The Priory Of Sion Society of Edinburgh under the jurisdiction of the all Seeing Eye, Master Nick Cobb has after series of secret deliberations and random ballot as selected you to be a beneficiary of 2006 end of Year foundation laying grants and also an optional opening at the round table of the Priory Of Sion Society.These grants are issued every end of year around the world in accordance with the objectives of the Priory Of Sion Society as stated by King Francis Aurthor I in 1815 which is to ensure the continuous freedom of man and to enhance mans living conditions. We will also advice that these grant funds awarded to you which amount to $350,000.00 be used to better the lot of man through your own initiative and also we will go further to inform you that the open slot to become a Priory Of Sion is optional.

I hope you understood and do contact the Grant Claims Office Co-Secretary, Name: Barr. Richard Salter, E-mail: [e-mail addess deleted - Ed.] do send along your personal information’s (Names, Residential Address, Occupation, Tel/Fax Numbers, Sex, Age and Country) for more information's on what you are to do to make claims of your grant awarded to you.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs. Judith Ernest.

Co-ordinator.

Priory of Sion Society,

Palmerston Place Lane,

Edinburgh.

The above is a 'phishing' e-mail which seeks to have the unwary supply personal details to criminals who will then use the details to empty bank accounts and purchase goods in your name. Needless to say you should not ever reply to such e-mails. No legitimate organisation will send an e-mail asking for personal information to be sent by e-mail. If in any doubt always telephone or write to your bank, insurance company etc. Never ever reply to e-mails asking for personal details.

Needless to say the Priory of Sion does not, and never has, existed. A visit to the address reveals no office nor do any locals know of the Priory of Sion in any shape or form.

It is interesting, if annoying, that internet criminals are inventive enough to latch onto a ficticious organisation the alleged existence of which was fuelled by the novel The Da Vinci Code.