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How to Catch a Cheater: Top Online Resources for Uncovering Infidelity in 2024

Erin Donaghue - Top10 Writer
Best Websites to Catch & Look Up Cheaters Online in {year}
If you suspect your partner has been unfaithful, an online background check service can offer peace of mind by helping you uncover the truth.

Cheating in relationships is not uncommon. According to a 2022 survey conducted by YouGov, one-third of Americans in monogamous relationships admitted to physically and/or emotionally cheating on their partner.

If you suspect infidelity in your relationship but can’t verify your concerns, there's no need to hire an expensive private detective—an online background check can help you. So, we’ve reviewed the top online background check services to help you expose a cheater.

Our Best Websites to Catch and Look Up Cheaters Online:

How We Reviewed the Best Sites for Uncovering Cheaters - Our Methodology

Our expert team combined our first-hand experience with third-party reports and customer reviews.

Since many online background check services are geared towards multiple monthly searches rather than one search subject, we looked to see whether the sites offered a trial period.

Other key criteria we factored in include the following:

  • The variety of search parameters

  • Type, depth, and accuracy of information uncovered

  • Pricing—including the range of plans offered and what additional expenses there were

  • Ease of use in terms of site navigation and the readability of reports

  • Customer support

A Closer Look at the Best Cheater Lookups in 2024 - Quick Reviews:

1. TruthFinder

truthfinder
  • Pricing - From $28.05/month ($4.99/month for reverse phone lookups)

  • Reports offered - People searches, reverse phone & email lookup, social media searches

Through TruthFinder, you can access information from public records, including arrests, convictions, assets, associates, licenses, past employment, and address details. This range of information offers greater insight into your partner’s interactions with others. This is especially useful since a study by researcher Laura Vowels found that 14.1% of couples engaged in online infidelity.

After entering your search subject’s name or phone number, you can access a well-structured report that includes helpful features like a “timeline” and a “report quality score” to assess accuracy. The report outlines information, such as social media accounts, websites, and even dating profiles associated with the search subject's name or phone number. 

While you may encounter some stray accounts linked to search subjects with similar names, profile images and other information should help you discern accurate matches, so you can have definitive proof before taking further action.

Why we chose TruthFinder: One notable feature of TruthFinder’s searches is the “report quality score,” which provides accurate results and alerts you to potential mismatched accounts. For those trying to uncover online infidelity and discover hidden accounts, the service also offers unlimited searches by phone and email for an additional fee.

Our experience: We were impressed with TruthFinder’s ability to uncover public records, dating profiles, and hidden social media accounts linked to the search subject. We also liked the add-on option for unlimited phone and email searches, so we could extend our search. Using TruthFinder as a surveillance tool was simple thanks to its user-friendly, intuitive interface.

Pros

  • Comprehensive public records search 

  • Speedy customer service

  • Search uncovers dating profiles

Cons

  • Slower search process

  • Downloadable PDF reports cost extra

View full TruthFinder review

TruthFinder TruthFinder Visit site

2. CheckPeople

CheckPeople
  • Pricing - From $29.16/month

  • Reports offered - Background checks, reverse phone lookup, “deep web” search

CheckPeople is especially useful in pinpointing lies and confirming suspicions. After entering your partner’s name or phone number, CheckPeople combs through an extensive database of public records. It then generates a concise report containing comprehensive information, including property details, social media accounts, employment records, associates, financial data, and address history.

Their reverse phone number search can uncover hidden social media accounts, blogs, images, and websites linked to the phone number—even if your search subject tries to remain anonymous. A Daily News study shows that one-third of cheaters have an email or social media account that their partners are unaware of, so this feature can help find this hidden information.

The service provides unlimited background check searches for a fixed monthly fee. Plus, there’s a three-day trial period for $4.99. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions so you won’t be automatically enrolled in a full monthly subscription if you’re testing out the service.

Why we chose CheckPeople: CheckPeople scours over six billion public records, including deep web information not readily accessible on the surface web. The tool conducts the search almost instantly, which would be a mammoth task for users to take on manually. This is ideal if you’re eager to uncover any possible infidelity without delays.

Our experience: We ran a reverse phone number search on CheckPeople and appreciated the flexibility of being able to search by both name and phone number. We were also impressed by the extensive results from various social media platforms and other deep web sources. All this valuable information was presented in an easy-to-understand, well-organized report.

