Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's e-mail account has been hacked with the culprit now sending mails appealing for money on his behalf.

E-mails started originating from the leader's personal Hotmail account on Wednesday and were circulated to all in his address book stating that he had misplaced his wallet in England and was in urgent need of USD 3,500 to clear his hotel bills and get himself back home.

"I am sorry that I didn't inform you about my travelling to England for a Seminar. I need a favour from you as soon as you receive this e-mail because I misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money is and other valuable things were kept, I will like you to assist me with a loan urgently," the mail signed off with name Mani, as his friends call him, said.

It added, "I will be needing the sum of $3,500 to sort-out my hotel bills and get myself back home. I will appreciate whatever you can afford to help me with, I will pay you back as soon as I return."

When contacted, Aiyar who is in New York confirmed that his e-mail account has been hacked and asked everyone to ignore the "mischievous" message.

"Unfortunately, the hacker has changed my password so I cannot access my e-mail account. I am in New York attending seminar on local self-government at Columbia University. I request all recipients to ignore this mischievous message," said Aiyar.

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