2026 Infidelity Statistics: Who cheats more Men or Women?

First published in Dec 2022 - Last Updated Apr 2026

Infidelity is one of the most emotionally charged and complex situations a private investigator or private detective can encounter. Suspicion, secrecy, deception, and betrayal often sit at the centre of these cases, and for many clients, the uncertainty of not knowing the truth can be just as painful as discovering it.

In 2025 alone, our office received more than 18,000 phone calls, and over 3,800 of those calls were directly related to suspected infidelity. This means that just over 21% of all inquiries we receive involve concerns about cheating, making infidelity one of the most common reasons Canadians contact a private investigator, next to services such as skip tracing, background checks, criminal record checks, and online investigation.

 

Quick Answer: Key Infidelity Statistics From Our 2025 Canadian Case Data

• In our 2025 investigations, 62% of suspected cheating partners were male and 38% were female.
• Infidelity was confirmed in about 48% of completed surveillance cases.

• Emotional and digital affairs made up nearly half of infidelity-related inquiries.

• Women were 28% more likely than men to proceed with surveillance.

• Most investigations involved clients aged 30 to 55 in long-term relationships.

 

Let’s start with the age-old question: Who cheats more in 2026, Men or Women?

One of the most common questions people ask when researching infidelity statistics is simple:

Who cheats more — men or women?

Historically, most studies suggested that men cheated more frequently than women.

However, recent research and investigative experience suggest that the gap between male and female infidelity may be narrowing. Based on the investigations conducted by our agency in 2025:

• 62% of suspected cheating partners were male
• 38% were female

This means men were still more likely to be suspected of cheating, but the difference between male and female infidelity is smaller than it was decades ago.

While statistics provide general insight, it is important to remember that every relationship is unique.

Cheating can occur in any type of relationship and across all age groups.

 

How we compiled these statistics

• Data comes from internal inquiry and case records from The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. for calendar year 2025.

• Figures include Canada-wide infidelity-related phone inquiries, surveillance cases, and investigative research cases.

• “Confirmed infidelity” means investigators documented behaviour during surveillance consistent with a romantic or sexual relationship outside the client’s stated relationship boundaries.

• Inquiry totals are not the same as completed investigations.

• Surveillance outcomes depend on timing, budget, subject behaviour, and whether the suspected affair was physical or primarily digital.

• Over 200 surveillance infidelity investigations focused on observing real-world behaviour were conducted by our team across Canada

• Approximately 440 of the background checks and investigative research cases were related to suspected infidelity

• Hundreds of consultations where individuals were seeking advice before deciding how to proceed

• Roughly 17% of individuals who contacted our office about suspected infidelity ultimately proceeded with some form of investigative service, whether surveillance or investigative research.

 

At a Glance: 2025 Infidelity Statistics From Our Agency Data

 

Metric	2025 agency data
Total calls received	18,000+
Infidelity-related calls	3,800+
Share of all calls	21%+
Surveillance infidelity investigations	200+
Suspected male partners	62%
Suspected female partners	38%
Confirmation rate in completed surveillance cases	48%
Women more likely to proceed with surveillance	28% more often

 

Full Infidelity Statistics From Our 2025 Canada-wide Investigations

Looking specifically at our internal case data provides a unique perspective on modern cheating trends in Canada. Our numbers are investigative statistics from a national investigations company in Canada: The Smith Investigation Agency.

Unlike surveys where people self-report their behaviour, investigative statistics reflect real cases where individuals actively suspected infidelity.

Based on surveillance investigations conducted in 2025:

• 62% involved suspected male infidelity
• 38% involved suspected female infidelity
• Women were significantly more likely to proceed with surveillance services, securing investigations 28% more often than men
• Infidelity was confirmed in approximately 48% of completed investigations
• Most clients hiring investigators were between the ages of 30 and 55
• The majority of cases involved long-term relationships, either married couples or partners together longer than five years

 

Why do Women hire private investigators more often to prove infidelity?

If men and women both experience suspicion in relationships, why are women seeking professional investigation 28% more often than men? Is it because women tend to seek confirmation before confrontation? Are they more likely to gather evidence before making a major relationship decision?

From an investigative standpoint, this pattern is one we have consistently observed: women often want certainty before taking action.

Many female clients tell us they simply want to know the truth so they can make a clear and informed decision about their relationship moving forward.

