Suspicious Number? Your Partner is Probably Cheating

The rising tide of infidelity has spawned a new phenomenon in the Rockwellian suburbs of America: do-it-yourself investigations. More and more normal, mild-mannered people are conducting their own detective work in order to catch a cheating spouse. But even the most clever of betrayed lovers can only do so much on their own. In the normal course of self-sleuthing most people who suspect infidelity have come across some important clues. But the easiest, safest, and least expensive way of determining infidelity is by simply identifying a phone number.

It is an obvious but seldom considered fact that in order for people to have an affair, they must communicate. And beyond the obvious fact that everyone has a cell phone, people meeting in clandestine ways use cell phones to communicate. Because a cell phone can be used almost anywhere, people equate the privacy of talking on their phone in the car or other place where they are alone with secrecy, assuming that their communications will remain hidden.

When snooping spouses come across suspicious phone numbers on their significant other’s cell phone, phone bill or even the house phone caller ID, they have likely found the most important clue in their investigation–one that will bring all the dirty secrets to light.

Of particular interest are repeating numbers. If, for example, a woman noticed that her husband’s cell phone bill showed he called the same number after he left for work each morning, there might be cause for suspicion. If that same, unrecognized number was called during the day and/or on his way home, it would start to become clear that he was talking to a particular person during the times he was away from her. It stands to reason that she needs to know the name and address that corresponds to this phone number.

In all likelihood, the numbers people want identified are cell phone numbers. And as there is no database of such information, research must be done case by case. Some information brokers on the web sell bogus subscriptions for “unlimited lookups” and other such nonsense. “Instant results” is another scam that feeds on a lack of knowledge. Such results have to be from a database, and database info on landline numbers is old and outdated. Database info on cellular numbers simply doesn’t exist and anyone selling such a thing is a liar.

While a cell phone number search will likely identify the “other person,” people must take care not to be ripped off. When choosing an investigation company to help search phone numbers, make certain that the search ordered will return the name and address of the subscriber. Also, make certain that the company custom researches every number and does not return information from a database. Self-sleuthers should also be aware of the company’s refund policy. What if they don’t find the info? What if it’s wrong?

With just a little help, and very little money out of pocket, those who suspect cheating can get to the bottom of the matter and either stop worrying or start moving on.

About the Author
Elizabeth Knightly is a freelance journalist covering matters of psychological and sociological importance. She currently resides in Dallas, TX with her neurotic cat.