Texts expose one in nine as love cheats

One in three said they knew someone who had been caught cheating because of texts and emails

With the explosion of mobile phones and online networking, it has become the key way to ferret out the modern love rat.

The survey by moneysupermarket.com found hundreds of thousands of wayward lovers failed to delete their adulterous messages.

Four per cent of cheaters even admitted to sending a message for their lover to their partner by mistake.

It was the over 55s, the age-group least savvy with electronics, who were most likely to be caught, with 15 per cent found out compared to six per cent of 18 to 24 year olds.

And even if they were faithful, one in three adults said they knew someone who had been caught out.

The price comparison website questioned more than 2,000 adults. Spokesman Rob Barnes said: "Pre-occupied with their love lives, people seem to forget their internet and mobile phone can become a library of undercover love.

"It is no surprise people are using these methods to carry out secret affairs. We don't condone them, but those who are tempted to stray from a partner should ensure they practice safe text. You never know where the texts and emails could end up."