Cybercriminals attempting to extort money via email are using a variety of deceptive tactics to deceive potential victims. These scams often involve malware installation threats, claims of access to compromising personal photos, or warnings that a bank account is at risk. According to the website Bleeping Computer, a new threat it dubbed "sextortion" has gained popularity.

In this scam, online criminals attempt to convince victims that they possess evidence of their spouse or partner's infidelity. What alarmed many recipients was the use of personal details not widely shared, such as maiden names, middle names, and even their pets' names.

"They have used our full names (even my second last name that I barely use anywhere) and I am not sure how they found this information. I am pretty sure it's a scam but I couldn't find any information on this online.... anyone had this happen to them? It's so creepy tf," one Reddit user reported.

The full text of the infidelity scam e-mail can be read below:

"[Spouse's name] is cheating on your. Here a proof.

As a company engaged in cyber security we've found information to [Spouse's name] that interest you.

We made a full backup of his disk (We have all his address book, social media, history of viewing sites, dating apps, all files, phone numbers, and addresses of all his contacts) and are willing to give you full access to this data. For more details visit our website."

Although it remains unconfirmed where the private information was sourced, several Reddit users claim they only shared these details on the popular wedding planning site, The Knot. One user admitted to receiving an email about her ‘cheating’ dog, Mr Wiggles, whose name she had also posted on the site. When approached by Bleeping Computer for comment on the suspected data breach, The Knot did not address the allegations. The platform attracts 35 million users each month.

It is essential to remember that any information shared online is potentially vulnerable to leaks. Cybercriminals are continuously seeking new ways to deceive victims, and it is crucial to remain vigilant when receiving alarming or ‘urgent’ messages, whether by email, social media, or phone. The success of these scams often relies on eliciting impulsive and emotional responses from their targets.