When are People Most Likely to Cheat on their Partners?
December 8, 2023 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: October 7, 2025
Infidelity is one of the most damaging experiences in any relationship. In modern times, cheating is reported more openly, with countless studies exploring when and why people are unfaithful. Understanding the patterns and situations in which people are most likely to cheat can help you recognise warning signs and protect yourself emotionally.
Seasonal Peaks of Cheating
Research shows March is one of the most common months for divorce filings and increased infidelity. The weeks after Christmas are also notorious, with stress, festive discontent, and New Year resolutions all influencing behaviour.
Another spike is mid-February. 13th February, often called National Mistress Day or National Cheat Day, is a key date when unfaithful partners spend time with lovers before focusing on their spouse on Valentine’s Day.
Everyday Opportunities: School Run, Work, Gym
Not all cheating happens during holidays. Many affairs are carried out in the routine of daily life:
- Cheating on the school run – Some people use the school drop-off and pick-up time as cover for meeting lovers while their partner assumes they are occupied with childcare.
- At work or “working late” – The classic excuse. Offices, business trips, and after-work drinks create cover for discreet affairs.
- Lunch breaks and afternoons – With partners at work, afternoons are often used for secret meetings.
- “Going to the gym” – Some unfaithful partners claim to be exercising but are meeting someone else.
Cheating Abroad and Sex Tourism
Travel can create anonymity and opportunity. Affairs are common during holidays or business trips, with some destinations notorious for casual encounters and sex tourism. Locations such as Thailand, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Spain, and Eastern Europe are frequently cited in reports of infidelity abroad.
While away from home, people often feel freer from consequences, making foreign trips one of the riskiest times for infidelity.
Escorts, Massage Parlours, and Discreet Services
Many unfaithful men and women turn to escorts or discreet services. This can include:
- Escorts and paid companionship, often booked online or via agencies
- Massage parlours where extra services are offered discreetly
- Casual hook-up apps used alongside work or travel
These methods are risky, as payment records, phone logs, and surveillance can all uncover the truth.
Age and Life Stage Patterns
Studies show some predictable life stage patterns in cheating:
- Men are statistically more likely to cheat between the ages of 60 and 79.
- Women are more likely to cheat between the ages of 28 and 37.
- Infidelity is more common after major life stresses, such as moving house, a job promotion, or bereavement.
- The seven-year itch is a real risk period when long-term partners may stray.
What to Do If You Suspect Cheating
For many, there is nothing worse than the thought of a partner cheating. If you suspect infidelity, professional help can provide clarity. At Private Investigators UK, our team of experienced detectives specialise in surveillance and background checks.
We can discreetly confirm or disprove suspicions, providing either peace of mind or evidence to support your next steps. Our services are confidential and available across the UK. Contact us for a free consultation.
Glossary of Key Terms
- School run cheating – Using the school drop-off or pick-up as cover for affairs.
- National Mistress Day – 13th February, the day before Valentine’s, associated with infidelity.
- Sex tourism – Travel to destinations such as Thailand or the Netherlands for sexual activity.
- Seven-year itch – A common relationship milestone when long-term partners may be tempted to stray.
- Escorts and massage parlours – Paid services frequently linked with infidelity cases.
Related Articles
When to Leave a Cheating Partner — Or Can the Marriage Be Saved?
November 1, 2023 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
After infidelity, deciding whether to walk away or try to save your marriage can be one of the hardest choices you will ever face. Betrayal brings pain, confusion, and a loss of trust. With honesty, support, and careful reflection, some relationships do survive and even grow stronger. Others are simply not worth saving.
At Private Investigators UK, we understand how complex this is. Our discreet cheating partner investigations help you get clarity without confrontation so you can make informed decisions.
Should You Stay After They Cheat?
There is no universal answer. Ask yourself:
- Was this a one off mistake or a repeated betrayal?
- Is your partner taking responsibility or making excuses?
- Are you both willing to rebuild trust or are you the only one trying?
- Can you forgive and do you want to?
If you are still in love but full of doubt, it is fine to seek help from therapists, trusted friends, or private investigators. Do not rush the decision. You deserve clarity, closure, and confidence in your next steps.
Signs It Might Be Time to Walk Away
1. They Will Not Apologise
No remorse, deflection, or blaming you is a major red flag. Change starts with accountability.
2. They Refuse to Talk About It
Shutting down discussion prevents healing and keeps distance between you.
3. The Relationship Feels Exhausting
Rebuilding trust takes time. If the process is draining your health and hope, leaving may be healthier.
4. They Will Not Do the Work
If they refuse therapy, open talks, or boundaries, they are not serious about change.
5. Ongoing Contact with the Third Party
If they keep texting or meeting the other person, that is disregard, not respect.
6. Lies Keep Stacking Up
Honesty is vital after discovery. Ongoing lies make repair impossible.
7. They Minimise Your Feelings
Calling you too sensitive or telling you to get over it is emotional invalidation.
8. They Blame You
Excuses like you did not give me attention are not reasons. They are avoidance.
9. No Regret
If they act like it is nothing or frame you as the problem for raising it, change is unlikely.
