If you're looking for love in Illinois, you might want to keep your guard up. According to new research from Instacams, an adult webcam site, Illinois ranks #4 among U.S. states where people are searching for ways to cheat on their partners the most.

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New study reveals surprising cheating hotspots — and Illinois is high on the list.

 

The study looked at search data from 80 different dating apps, including well-known names like Tinder, BLK, and the infamous Ashley Madison — the app designed for married people seeking affairs. Over the course of 2024, almost one million searches per month were made nationwide for affair-related dating apps, painting a concerning picture for couples everywhere.

Read More: Male Doctor Secretly Filmed 30 Victims Using Hidden Spy Cameras 

Colorado Takes the Top Spot, But Illinois Isn’t Far Behind

Colorado came in first with 424 searches per 100,000 residents—mainly for Ashley Madison. Following closely behind were North Dakota, New Hampshire, and then Illinois with 355 searches. That puts the Land of Lincoln in the top five for states where people seem most interested in stepping outside their relationships.

Nebraska, Montana, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York rounded out the rest of the top 10.

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What This Means for Illinois Residents

While Illinois is often known for its deep-dish pizza, historic landmarks, and passionate sports fans, this new ranking might have locals looking over their shoulders when it comes to matters of the heart. Whether you're dating in Chicago or a smaller city like Moline, staying alert in the dating scene might not be a bad idea.

Experts warn that apps like Ashley Madison being so popular means some people aren’t just "window shopping" — they might actually be actively looking to cheat.

Read More: Iowa Dyes Found In Cheetos, Skittles, And Other Foods Banned 

Top 10 States Where Cheating Is Most Common

1. Colorado (424 monthly searches)
2. North Dakota (362)
3. New Hampshire (357)
4. Illinois (355)
5. Nebraska (350)
6. Montana (342)
7. Washington (341)
8. Massachusetts (339)
9. Connecticut (335)
10. New York (331)

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Warning Signs Your Partner Could Be Cheating

Professional “honey trapper” Madeline Smith suggests watching for red flags like hiding their phone, refusing to post pictures of you, overusing Snapchat, not sharing their location, or accusing you of cheating without cause.

Most importantly, Smith says to trust your gut. “If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t," she explained. "Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek the truth.”

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