According to a study by the Kinsey Institute, 23% of men have cheated on their partners. That’s nearly one out of every four!
Infidelity is a common problem in the U.S. (which happens to top the global charts for cheating). Those who have two-timed their better half typically quote various reasons for their actions — from lack of love in their primary relationship to self-esteem issues.
Whatever the excuse, adultery has serious repercussions, including broken trust and emotional distress, that can take years to mend.
The problem is, secret affairs aren’t always so obvious. Cheaters know exactly how to cover up their tracks. And many keep an additional phone to conceal their activities.
So, if you feel uneasy about your boyfriend’s behavior, you might just be able to get to the bottom of things by finding out whether he has a secondary phone number.
Top Signs Your Boyfriend Has a Secret Phone Number
Having a second phone number doesn’t necessarily mean your partner is being unfaithful. He could have a variety of legitimate reasons for keeping it.
But if you notice any of the following signs, it would make sense to dig a little deeper.
Keeping the Phone Locked
Has your boyfriend set up a home screen lock on his mobile phone? Or maybe he has changed it from the one he shared with you earlier.
Two people in a relationship don’t necessarily need to give each other access to their phones. But a sudden desire to keep their phone away from their partner could mean they have something to hide.
Increased Phone Usage
When a person starts an affair, they would find it hard to stay away from their new flame. Whenever they’re apart, they would at least try to initiate contact via phone.
So, if you find your boyfriend constantly on his mobile device, either calling or messaging someone, even late at night, it’s a clear red flag you don’t want to ignore.
Secrecy About Who They Speak to
Does your boyfriend leave the room before he answers a call (when he doesn’t need to)? Does he respond with vague excuses or use a dismissive tone when you ask him about it?
If you answer yes, pay attention. There’s no reason for him to take calls in private unless he has something to hide, like a secret relationship.
General Behavioral Changes
Suspicious changes, like leaving home early or getting back late, usually point to infidelity. A sudden interest in his appearance and activities like hobbies (which he hardly cared about before) are other signs to watch.
Engaging in a conversation could also become difficult (e.g., you may have a tough time getting him to open up, or he could get angry, defensive, or withdrawn when you try to talk to him).
Here’s How to Confirm Whether Your Partner Is Keeping a Second Number
When you see the glaring red flags of an unfaithful partner, it’s time to find out the truth. The easiest way to confirm your suspicions is by checking if your boyfriend has another number he’s using in secret.
How you go about this will depend on your specific circumstances. So, take stock of your needs, situation, and what’s at stake, and pick one of the techniques discussed below.
Search Nuwber’s People Directory
Nuwber specializes in people searches by aggregating information about more than 300 million Americans.
But why use it? Its database is pretty extensive, and its records are verified and updated regularly. This allows the platform to produce reliable information. Plus, Nuwber can help discover additional details about your partner, which you might not even know (like criminal records).
And you only need a first and last name to find your boyfriend’s phone number. If there’s more than one associated with his name, Nuwber can dig it up for you.
Check His Phone Content
If you could somehow get access to your partner’s phone, it would be a lot easier for you to find evidence (provided he’s using the second SIM on the same phone).
What exactly should you focus on here? Check the call log, text messages, photos, and videos for clues. Also, go through the recycled bin for deleted documents and media, and look for apps related to dating sites. If the phone’s locked, you might still catch a glimpse of suspicious notifications and calls on the phone face. But note that by checking your partner’s phone, you’re violating his privacy. It’s an intrusive practice that could jeopardize your relationship. Keep this in mind before taking this route.
Speak to a Trusted Friend
Perhaps close friends, family members, or colleagues might know about a secondary number your boyfriend is using. And all you need to do is ask!
However, a word of caution: There are significant risks to using this option based on where loyalty lies. If the person you speak to suspects you’re snooping, they might inform your partner about your conversation with them. Even worse, they can exaggerate or give a different version of what transpired.
So, before approaching someone, carefully assess how much you can trust them to keep things between you. Or else, just move on to another technique.
Go Through His Social Media Profiles
Sometimes, your partner’s social profile might contain clues to an additional phone number. So, scan their bio, posts, and comments for any hints.
But if they’re having an affair, they likely have a secret social media account they haven’t let you in on. To find it, search their name or nickname (or different versions of them) on the platform’s search bar. Then, review the profiles that turn up on the search results.
While you’re at it, it’s worth going through the friends and followers on their primary profile, too. Look for accounts they’ve interacted with more or have shown an interest in.
Look Him Up on Google
Your partner’s digital footprint is much bigger than their social profile. It could contain various materials (from text-based content to photos and videos) from countless sources on the internet. And if a secondary phone number is in any of them, you can discover it using Google.
To search for information, open the search engine on your browser, type your boyfriend’s full name and the term “phone number” into its search bar, and hit Enter.
If there are several people with his name, add a few other personal details to help Google identify him with greater accuracy.
Seek Professional Help
If none of the techniques discussed here have produced any hits, then you might want to consider speaking to a private investigator.
These professionals can leverage their resources and expertise to uncover information, not just about hidden phones but also about a possible affair your boyfriend is hiding from you.
But this route is fairly expensive. Therefore, it’s best to resort to it when you have substantial evidence pointing to infidelity.
Let’s Conclude
If you happen to suspect that your boyfriend is two-timing you, it makes every sense to dig into his phone activities. Most people who cheat keep a second number to make it easier to cover up their tracks from their primary partner.
However, hiding a phone number isn’t always easy. A quick name search on Nuwber, social media, or Google might reveal it based on your partner’s digital footprint. You can also consider checking his phone discreetly, asking a trusted friend, or, if all else fails, hiring a professional investigator.
But before you take any of these routes (especially going through your boyfriend’s phone), ensure your suspicions are substantiated and that they don’t stem from deeper issues like your own insecurities or bad experiences with previous partners.
FAQ
Why would someone have a second phone?
Most people maintain two different numbers to separate their personal life from work. Other reasons may include avoiding security threats (like spam and scams), having a backup in case of an emergency, and seeking privacy and space.
Infidelity is another reason why someone might have a second phone.
How is it possible to find a phone number with only a name?
When a phone number is part of someone’s digital footprint, their name and other identifiable data can easily lead people to it. This makes it possible for search engines, people search platforms, and similar tools to discover a contact number with just a name.
Is it OK to go through my boyfriend’s phone and personal belongings?
The simple answer is no. It’s wrong to check someone’s phone and other belongings without their consent. If you have a specific reason for wanting to do so, asking them upfront and engaging in open and honest communication is a much better option (provided they respond with equal honesty).
What are the common signs of a cheating partner?
Emotional distancing, communication breakdown, and lying often hint at an unfaithful husband or boyfriend. Increased phone use (texting and calling), secrecy about certain calls, changes to their daily routine, and a sudden interest in their appearance may also signal infidelity.
What should I do if I find my boyfriend has been unfaithful?
Having an honest conversation with your partner is important before you determine what steps to take. But show some respect, and avoid the blame game. A relationship expert can help you in such instances by identifying the underlying issues and providing advice and support. They might also suggest couples therapy and other techniques.
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