Reasons You Might Choose to Stay
1. Your Quality of Life Together Has Been Strong
If the relationship has been fulfilling and this looks out of character, repair may be realistic.
2. You Have Children
Many couples try to work through infidelity for the family. Do weigh this carefully. A tense home can be harmful.
3. There Is Love and Willingness to Rebuild
Some people make terrible mistakes and truly regret them. With therapy, transparency, and firm boundaries, some marriages do recover.
How to Rebuild After Infidelity
Rebuilding is possible with patience and consistent actions from both partners:
- Engage a qualified couples counsellor.
- Set clear boundaries and stick to them. No contact with the third party, full honesty, and agreed check ins.
- Expect setbacks. Healing is not linear.
If your partner is not showing remorse or your instincts say something is still off, you may need independent verification.
Need Proof Before Confronting Them?
If you suspect infidelity but lack evidence, do not confront blindly. Our experienced private detectives can confirm the truth discreetly and lawfully. Whether you want peace of mind or you are preparing for a divorce case, evidence matters.
Contact us for a confidential, no pressure quote. Include your postcode and brief details and we will suggest the most effective and cost efficient approach.
Glossary
- Emotional affair – a non physical relationship where intimacy and secrecy undermine the partnership.
- Physical affair – sexual contact outside the relationship.
- Trickle truth – revealing information in small parts over time which damages trust further.
- No contact rule – a boundary where the cheating partner ends all contact with the third party.
- Reconciliation plan – a clear set of steps that both partners agree to for rebuilding trust.
Related Articles
Why Would a Private Investigator Want to Talk to You?
October 25, 2023 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: September 4, 2025
Private investigators do not contact people without prior contact to ask for money or payment. If someone phones, emails, texts, or messages you through WhatsApp or Telegram claiming to be a PI and demanding money, it is almost certainly a scam.
In the UK, private investigators are not licensed and have no special powers. Some scammers use the title to sound authoritative. Do not send money, do not share personal or financial information, and always verify the business independently.
- Hang up and call back using a number listed on the firm’s official website.
- Check Companies House to confirm they are a registered business.
- Report scam attempts to Action Fraud and your bank if money has been sent.
Why Would a Private Investigator Want to Talk to You?
When most people think of private investigators, they imagine someone watching from behind darkened car windows or hiding in the bushes. In reality, private detectives often speak to people directly - and not always for suspicious reasons. If a private investigator has tried to contact you, it usually means you might know something useful.
Being contacted by a PI isn’t necessarily bad. Your cooperation could help someone else - or even benefit you. Below are some of the most common reasons a private investigator might try to reach you.
1. You’re Involved in Legal Proceedings
If you're going through a divorce, child custody case, or being sued, a private investigator may be trying to deliver legal documents. This process is called process serving. It can include claim forms, bankruptcy petitions, family court paperwork, and restraining orders.
If a PI approaches you in public and asks for identification, they are probably serving you papers. Avoiding them won’t help - legal papers can still be served, even if they are left at your feet.
2. Someone You Know Is Missing
When someone goes missing, especially a vulnerable person, PIs are often called in to help. If they’re reaching out to you, it may be because you know something that could help reunite someone with their family.
Finding a missing person usually involves record searches and speaking with people who may know more. A short conversation with a PI could make all the difference.
3. You (or Someone You Know) Owe Money
Debt recovery is a regular part of investigative work. A PI may contact you if you’re listed as a debtor, guarantor, or someone who could provide useful information.
You are not legally obliged to cooperate, but dodging calls rarely ends the matter. In some cases, it’s better to communicate - or even hire your own investigator if you are worried about privacy or fairness.
4. You Previously Reached Out to a Private Investigator
If you filled out a contact form, sent an enquiry, or messaged a PI online, don’t be surprised if they follow up. Like any professional service, private investigators need to assess your case before taking it on.
They will usually ask questions to clarify your goals, the situation, and the people involved. This isn’t prying - it’s about checking whether they can actually help. Many investigators also offer a free consultation or quote before you commit.
5. You’re the Subject of a Background Check
If you’ve applied for a job, tenancy, or financial role recently, you may be undergoing a background check. Private investigators often carry these out on behalf of employers or companies doing due diligence.
If you're contacted in this context, there is no need to panic. If you’ve got nothing to hide, engaging can even work in your favour because it shows transparency.
6. You Work in Law Enforcement
Sometimes, private investigators uncover information that relates to active crimes. While they aren’t police officers, responsible investigators will pass on anything relevant to law enforcement. If you’re in law enforcement, a PI may be trying to share something important.
7. You've Inherited Money
Not all reasons are bad. Sometimes, it’s good news. If a relative has died and you’ve been listed in their will, a PI may have been hired to track you down. Locating beneficiaries is common, especially when executors need to find missing heirs or relatives.
In these cases, a PI is acting on behalf of an estate. You may be owed money or property, and they’re trying to make sure you receive it.
So, Should You Respond?
If a private investigator contacts you, you can choose to speak with them or refuse. In many cases, ignoring them only delays things. If you’re unsure, consider seeking legal advice or consulting your own investigator if the matter feels sensitive.
