The e-mail seeks to trick people into a fake financial transaction

The message sent to inboxes around the world contains a proposition to launder millions of dollars.

It claims to have been sent by Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Patricia Ferguson and links to the minister's own website.

Ms Ferguson has contacted the police and the Scottish Executive's IT security team.

The e-mail, entitled Greetings from Scotland, has turned up in accounts as far away as New Zealand.

It follows a trip to Malawi last month by Ms Ferguson, who also has responsibility within the Scottish Executive for international development.

Laundering scam

The e-mail seeks to lure people into a fake financial transaction, involving a partnership in securing $40m derived from overestimated contracts.

The sender claims the deal is necessary to avoid confiscation by the UK Government.

It claims: "My reason for writing this letter is to pass this very professional brief to you, asking for your partnership in re-profiling, investment and securing this US$40 million outside the United-Kingdom for safekeeping this is because of my status as an MSP(Member of the Scottish Parliament)."

There are also links to Ms Ferguson's own website and the Scottish Parliament site, but the e-mail requests replies to a confidential address.

The minister has confirmed that her website has received several replies and she has urged people not to respond to the e-mail.

"I will also be seeking a meeting with Lothian and Borders Police to discuss the matter and any additional action which they may recommend," she said.

Holyrood authorities said there had been no breach of parliament's security systems.