The 35-year-old, who works in the science field and asked that only his first name be published for personal and professional reasons, immediately clicked on the bait.

"Unfortunately your data was leaked in the recent hacking of Ashley Madison and I know [sic] have your information," said the message.

"I have also used your user profile to find your Facebook page, using this I can now message all of your friends and family members," it continued.

The poorly spelled extortion letter then demanded 2 bitcoin (worth approximately $500 when John received the e-mail in September) to be paid within three days. Otherwise, according to the sender, John's friends and family would be automatically informed of his Ashley Madison membership.