What began as a pleasant text exchange soon revealed one woman's cheating ways. Photo / Reddit

In case you missed it: This was one of Lifestyle's most popular stories of 2016

A man who busted his cheating girlfriend in a text exchange has captivated the internet with his clever detective skills.

The woman was caught out after sending suggestive selfies to her boyfriend, who became suspicious when he spotted something unusual in the background.

Shared to Reddit, the messages reveal a woman named "Jackie" sending topless pictures to her then boyfriend "Liam" from a hotel room in Atlanta where she was staying for a business trip.

But rather than being pleased by the messages, Liam becomes concerned when he spots a bag he knows isn't hers in the background of one of her images.

Deciding to call her bluff, he asks if she's alone and what her room number is.

Jackie replies: "1422. Not this again, just call my room number if you don't believe me."

When he calls the hotel, he is told there is no Jackie in room 1422. Instead, he learns the room is booked under the name "Tom" - his girlfriend's boss.

Enraged by his discovery, Liam ends the exchange by saying: "All your s*** will be waiting outside for you in trash bags when you get back."

Since being posted to Reddit the iMessages have gone viral.