than to get caught.

2. Social Media Monitoring 

Monitoring social media can provide valuable insights and evidence without physical surveillance. It’s a discreet way to gather information about a person’s activities, relationships, and potential infidelity. Since many people share many of their lives online, you can often uncover clues that reveal more than they might in person.

Social Media Monitoring Apps You Can Use:

1. Bark
2. Qustodio
3. Net Nanny
4. Norton Family
5. Kaspersky Safe Kids
6. FamilyTime
7. Mobicip
8. MMGuardian
9. Screen Time
10. OurPact

Step-by-Step Guide for Social Media Monitoring

• Select an app that suits your monitoring needs and has a reliable reputation.
• Ensure the app is compatible with your partner’s device.
• Download the app from a trusted source, such as the official website or app store.
• Follow the setup wizard to configure the app on your and your partner’s devices.
• Grant the app permission to monitor social media activities.
• Choose which social media platforms and activities you want to monitor.
• Set up alerts for specific activities, such as inappropriate content or contact with strangers.
•  Focus on the platforms they use the most.
•  Regularly check their profiles to monitor updates in real-time.
• Look at who is tagging them in photos or commenting frequently.
• Don’t engage or interact with the suspect’s posts. Your objective is to observe unnoticed.

3. GPS Tracking 

A GPS tracker can provide clear evidence of a person’s movements, helping to confirm suspicions of infidelity or clear doubts. It offers concrete data about where someone goes, which can reveal hidden patterns or secret meetings. 

The discreet nature of GPS tracking makes it an effective tool for gathering information without raising suspicions.

List of Common Trackers that are Available in the Market

Tracking Apps

1. Life360
2. Find My Kids
3. Glympse
4. GeoZilla Family GPS Locator
5. Google Maps
6. FamiSafe

Physical Tracking Devices

1. Jiobit Smart Tag
2. Tracki 2021 Model
3. Relay Kids Smartphone Alt.
4. Tracki Real Time GPS Tracker

Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Physical GPS Trackers

• Select a device that suits your needs and budget. Ensure it has real-time tracking and good battery life.
• Find a hidden spot on the vehicle, such as under the bumper or inside the glove compartment. Make sure it’s secure and won’t fall off.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to activate the tracker. Ensure it’s fully charged and properly set up.
• Use the associated app or website to track the vehicle’s location in real-time. Pay attention to any unusual or frequent destinations.
• Keep a log of the tracked locations, times, and dates. This information can be crucial if you need to present evidence.

Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Mobile Device Tracking

• Install the app on the suspect’s phone.
• Ensure the app has the necessary permissions for location tracking
• Create an account and link the device.
• Set up notifications for specific actions (e.g., geofencing).
• Use your phone or computer for real-time tracking.
• Check the app’s history feature for past movements.
• Keep a detailed record of locations, times, and observations.
• Take screenshots of tracking data for future reference.

4. Phone Monitoring

Monitoring your partner’s phone can be incredibly insightful when determining if they are being unfaithful. According to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior, 18% to 25% of Tinder users are in a committed relationship while using the app. 

With the vast amount of communication that happens via smartphones, this method can reveal secretive calls, messages, or unfamiliar contacts. 

List of Apps for Phone Monitoring

1. Eyezy 
2. mSpy™
3. FlexiSPY
4. Spyzie
5. Highster Mobile
6. Hoverwatch
7. Cocospy
8. XNSPY
9. Mobistealth
10. FamiSafe
11. Qustodio
12. Norton Family
13. KidsGuard Pro
14. Kaspersky Safe Kids
15. Net Nanny
16. Bark

Step-by-Step Guide  for Using Phone Monitoring Apps

• Select the app that best fits your monitoring needs.
• Ensure you have access to the target device (the phone you want to monitor).
•  Check that the app is compatible with the target device’s operating system (iOS or Android).
• Sign up on the app’s official website and create an account using your email.
• Save your login credentials to access the monitoring dashboard.
• Follow the instructions in the confirmation email to download the app onto the target device.
•  Log in to your account on the app’s website or through the app on your device.
• Set up your monitoring preferences, such as which activities to track and how to receive alerts.
• Set up notifications and alerts for specific activities or behaviors.
• Ensure you have secure and private access to your monitoring tools to avoid being discovered.
• Always cross-verify phone data with other behaviors or evidence to build a comprehensive picture.

5. Email and Computer Monitoring

What if your partner is cheating with a colleague at the office? In such a scenario, monitoring the activities on their office laptops and computers is advisable. To do this, you can utilize email and computer monitoring applications, which can serve as your spying partner. 

Monitoring email and computer usage can reveal secret accounts, suspicious emails, or hidden chat logs. Statistical data showed that 30% of individuals started cheating on their spouse with someone at work. 

These digital footprints are often where cheaters slip up, leaving behind evidence of their infidelity. By watching this activity, you can gather concrete proof and confidently address your concerns.

List of Email and Computer Monitoring Apps

1. InterGuard (Both)
2. Teramind (Both)
3. ActivTrak (Email Tracking)
4. Symantec Email Security (Email Tracking)
5. CleverControl (Computer Tracking)
6. Hubstaff (Computer Tracking)
7. Kickidler (Computer Tracking)
8. Spytech SpyAgent (Computer Tracking)
9. SentryPC (Computer Tracking)
10. Time Doctor (Computer Tracking)
11. Veriato (Both)
12. FamiSafe (Computer Tracking)
13. Qustodio (Computer Tracking)
14. Norton Family (Computer Tracking)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Select a reliable keylogger and email tracker based on your needs and budget.
• Opt for hardware keyloggers that attach discreetly to the computer’s USB port.
• Download the software from the official website.
• Set it up to run invisibly in the background.
• Make sure it’s recording keystrokes without being detected.
• Delete any traces of the software installation or log access to prevent discovery.
• Create an account with an email tracking service.
• Add the tracker extension to the suspect’s email account (if you have access).
• Start tracking sent and received emails for suspicious activity.
• Use the gathered information to log into any discovered accounts (ensure legal compliance).
•  Identify frequent, secretive correspondences or unknown contacts.
•  Save and document any incriminating emails or chat logs for future reference.