While not every inquiry turns into an investigation, the patterns we observe through surveillance and investigative work provide valuable insight into modern infidelity.

 

Investigative Research and Background Investigation Results

In addition to surveillance, our agency conducted approximately 440 investigative research and background investigations related to infidelity concerns in 2025.

These cases typically involve clients who suspect deception but are not yet ready to proceed with physical surveillance.

Instead, they request investigative research such as:

• background checks
• criminal background checks
• criminal history checks
• identity verification
• open-source online investigation

In these research-based investigations approximately 55–60% revealed some form of deception or undisclosed information. These findings do not always confirm physical infidelity, but they often reveal behaviour that raises significant concerns.

For example, investigators may discover:

• active dating profiles while the individual claims to be in a committed relationship
• undisclosed marriages or partners
• hidden financial issues
• fabricated professional or personal information

In some cases, investigations also uncover romance scams, where individuals misrepresent their identity or intentions in order to obtain money or emotional commitment.

 

How Often Is Suspected Cheating Actually Confirmed?

Based on our most recent analysis of completed cases, infidelity was confirmed in approximately 48% of investigations conducted in 2025.

A confirmation rate of 48% does not mean the remaining 52% involved innocent partners. Instead, it means that during the specific surveillance periods conducted, investigators did not observe physical evidence of infidelity.

There are many reasons why infidelity may not be observed during a surveillance operation.

For example:

• the client had a limited surveillance budget and could only afford one or two surveillance days
• the suspected partner changed their behaviour temporarily
• surveillance occurred on days when the suspected partner did not meet the individual involved in the affair
• the relationship involved primarily digital or emotional communication rather than in-person meetings

Infidelity investigations depend heavily on timing, planning, and surveillance strategy. A single day of surveillance rarely tells the entire story.

 

When Suspicion Turns Out to Be Incorrect

It is also important to recognize that not all suspicions of cheating turn out to be accurate.

Relationships are complicated, and behaviour that appears suspicious may sometimes have innocent explanations.

Investigators occasionally observe situations where:

• work commitments explain schedule changes
• social obligations account for unusual behaviour
• communication misunderstandings create suspicion

There are also cases where the person who suspects cheating may be experiencing anxiety, insecurity, or unresolved trust issues from previous relationships.

In rare cases, investigators encounter situations where the person making the accusation is actually cheating themselves and projecting that suspicion onto their partner.

 

Emotional Affairs vs Physical Affairs

Many people assume cheating always involves physical intimacy. However, emotional affairs have become increasingly common, particularly with the rise of private messaging, social media communication, and online relationships.

Emotional cheating can involve:

• deep emotional conversation
• romantic or flirtatious messaging
• secret communication with someone outside the relationship

From our experience, emotional affairs are one of the most common concerns clients call about. Of the more than 3,800 infidelity-related calls our agency received in 2025, nearly 1,900 were specifically related to suspected emotional or digital affairs.

In other words, roughly half of all infidelity inquiries involve emotional relationships rather than confirmed physical affairs.

Unfortunately, emotional affairs are extremely difficult to prove through investigative methods because investigators cannot access private messages or hack accounts. One of the most common questions people ask when they suspect an emotional affair is:

“Is emotional cheating worse than physical cheating?” For many individuals, the answer is yes.

It is not always the case, but physical affairs are sometimes just that: “physical”. The partner goes to a stranger to cheat. Meanwhile emotional affairs often involve deep personal connection, shared knowledge and affectionate communication. A closeness that many people believe should exist only within their primary relationship.

 

Digital Infidelity in 2026: Phones, Apps, and Private Messaging

Technology has dramatically expanded how people communicate and form relationships. Unfortunately, it has also created new opportunities for secrecy and deception.

Based on patterns observed through our investigative work and broader relationship data, several important statistics stand out:

💡 Approximately 18% of individuals report discovering their partner engaged in a digital affair.

💡 When digital affairs are discovered, roughly 59% of those relationships end shortly afterward.

💡 About 66% of individuals say online cheating is just as emotionally damaging as physical cheating.

💡 Roughly 1 in 10 relationships break down after confrontations involving suspicious phone activity.

These numbers reflect the reality of modern relationships and in many cases, the first signs of cheating appear on a phone or computer long before investigators observe physical meetings.

