“I’ve been married for 15 years and currently in a platonic relationship. I am a successful businessman, and my wife is also successful in her field. The thing is, she and I are always very busy and almost have no time to have fun… or maybe we just don’t make time. I don’t know. Anyway, I have a friend who’s in a similar situation, and he’s already resulted in signing up for dating sites just to meet his “needs.” He suggested I do the same and found Illicit Encounters. I signed up for a Gold membership and found companionship with women on the site who understood what I’m going through. No judgments, just simple understanding. I’ve met with one woman for a casual affair and I really enjoyed it. We’re meeting up again tomorrow, and I just hope I don’t get attached.” —Tom, 46, London
Illicit Encounters Review UK October 2026
- Available in the United Kingdom and Ireland
- Singles are not allowed to join
Illicit Encounters UK in 10 seconds
- It is a dating site for married or attached people who wants to experience having discreet affairs
- It is only available in the United Kingdom and Ireland
- It has a large user base in the UK - More information here
- It has an almost perfect women-to-men gender ratio - Check out here
- Singles are not allowed to join
- Uploading a profile photo is not required
- You can set your photos to private
- Female members can use the site's features for free
- Male members have to avail subscriptions to use most of the features
- It has a high subscription cost
- It has no mobile app
Find out if Illicit Encounters is the right service for you or if there are better options.
Better than Illicit Encounters
Who is Illicit Encounters for, and not for?
- Married people looking for discreet affairs
- Those searching for excitement in bed again
- Attached people looking for casual sex and hookups
- People who are single
- Those who are not into having affairs
- Individuals who are looking for a serious and long-term relationship
Illicit Encounters pros & cons
- All features are free for female members
- The site is safe and secure
- It has a large user base in the UK
- It is only available in the UK and Ireland
- Mobile app is not available
- Singles are not allowed to join
What Illicit Encounters really costs in the UK
Women can use all the features for free. However, men can only use the following features for free: uploading photos, searching members, and sending virtual kisses. Thus, Illicit Encounters offers two kinds of membership for men: Gold and Gold Plus. Only Gold Plus is offered in a 10-week package duration. The additional features of Gold Plus are not so crucial with regards to having a complete experience from the dating site. However, if you plan on using the website for quite a long time, you can surely get the best out of your money by subscribing to the 10-week Gold Plus.
Illicit Encounters also offers credits, which are used to buy virtual gifts that members can send to other members.
Note that your subscription automatically renews. However, you can cancel your auto-renewal up to 48 hours before your membership expires.
How to cancel your Illicit Encounters subscription →
Try Illicit Encounters free →Who is signed up on Illicit Encounters in the UK?
Exclusively on DatingScout: online member numbers for dating services are usually far off, so we estimate how many people are really on Illicit Encounters from traffic data and interest, updated monthly, with history.
Illicit Encounters is only available in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, so all its members reside in those two countries only. With the site having a large user base in the UK, it surely is a popular one.
The member base of Illicit Encounters is composed of individuals who are married, living with a partner, divorced, separated, or widowed. You only have those five status options when you register for an account with the website, which means singles are not allowed to join. Majority of the site’s members are looking for short-term encounters or casual affairs. They do not use the website to find a serious relationship.
The website also boasts of having an almost perfect women-to-men gender ratio.
Last data update: October 2026
Signing up at Illicit Encounters
★★★★★ 3.0/5
- 7-10 minutes registration process
- There is no email validation required
- Profiles having contact details, inappropriate language, and sexual references won't be approved
- You can upload a profile photo later
- There's a profile generator available
- There are tips on writing a great profile
Signing up on Illicit Encounters takes up 7 to 10 minutes of your time. There are three steps before you get to fully explore the website.
The first step is the registration process wherein you need to provide your gender, the gender of the person you are looking for, your nominated username and password, email address (optional), the country and county where you're located (UK or Ireland only), and the source where you knew about the site. You can either choose a photo from their recommended images during this step or upload photos later. In this step, you also need to confirm that you are over 21 years old and agree to Illicit Encounter’s 'Terms of Service’.
The second step is the first half in creating your profile. It is divided into three parts: your basic information (including your appearance), the kind of relationship you're looking for, and your interests. Only the first part is mandatory. It requires you to provide your birthdate, preferred partner's age range, marital status, hair color, etc. In choosing your marital status, you only have five options—married, living together with a partner, separated, divorced, or widowed. For the kind of relationship you're looking for and your interests, you only need to select one or more from the multiple choices provided.
The last step is the second half in creating your profile. In this step, you can see the 'General Information' section and 'Ideal Partner' section, wherein you have to describe yourself and your ideal partner. However, only the first section (General Information) is required. You have the option to complete your ideal partner's info later on. In the 'General Information' section, you can describe yourself by stating your hobbies, interests, work, etc.