6. Financial Records Examination

Unexplained spikes in spending, especially on things your partner wouldn’t normally buy for themselves, could be a red flag. If your partner isn’t typically one for fancy outings or business trips, which are uncommon, these charges could indicate dates or getaways with someone else.

Reviewing financial records can provide concrete evidence of infidelity. Suspicious transactions, unexplained withdrawals, or unusual expenses can lead to cheating. This method is discreet and relies on documented proof, making it reliable.  

Tools You Can Use

• Online Banking Access
• Credit Card Statements
• Financial Management Apps

Step-by-Step Guide to Examining Financial Records

• Collect login details for online banking and credit card accounts.
• Log into your online banking account.
• Navigate to the transaction history or statement section.
• Look through the transactions for unusual or suspicious activities.
• Focus on dates and times when your partner claimed to be elsewhere.

7. Hidden Cameras:

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Nothing can hide from the eye of the camera’? Well, it’s not just a saying; it’s your secret weapon on a mission to gather solid evidence. 

Cameras can capture undeniable visual evidence of infidelity, such as pictures or videos of your partner with someone else in a compromising situation. This type of concrete proof can be very helpful if you confront your partner or need evidence for legal proceedings like separation or divorce (depending on your location). 

Using hidden cameras can save you time and give you peace of mind, knowing the truth about your partner’s behavior.

Types of Cameras Available in Market:

• Nanny Cams are small, discreet cameras often hidden in everyday objects like clocks, photo frames, or smoke detectors.
• Covert Cameras: Tiny cameras can be hidden everywhere, including plants, shelves, or electronics.
• Spy Cameras with Motion Detection: Cameras that only record when they detect movement, saving you from sorting through hours of irrelevant footage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Hidden Cameras

• Select a camera that blends seamlessly with your home’s décor.
• Ensure it has high resolution and night vision for clear footage in any lighting condition.
• Identify key areas where suspicious activities might occur, such as the living room, bedroom, or home office.
• Consider sightlines to ensure the camera covers the desired area without obstruction.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setup. This typically involves charging the camera, connecting it to your Wi-Fi network, and positioning it correctly.
• Use common household items to disguise the camera (e.g., place a nanny cam within a bookshelf).
• Test the camera to make sure it’s capturing the right area and that the video feed is clear.
• Ensure the camera’s motion detection feature (if available) is working properly to avoid unnecessary recordings.
• Regularly check the recorded footage or live feed through the camera’s app on your phone or computer.
• Save any relevant footage in a secure location for future reference.

8. Hiring a Decoy

Alternatively, it’s referred to as “Honey Trapping,” which proves to be the most effective and economical method to confirm your suspicions. Hiring a decoy can be a subtle and effective way to test your partner’s loyalty without being directly involved. It allows you to observe how they behave when tempted, providing clear evidence of their intentions.

Tools You Can Use

1. Online Dating Profiles
2. Social Media Accounts
3. Texting Apps

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Decoy

• Select a trustworthy friend or hire a professional to act as the decoy. Ensure they understand the boundaries and objectives of the task.
• Set up an attractive online dating or social media profile. Use photos and details that would appeal to your partner’s preferences.
• Have the decoy send a friend request or match with your partner on the chosen platform. The initial message should be casual and friendly.
• Gradually build up the conversation. The decoy should keep it light and flirty but not too aggressive.
• The decoy should never reveal personal information that could compromise the investigation.
• After a few friendly exchanges, the decoy can start dropping hints about meeting up or exchanging phone numbers.
• Carefully observe how your partner responds. Are they reciprocating the interest? Do they agree to meet?
•  Keep records of all interactions, including screenshots of messages and any other relevant details.

9. Observation of Behavior and Routine Changes

When you suspect that your partner might be cheating, observing their behavior and routine changes can provide valuable clues. This method is straightforward and involves carefully noting any deviations from their usual habits. 

Step-by-Step Guide

• Observe your partner’s normal routines and behaviors.
• Note any sudden changes in grooming, clothing, or new habits like going to the gym.
• Pay attention to unexplained late nights, frequent business trips, or sudden need to “work late.”
• Observe any secretive actions such as protecting their phone, deleting messages, or avoiding certain conversations.
• Notice if they are suddenly very private about their phone or computer use.
• Watch for signs of guilt, defensiveness, or detachment in their behavior.
• Note dates, times, and the nature of the changes you observe.
• Act normally to avoid raising suspicion.

10. Discuss with friends, family, or coworkers

Sometimes, discussing these matters with friends and family members can provide valuable insights that may assist you in resolving the issues without having to purchase expensive tools and hardware. Friends, family, and coworkers might notice changes in behavior, routine, or other telltale signs of infidelity that you might miss. Plus, these conversations can often be done subtly without raising suspicion.

Final Words:

Uncovering the truth about a partner’s infidelity can be a challenging and emotional journey. By utilizing these ten easy private investigator methods, you can gain the clarity you need without resorting to costly or complicated measures.