 

Social Media and Online Connections

Another trend investigators are seeing more frequently involves relationships that begin through social media reconnections. People reconnect with former partners, classmates, coworkers, or acquaintances through platforms such as:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• online gaming communities
• messaging platforms

From the calls we receive each year, clients often report discovering that their partner has been communicating privately with someone they previously knew.

These conversations may begin casually but can gradually become more personal and emotionally intimate. In many cases, these relationships remain digital for extended periods of time before ever becoming physical.

 

Generational Differences in Digital Privacy

Another interesting trend involves generational differences in attitudes toward digital privacy within relationships.

Research and client experiences suggest that younger individuals are significantly more likely to monitor their partner’s phone activity compared to older generations.

For example:

💡 Approximately 82% of individuals aged 55–64 report never checking their partner’s phone.

💡 Among adults aged 18–24, only about 41% say they have never checked their partner’s phone.

This generational difference reflects how deeply smartphones and messaging platforms are integrated into modern relationships.

For younger couples, communication often happens almost entirely through digital devices. Because of this, changes in phone behaviour can quickly become a source of suspicion.

 

The Most Common Ways People Cheat in 2026

From the cases we investigate each year, several patterns consistently appear in how affairs begin and develop.

While every situation is different, most infidelity cases fall into a few common categories.

 

Dating Apps

Online dating platforms such as Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge have significantly increased opportunities for secret relationships.

Some individuals create dating profiles while still in committed relationships, often claiming to be single.

Because these platforms allow people to meet strangers quickly, they have become a frequent factor in cheating investigations.

 

Workplace Affairs

Workplace relationships remain one of the most common sources of infidelity.

Coworkers often spend long hours together, share professional challenges, and develop emotional bonds over time.

Business travel, conferences, and work events can also create opportunities for relationships to develop outside the workplace.

 

Social Media Reconnection

Many affairs begin when people reconnect with former partners through social media.

Old relationships from high school, university, or past workplaces may be revived through a simple message.

What begins as a friendly conversation can sometimes evolve into a deeper emotional connection.

 

Messaging Apps

Private messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, and Signal are frequently used to maintain secret conversations.

Some of these platforms include disappearing message features, which make it easier for individuals to hide communication.

 

Travel and Business Trips

Travel can also create opportunities for individuals to behave differently outside their normal environment.

Being away from home may reduce the perceived risk of being seen or recognized.

Because of this, business trips and conferences are sometimes associated with infidelity investigations.

 

Signs of Cheating Investigators Hear Most Often

Before hiring a private investigator to start an infidelity investigation, many clients describe noticing specific behavioural changes in their partner.

The most commonly reported suspicious behaviours are changes in how their partner interacts with technology:

• suddenly becoming extremely protective of their phone
• placing passwords on devices that were previously accessible
• deleting message histories or clearing notifications
• becoming defensive when asked about online activity
• using messaging apps that the partner was previously unfamiliar with

Another behaviour that frequently raises suspicion is the use of multiple phones or hidden communication platforms. In many cases, clients report discovering that their partner owns two phones, maintains separate messaging apps, or communicates through platforms designed to hide conversations.

Other common signs of cheating reported by clients include:

• unexplained schedule changes
• working late more often without clear reasons
• emotional withdrawal or distance
• unusual spending patterns
• new clothing, grooming habits, or appearance changes
• becoming defensive when asked simple questions

In many situations, it is not a single behaviour that raises concern, but rather a combination of several changes happening at the same time.

For example, a partner who suddenly begins working late more often, becomes protective of their phone, and withdraws emotionally from the relationship may cause their partner to question whether something else is happening.

 

 

Where Private Investigators Most Often Catch Cheaters

From our surveillance investigations conducted across Canada, several locations consistently appear in cheating investigations.

The most common places where investigators observe infidelity include:

• Hotels and short-term accommodations
• Restaurants and bars
• Private residences
• Parked vehicles
• Gyms or fitness facilities
• Short-term rental properties

Hotels remain one of the most frequent locations because they provide privacy and anonymity. In many cases, investigators observe individuals meeting in hotel parking lots before entering together.

Vehicles are another surprisingly common location for encounters. Many individuals believe meeting in a parked vehicle reduces the chance of being seen.

Short-term rental properties have also become increasingly common locations in recent years because they can be booked quickly and provide a private setting away from home.