Pros

  • Option to search by phone number

  • Searches more than six billion records

  • Offers a three-day trial for $4.99

Cons

  • No single-search option

  • Unclear pricing structure

Read full CheckPeople review 

CheckPeople CheckPeople Visit site

3. Instant Checkmate

Instant Checkmate
  • Pricing - From $35.12/month ($5.99 for reverse phone lookups)

  • Reports offered - People search, background search, reverse phone & email lookup

Background checks like Instant Checkmate’s simple tool offer a more extensive array of information, such as phone numbers, criminal and traffic records, employment and educational background, and social media accounts. This gives you a better view of any potential dishonesty or if your partner is cheating.

While Instant Checkmate's monthly subscription plan may seem pricey at $35.12, they offer a more affordable option at $5.99 per month, which lets you run reverse phone lookups. This feature can be particularly useful for uncovering hidden social media accounts or dating profiles linked to a phone number rather than a name.

A premium report from Instant Checkmate, available at an additional cost of $19.99, will include a list of your search subject’s unknown email addresses, associates, and affiliates. If you’re trying to uncover betrayal, this report can help prove secret communications between your wife or husband and someone else.

Why we chose Instant Checkmate: Instant Checkmate’s affordable monthly subscription for unlimited reverse phone lookups is especially useful if you suspect infidelity. Plus, you can uncover any unknown email addresses if you opt for the premium report add-on service. Instant Checkmate requires as little information as your partner’s name and phone number to provide comprehensive reports. 

Our experience: The amount of information collected from a name or phone number is impressive. Despite the amount of detail, the reports are well laid out, making them easy to scan and interpret. The site itself is also very easy to navigate, making for a simple investigation process, almost as if you had hired a private investigator. 

Pros

  •  Data opt-out option readily available

  •  Reveals unknown email addresses

  •  Affordable unlimited phone search option

Cons

  • Does not offer a free trial

  • Lengthier wait time for premium reports

View full Instant Checkmate review

Instant Checkmate Instant Checkmate Visit site

What Are the Signs of Cheating in a Relationship?

Change in Communication Patterns: A sudden or gradual decrease in communication can be a red flag. This includes less frequent texting, calls, or reluctance to share thoughts and feelings.

Altered Routine or Habits: Significant changes in daily routines, such as working late hours unexpectedly or unexplained absences, can be indicative of infidelity.

Secrecy with Devices: If your partner becomes overly protective of their phone or computer, changing computer passwords or deleting messages, this might be a cause for concern.

Emotional Distance: A noticeable decrease in emotional intimacy or reluctance to engage in shared interests can signal relationship issues, potentially including cheating.

Changes in Appearance: A sudden interest in appearance, such as new clothing styles or an intensified focus on fitness, may be a sign, especially if it seems out of character.

Remember, these signs are not conclusive evidence of cheating and could be related to other issues in the relationship or personal life of your partner. Professional advice from a therapist or counselor may be beneficial in addressing these concerns.

How To Catch a Cheater - Tips to Uncover Infidelity

It’s never an easy situation when you suspect your wife or husband might be cheating, but using the top background checks we suggest here can help uncover the truth. You can find a wealth of information, typically just by using a name or a reverse phone search.

Start With Communication: You should always try to communicate openly with your partner and confront the cheating before conducting a background check. It’s possible your fears are a misunderstanding, and a conversation may be able to clear it up.

Conduct a People Search: If your partner dismisses or avoids your attempts at communication, start with a basic name search. Certain red flags, like unknown phone numbers, emails, businesses, social media accounts, dating site accounts or text messages warrant more digging. If you don’t come across these, consider purchasing a monthly subscription to monitor for any changes in the future.

Perform a Reverse Phone Search: It’s worthwhile to conduct a reverse phone search on your partner’s number, any unknown numbers that surface during your initial people search, and numbers you don’t recognize that repeatedly call. This can turn up images, social media accounts, dating profiles, and websites that can help you better understand your partner’s activities and call log. 

Run a Property Search: If any unknown home addresses arise during your initial people search, you may want to conduct a reverse property search. This will uncover information about when the property was bought and anyone else associated with it. Shared assets can be a telltale sign that your partner might be linked—or even married—to someone else.