How to Spot Fake Private Investigators
Sadly, there are scams where people pretend to be private investigators. In the UK, private investigators are not licensed and do not hold special powers. A genuine PI may be hired for tracing, background checks, or serving papers, but they will not call you out of nowhere asking for bank transfers or gift cards.
If someone contacts you on the phone, by email, or through apps like WhatsApp or Telegram claiming to be a PI and demanding money, treat it as a scam. Real investigators work for clients and businesses, not by chasing strangers for payments.
- Check the company’s website for a physical address and landline number.
- Search Companies House to see if they are a real registered business.
- Report any suspicious contact to Action Fraud.
This helps protect you from fraud and avoids being tricked by criminals posing as detectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private investigators call you out of the blue?
They might if you are a witness, a beneficiary, a debtor, or the subject of a background check. What they should never do is contact you to demand money up front.
Are private investigators licensed in the UK?
No. There is no government licence for private investigators in the UK. Reputable firms still follow the law, privacy rules, and industry codes.
How can I verify a legitimate private investigator?
Look for full business details, an office address, a landline, and client reviews. A trustworthy PI will provide written fees and will not pressure you to pay on the spot.
What should I do if I think a caller is a scammer?
Hang up, find the firm’s number yourself, and report it to Action Fraud. If you already sent money, contact your bank right away.
Related Articles
How We Help Serve Statutory Demands & Bankruptcy Petitions
October 20, 2023 - Reading time: 11 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
When you’re trying to recover a debt, especially a significant one, the process can feel stressful and uncertain. Whether it is unpaid invoices, breached agreements, or overdue loans, there may come a point where formal legal action becomes the only viable route. Serving a statutory demand or a bankruptcy petition is a key part of that legal strategy, and it needs to be executed correctly.
At Private Investigators UK, we offer a professional, fully compliant process serving service — ensuring documents are delivered accurately, effectively, and with proper legal documentation.
What Is a Statutory Demand?
A statutory demand is a formal legal notice used to request repayment of a debt. It is most commonly issued under the Insolvency Act 1986 and gives the debtor 21 days to repay, reach a repayment agreement, or apply to set it aside.
If they do not act, the creditor has grounds to begin insolvency proceedings. More information is available on gov.uk.
What If the Debtor Wants to Challenge It?
They may apply to set aside the demand if the debt is disputed or already paid. The matter could then be referred to court for a judge to decide.
When Does Bankruptcy Come Into It?
If the debtor ignores the statutory demand and owes more than £5,000, the creditor can apply for a bankruptcy petition. This is where a judge may declare the individual bankrupt and their assets may be sold to repay creditors.
The petition must be served correctly. Errors can cause delays or rejection in court. Read more at gov.uk.
What Is Process Serving and Why Does It Matter?
Process serving is the delivery of legal documents in a way that satisfies court rules. If you are serving a statutory demand or bankruptcy petition, using a qualified process server is the safest way to avoid problems.
Debtors often try to avoid service by disappearing. Proof of service is essential to move your case forward — and ordinary post is rarely enough.
Why Use a Private Investigator for Process Serving?
Private investigators bring more skills than couriers or bailiffs. At PI-UK we provide:
- In-person delivery – we serve documents directly at home, work, or other known addresses.
- Full documentation – photographs, affidavits, and witness statements are supplied.
- Debtor tracing – if the subject has moved, our people tracing service helps track them down.
How We Locate Debtors Trying to Avoid Service
Many debtors facing bankruptcy try to disappear — moving address, staying with relatives, or using aliases. We use OSINT, digital footprint checks, and field enquiries to find them quickly and lawfully.
What Happens After a Successful Serve?
We issue a detailed Affidavit of Service confirming when, where, and how the serve took place. This sworn statement strengthens your case in court. If the debtor still refuses, you can proceed with confidence to bankruptcy or further court action.
What If the Debtor Refuses to Accept the Documents?
Under UK law, refusal does not invalidate service. If the debtor is identified and told the nature of the documents, placing them at their feet or nearby counts as valid service.
Other Documents We Serve
- Divorce papers
- Non-molestation orders
- Injunctions
- Witness summons
- Possession orders
- Court summons
Need Urgent Help Serving Papers?
Our licensed investigators provide fast, discreet and legally valid process serving across the UK.
Get a Free Quote
We provide fast, no-pressure quotes on all cases. Contact us with your postcode and details. We usually reply within one business day with a transparent, no-obligation quote.
Whether you are a solicitor with a heavy caseload or an individual seeking justice, our process servers are ready to help.
Glossary
- Statutory demand – a formal demand for repayment of debt under the Insolvency Act 1986.
- Bankruptcy petition – legal request to declare an individual bankrupt.
- Process serving – official delivery of legal documents with proof of service.
- Affidavit of service – sworn statement confirming a document has been served correctly.
- Debtor tracing – investigative work to find someone avoiding creditors.
You are reading the PrivateInvestigators-UK blog — home to the UK's leading detective agency. Learn more about us by visiting our homepage PrivateInvestigators-UK.com.