Tip: Write more so you could attract more attention.
In this section, you also have the option to either write manually about yourself or use the profile generator. If you choose the profile generator, you only have to answer quick questions, and a profile will automatically be created for you. Once created, you can then make as many edits as you want.
If you still can't figure out what to write, you can check out the tips on how to write a great profile located on the lower left of this section. Also, note that mentions of contact details, inappropriate language, and sexual references on your profile will not be accepted.
Making contact on Illicit Encounters
★★★★★ 3.0/5
- Men need to pay to send and read all messages
- Members can add interesting users to their 'Favourites' list
- Virtual gifts can be sent for a minimal amount of credits
- Virtual kisses can be sent for free
- You can view your matches through 'Matchfinder'
- Search filters are available
- Women can send messages for free
- Illicit Encounters has a chat function
Profile quality
★★★★★ 2.5/5
- Profile photos can be the available icons recommended by Illicit Encounters
- Everything you provided upon registration is seen on your profile
- Photo uploads can be set to private
- Activity status is displayed on each member’s profile
- The gifts you received recently are shown in your profile
- Profiles are moderately detailed
- Profile pictures are visible to everybody for free
- Profile photo and profile information can be edited later
The Illicit Encounters app
- It does not have a mobile app
- You can access the site through your mobile browser
- Dektop version and mobile version are similar
- Mobile version is more compact
- You can still use all the features using your mobile device
Illicit Encounters does not have a mobile app. However, a mobile site is available, which means you can access the website through your mobile browser.
There's not much difference when using the site through your mobile device and through your desktop. The design and features are the same. You can still use those features with ease. The display-preference options, dark mode and colour mode, are also still there.
The only difference is that the mobile version is made more compact. By that, its main menu includes 'Expand' and 'Hide' buttons.
Our field test
★★★★★ 4.0/5
Design & usability
Illicit Encounters has a straightforward design that helps give its members a seamless user experience. The main menu is presented in a rectangular box that contains the different features of the dating site for easy access. The design appearance of Illicit Encounters can honestly be improved to become more aesthetically pleasing. Yet overall, how it is currently designed allows any member to find any feature with ease.
All pages have a similar design template which uses boxes and section dividers to present each page’s features. There is a box on the upper right side, beside the main menu, that displays a graph oh the recent activity on Illicit Encounters over the last hour. Beneath this box is a quick search function that when used, would take you to the ‘Search’ page. Section boxes of ‘Safety Guarantee’, ‘Letters to Sara’, and ‘IE Polls and Results’ are consecutively displayed below the search box.
You also have the option to change the display to either dark mode or colour mode, depending on your preference. You can do so by clicking the little arrow button found on the upper right corner of the site.
Special features
Illicit Encounters offers the special features listed below. Some of them are free of charge, but most are features of a Gold and Gold Plus membership.
Finding people 1
Matchfinder
This feature displays members who fit the description of your ideal match.
Showing interest 1
GiftsPaid
This feature allows members to send virtual gifts to other users. Sending gifts may require credits.
Messaging and contact 2
Auto-RespondersPaid
This is a Gold Plus feature that gives you the power to send automated responses to members who message you.
Prepared Responses
This feature allows you to save templates of responses so you can send the most fitting reply in just one click.
Profile and visibility 2
Private Photos
This feature allows members to set their photo uploads to private. Viewing a ‘Private Photos' album requires a password that was set by the member who uploaded the said private photos.
Holiday ModePaid
This is a Gold Plus feature that allows you to suspend your profile for up to three weeks.
Community and events 2
Letters to Sara
This is a submission platform of letters from Illicit Encounters members who have concerns about anything regarding the website. Other members are able to see the letter submissions and comment on them too. This feature is similar to an open discussion forum.
IE Polls and Results
This feature displays currently active polls and results that are facilitated by Illicit Encounters.
Safety and privacy 1
Invisible ModePaid
This is a Gold Plus feature that allows you to hide your profile from appearing on search results.
Final results
“Overall, Illicit Encounters provides a safe and reliable dating service for married and attached people. If you are into this kind of game, then maybe Illicit Encounters is one of the sites that is probably worth your money.”
Alternatives: Better than Illicit Encounters
Compare Illicit Encounters with other dating sites
14 Illicit Encounters experiences from real users
- Successful affairs and ongoing relationships
- Exciting interactions and new experiences
- Fake, bot, and auto-generated profiles
- High membership costs and expensive upgrades
- Hidden automatic renewal and unexpected charges
- Scams, fraud, and blackmail attempts
- Poor search functionality and overly broad results
Nothing.