Try Additional Searches on Associates: If any unknown names surface during your initial people search, like associates or business partners, consider conducting additional people searches on them. This will give you a broader range of information—like the associates’ social media accounts and online presence—to find out how your partner is connected to them.

Ask Your Partner for an Explanation: If red flags surface, show the evidence to your partner and ask for an explanation. It’s always possible there is a legitimate reason for your findings. However, it’s up to you to determine whether you can believe them when taken in the context of their overall behavior. For example, you may choose not to believe them if they have a pattern of lying. 

What Not To Do When Trying To Catch a Cheater

When suspecting infidelity, it's crucial to approach the situation with caution and respect for legal and ethical boundaries. Here are things you should avoid:

Avoid Illegal Surveillance: Using recording devices or software to spy on your partner without their consent can be illegal and unethical. It's important to respect privacy laws and your partner's privacy rights.

Don't Rely Solely on Technology: While technology can offer insights, it's not foolproof. Misinterpretations can lead to false accusations and damage trust.

Avoid Confrontation Based on Suspicion Alone: Confronting your partner based solely on suspicions, without concrete evidence, can lead to unnecessary conflict and harm your relationship.

Refrain from Snooping Through Personal Devices: Accessing your partner's phone or computer without permission is a violation of their privacy and trust.

Avoid Public Accusations: Making public accusations without solid evidence can damage reputations and relationships irreparably.

Discover the Truth

When communication fails, an online background check is a powerful resource to help you discover betrayal. Background check services offering multiple search parameters, especially reverse phone lookups, are particularly useful in this situation.

If your partner admits to infidelity when confronted, only you can determine what to do about it. At the very least, an online background check can help you understand the truth about the situation. For many, that can bring comfort during a difficult time. 

Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Top Recommended Online Background Check Services for Uncovering Infidelity, and What Unique Features Do They Offer?+-

The best online background check services for uncovering infidelity include TruthFinder, CheckPeople, and Instant Checkmate. TruthFinder is known for its 'report quality score' and ability to uncover public records and hidden social media accounts. CheckPeople offers extensive database access and deep web searches. Instant Checkmate provides detailed information including unknown email addresses and affiliates, crucial for detecting deceit.

How Can Online Background Checks Assist in Uncovering Signs of Cheating in a Relationship, and What Limitations Should Users Be Aware Of?+-

Online background checks reveal hidden social media accounts, dating profiles, and contact information, which are potential signs of cheating. They use names or phone numbers to gather information. However, limitations include possible misidentifications and false positives. They shouldn't be the sole basis for accusations of infidelity.

What Are the Recommended Actions for Someone Who Suspects Their Partner Is Cheating, Including the Use of Online Background Checks and Other Methods for Confirmation?+-

If you suspect cheating, start with open communication with your partner. If concerns persist, conduct online background checks for deeper insights. Look for unknown contacts and social media profiles. It's important to approach this sensitively and legally, avoiding illegal surveillance. If evidence suggests infidelity, consider discussing it with your partner or seeking professional advice.

How do cheaters usually get caught?+-

Cheaters often get caught through inconsistencies in their stories, changes in routine, secretive behavior with devices, and digital traces like texts or social media activity.

What trick catches cheaters?+-

A common trick to catch cheaters involves monitoring their phone and social media usage for unusual secrecy, password changes, and receiving messages at odd hours. Surprise visits and checking expenses can also reveal inconsistencies.

How can you detect a cheater?+-

Detecting a cheater involves noticing changes in behavior such as increased secrecy, unexplained absences, changes in appearance or habits, emotional distance, and using technology like online background checks.

How can you tell if your partner has cheated?+-

Indications of a partner cheating include changes in behavior like decreased intimacy, avoidance of conversation, guilt, unfamiliar scents or items, and digital traces like texts or emails.

Erin Donaghue - Top10 Writer
Erin Donaghue is a criminal and social justice reporter, with an MA in journalism and over a decade of experience reporting and editing for various news outlets. In addition to Top10.com, Erin's work has been featured in publications such as the Washington Post, USA Today, CBSNews.com, and Huffington Post.

Note: Some or all background search services featured on this site are not subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA") In order to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance, make sure you choose the appropriate service for you. Be advised that only consumer reporting agencies may provide consumer reports. This is applicable, but not limited to, a background search, credit background check, criminal background check, and/or driving record.