It is important to note that investigators do not make assumptions or pass moral judgments about relationships. Their role is simply to make observations and document behaviour so that clients have accurate information to make informed decisions.

These observations help establish whether a relationship appears to go beyond friendship or professional interaction.

 

What Private Investigators Can and Cannot Legally Do in Canada

One important point we always explain to callers is that private investigators operate within strict legal and ethical boundaries.

Some people call requesting services that are not legal in Canada, such as:

• hacking phones
• accessing private email accounts
• tapping phones
• installing GPS tracking devices without consent

These are not legal investigative practices, and ethical investigative agencies will never provide these services.

Instead, professional investigators rely on legal methods such as surveillance, behavioural analysis, background checks, and open-source intelligence to determine whether infidelity may be taking place.

Evidence collected during surveillance may include:

• photographs of individuals meeting in private settings
• video recordings showing physical affection
• documentation of repeated meetings or overnight stays
• observations of travel or shared accommodations

Professional infidelity investigations focus on documenting behaviour in public spaces and identifying patterns that help clients understand what is happening.

Unfortunately, emotional affairs are extremely difficult to prove through investigative methods because investigators cannot access private messages or hack accounts.

This means investigators cannot access private digital communications, including:

• text messages
• private social media accounts
• messaging app conversations
• deleted communication histories

Without legal access to digital conversations, proving online cheating often relies on behavioural patterns or voluntary evidence provided by the client.

 

What Happens After Infidelity Is Discovered?

When infidelity is confirmed, couples respond in very different ways.

Some relationships end immediately. Others attempt to repair the damage and rebuild trust.

For many couples, discovering an affair leads to questions about whether reconciliation is possible.

Infidelity investigations are not just about uncovering behaviour. They often involve deeply personal emotional experiences. When someone believes they may be experiencing betrayal, the uncertainty can affect every aspect of their life.

Clients often describe feelings such as:

• anxiety about what they may discover
• fear of losing their relationship
• anger or resentment toward their partner
• confusion about what to believe

Some partners pursue affair recovery, while others seek professional support through:

• infidelity therapy
• infidelity couples counseling
• marriage counseling for infidelity
• therapy for cheating
• counseling for cheating

Programs focused on surviving infidelity often help couples process the emotional impact of betrayal and decide whether they want to rebuild their relationship.

For couples who decide to stay together after an affair, professional support through infidelity therapy, marriage counselling for cheating, or infidelity couples counselling can help rebuild trust and communication.

For others, discovering the truth allows them to move forward with confidence and begin the process of healing.

 

What To Do If You Suspect Cheating

If you believe your partner may be cheating, you may be overwhelmed by emotions like sadness and anger or start dissociating. Emotional reactions are completely natural, but as investigators we recommend taking the following steps before confronting a partner:

• remain calm and avoid immediate accusations
• observe behavioural patterns over time
• document unusual schedule changes or suspicious activity
• avoid accessing private accounts or devices illegally
• seek professional advice if concerns continue

In many cases, confronting a partner without evidence can cause the behaviour to temporarily stop, which may make it more difficult to observe later.

Speaking with a private investigator can help individuals understand their options and determine whether an investigation is appropriate.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Infidelity Investigations

 

How much does it cost to hire a private investigator for cheating?

The cost of hiring a private investigator for a cheating investigation depends largely on how many hours of surveillance are required. In most cases, surveillance services range from $100 to $150 per hour, plus kilometre reimbursement for travel. Some investigations can be completed in a single day, but many require multiple days to identify behaviour patterns. Based on our experience, cases where infidelity is confirmed often involve around four days of surveillance, with an average investigation budget of approximately $3,000+. Some clients also choose to begin with services such as background checks, criminal record checks, or online investigations to verify information about a partner before proceeding with surveillance.

 

Can a private investigator read text messages or hack phones?

No. Professional private investigators operate within strict legal and ethical boundaries. Investigators cannot hack phones, access private text messages, or break into email accounts. Ethical investigators rely on lawful investigative methods such as surveillance, behavioural analysis, public records searches, and open-source online investigation. Any agency offering illegal services such as hacking phones or installing unauthorized tracking devices should be avoided.

 

How do private investigators actually catch a cheater?