Total fake profiles.
The different interactions and everyone’s stories about why they are there. A whole new world of fun.
Clunky search engine, and having to wade through loads of people you wouldn’t get on with
Not very much
It's full of fake profiles. As a male, as soon as you register, you get bombarded with messages from women who can't possibly know anything about you as you've not even completed your profile. Whether this is the site itself or not, I don't know, but it's all about getting you to upgrade—and at £140 for four weeks, that's a big revenue stream.
Cancelling your Illicit Encounters subscription
How you can cancel
- By email
Contact details
| Address | 81E Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AG |
|---|---|
| Phone | 020 7729 6098 |
| support@illicitencounters.com |
Do subscriptions auto-renew?
Subscriptions renew automatically, cancel at least 2 days before your current term ends.
Money-back guarantee
- Illicit Encounters does not offer a money-back guarantee
Do your credits expire?
Credits you buy on Illicit Encounters do not expire.
Try Illicit Encounters free →Illicit Encounters FAQ
What is Illicit Encounters?
Illicit Encounters is a dating website for married people who are enticed by the idea of having an affair.
Who owns Illicit Encounters?
Illicit Encounters is founded and owned by entrepreneur Stephen Lines.
Who is the CEO of Illicit Encounters?
The CEO of Illicit Encounters is Adam Scott.
When was it first launched?
Illicit Encounters was first launched in 2003.
Which countries is it available?
Illicit Encounters is only available in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Who can join Illicit Encounters?
Individuals who are married, separated, widowed, divorced, or currently living with a partner can join the dating site.
Is it free to have an account in Illicit Encounters?
Yes, joining Illicit Encounters is free of charge.
Does Illicit Encounters have a premium membership?
Yes, Illicit Encounters has two kinds of membership, which are Gold and Gold Plus. Membership comes with paid features, such as sending messages. However, women can send messages for free.
Is the premium membership auto-renewed?
Yes. Membership in Illicit Encounters is automatically renewed. However, you can cancel your auto-renewal up to 48 hours before your membership is due to expire.
Can I cancel my premium membership anytime?
Yes, you can cancel your Illicit Encounters membership anytime, and you can use the paid features until the day your membership expires.
How do I delete my account?
You can cancel your account by contacting Illicit Encounters’ customer support.
Will I be able to retrieve my Illicit Encounters profile if I delete it?
Unfortunately, you cannot recover a deleted profile.
Can I temporarily deactivate my Illicit Encounters account?
Yes, you can, but temporary deactivation of a profile is a Gold Plus feature.
How does Illicit Encounters work?
Illicit Encounters provide a platform where married individuals can converse and schedule meetings.
Who is Sara? Why do I need to write a letter to her?
Sara is Illicit Encounters' administrator. If you have any concerns regarding the site, you can send her a letter.
How do I upload a photo in Illicit Encounters?
You can easily upload photos in the ‘My Photos’ tab found on the main menu.
How do I send a message?
You can send a message to any Illicit Encounters member by clicking the 'Send Message' button found on his or her profile. Sending messages is free for women but is a paid feature for men.
I just sent a virtual kiss. Why did it include a message I did not write?
Sending virtual gifts automatically includes a default message, which consists of your 'About Me' paragraph.
Is Illicit Encounters legitimate?
Yes, Illicit Encounters is a legitimate website.
What safety features does Illicit Encounters have?
Illicit Encounters has a published 'Terms of Use' and 'Privacy Policy', which are strictly enforced and monitored by the administrators.
How do I block an abusive user from messaging me?
You can block any profile in Illicit Encounters by clicking the 'Block User' button found at the bottom of any member's profile.
I suspect a scammer. How do I report him?
You can report a profile in Illicit Encounters by clicking the 'Report this Profile' button found at the bottom of that member's profile.
You did not find your question? Ask us!
Thank you for your question. We will answer it as soon as possible.
Security
- Does Illicit Encounters sell your data?
- No, Illicit Encounters does not sell your data.
- Was Illicit Encounters hacked in the past?
- No, Illicit Encounters was never hacked.
- How accurately does Illicit Encounters track your location?
- Illicit Encounters does not track your location.
- Do your Illicit Encounters profile pictures or profile information appear in Google Search Results?
- No, your Illicit Encounters photos and personal information will not appear in Google Search Results.
- Who can view your pictures on Illicit Encounters?
- All Illicit Encounters users can view your pictures.
- Is your phone number required for signing up at Illicit Encounters?
- No, you can sign up at Illicit Encounters without a phone number.
- Can you erase your personal data on Illicit Encounters?
- Yes, Illicit Encounters provides an option for users to erase their data.
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