Most infidelity investigations rely on surveillance and investigative research. A private detective observes and documents behaviour in public places where individuals do not have an expectation of privacy. Investigators may collect evidence such as photographs, video recordings, and written reports showing meetings, physical affection, or overnight stays with another individual. The goal is not to make assumptions, but to provide clients with clear, factual documentation.

 

What are the most common signs of cheating in a relationship?

While every situation is different, some of the most common signs of cheating reported by clients include sudden changes in phone privacy, unexplained schedule changes, increased time spent online or on messaging apps, emotional withdrawal, and unusual spending habits. Many individuals begin searching for answers when several behavioural changes appear at the same time rather than just one isolated incident.

 

How often are suspicions of cheating correct?

Based on investigative data from our agency, infidelity was confirmed in approximately 48% of surveillance investigations conducted in 2025. However, this does not mean the remaining cases involved innocent partners. Infidelity may not always occur during the surveillance periods requested by the client, particularly if the suspected relationship is primarily digital or if surveillance occurs on the wrong days.

 

Can emotional cheating be investigated?

Emotional cheating is one of the most common concerns clients contact investigators about. In 2025, nearly 1,900 of the 3,800 infidelity-related calls our office received involved suspected emotional affairs or digital relationships. However, emotional affairs are more difficult to prove because investigators cannot legally access private messages or social media accounts. In some cases, emotional relationships eventually lead to physical meetings, which can then be documented through surveillance.

 

What types of investigations are conducted besides surveillance?

Not every client immediately proceeds with surveillance. Many people begin with investigative research such as a background check, criminal background check, criminal history check, or online investigation. These services can reveal undisclosed relationships, hidden marriages, active dating profiles, financial deception, or even romance scams where someone misrepresents their identity.

 

What happens after cheating is discovered?

When infidelity is confirmed, couples respond in different ways. Some relationships end immediately, while others attempt to repair the relationship through infidelity therapy, marriage counseling for infidelity, or infidelity couples counseling. Programs focused on affair recovery and surviving infidelity can help couples rebuild trust and communication after betrayal.

 

Should I hire a private investigator if I suspect my partner is cheating?

If you suspect infidelity but do not have clear answers, speaking with a private investigator near you can help you understand your options. Investigators can explain how surveillance works, what evidence can legally be collected, and whether your situation warrants an investigation. Many clients simply want clarity before making major decisions about their relationship.

 

Can private investigators help with romance scams or online deception?

Yes. Many investigative agencies conduct online investigations and background checks to identify romance scams and verify whether someone is misrepresenting their identity. These investigations may involve reviewing public records, verifying employment or identity claims, and identifying whether an individual has a criminal record or history of fraudulent behaviour.

 

When should I contact a private detective?

If you are experiencing ongoing suspicion, noticing several signs of cheating, or believe you may be dealing with deception in your relationship, consulting a private detective near you can help you understand your options. Professional investigators can explain what investigative steps are possible and help you determine whether gathering evidence would be helpful before confronting your partner.

 

Need Answers About a Suspected Affair?

People contact a private investigator for many reasons, but suspected infidelity remains one of the most common.

When someone believes they may be dealing with a cheating partner, cheating husband, cheating wife, cheating boyfriend, or cheating girlfriend, the emotional uncertainty can become overwhelming.

Some individuals feel confident something is wrong but cannot prove it. Others are unsure whether their concerns are justified and want objective answers before confronting their partner.

Hiring a private detective allows clients to move beyond speculation and gather factual information.

Common reasons individuals choose to hire a private investigator include:

• confirming suspicions of cheating
• obtaining evidence for divorce or legal proceedings
• protecting financial interests before separation
• identifying deception or hidden relationships
• verifying a partner’s identity or background

In some cases, clients initially contact investigators for suspected cheating but later request additional investigative services. These may include a background check on a new partner, a criminal background check or criminal history check, verifying employment or identity claims, or investigating potential romance scams.

Our team understands that contacting a private investigator near you about suspected cheating can be a difficult decision. Every consultation is handled with professionalism, discretion, and compassion.

If you are concerned about a cheating partner or want to better understand your situation before taking the next step, speaking with a private detective may help you gain the clarity you need.

 

About the Author

Smith Investigation Agency

The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., a proudly female-owned and operated private investigative agency, and the largest in Canada.
Our team serves clients across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. We’re dedicated to offering top-quality services that exceed your expectations.