Okay, here’s a detailed article about the warning issued by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regarding suspicious emails impersonating the Monthly Labour Survey (毎月勤労統計調査), published on April 30, 2025:
Beware of Phishing Emails Impersonating the Monthly Labour Survey in Japan (April 30, 2025)
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has issued a public alert on April 30, 2025, warning citizens and businesses about suspicious emails circulating that falsely claim to be related to the Monthly Labour Survey (毎月勤労統計調査). These emails are likely phishing attempts designed to steal personal information, financial data, or spread malware.
What is the Monthly Labour Survey?
The Monthly Labour Survey (毎月勤労統計調査, Maitsuki Kinrou Toukei Chousa) is a crucial national statistical survey conducted by the MHLW in Japan. It collects data on employment, wages, and working hours from a sample of businesses across the country. This data is used to understand labor market trends, inform policy decisions, and assess the overall health of the Japanese economy. Because of the importance of this survey, many businesses participate, making them potential targets for impersonation.
The Threat: Phishing Emails
Phishing is a type of cybercrime where criminals attempt to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information by disguising themselves as trustworthy entities. In this case, the attackers are impersonating the MHLW or individuals associated with the Monthly Labour Survey.
What the MHLW is Warning About:
The MHLW is warning the public to be extremely cautious of any unsolicited emails claiming to be related to the Monthly Labour Survey. These emails may:
- Request Personal or Company Information: The emails might ask recipients to provide sensitive data such as company registration numbers, bank account details, employee personal information (names, addresses, social security numbers), or passwords. The MHLW typically does not request sensitive information through unsolicited emails.
- Contain Suspicious Links or Attachments: The emails might include links to fraudulent websites designed to look like the official MHLW website or attachments containing malware. Clicking on these links or opening the attachments can compromise your computer or network.
- Use Official-Looking Logos and Language: The attackers may use official MHLW logos, branding, and Japanese government terminology to appear legitimate. This can make it difficult for people to distinguish between genuine and fake emails.
- Create a Sense of Urgency: The emails might create a false sense of urgency, demanding immediate action or threatening penalties for non-compliance. This tactic is used to pressure recipients into acting without thinking.
How to Identify a Suspicious Email:
- Check the Sender’s Email Address: Carefully examine the sender’s email address. Official emails from the MHLW will likely come from an official government domain (e.g., @mhlw.go.jp). Be wary of emails from generic domains (e.g., @gmail.com, @yahoo.com) or domains that are slightly different from the official MHLW domain.
- Look for Grammatical Errors and Typos: Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors, typos, and awkward phrasing. These are red flags that the email is not legitimate.
- Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Requests for Information: The MHLW will generally not request sensitive information via unsolicited email. If you receive an email asking for personal or financial data, be extremely cautious.
- Hover Over Links Before Clicking: Hover your mouse cursor over any links in the email to see the actual URL they lead to. If the URL looks suspicious or doesn’t match the official MHLW website, do not click on it.
- Verify with the MHLW Directly: If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the MHLW directly through their official website (www.mhlw.go.jp/) or by phone to verify the email’s authenticity.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Email:
- Do Not Click on Any Links or Open Any Attachments: This is the most important step.
- Report the Email to the MHLW: The MHLW encourages individuals to report suspicious emails to help them investigate and prevent future attacks. Information on how to report will likely be found on their official website.
- Delete the Email: After reporting the email, delete it from your inbox.
- If You Clicked on a Link or Opened an Attachment:
- Immediately run a full scan of your computer with a reputable antivirus program.
- Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
- Contact your bank or financial institutions to alert them of the potential risk.
- Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for any signs of unauthorized activity.
- Contact the Police: If you suspect you have been a victim of identity theft or fraud, contact your local police department.
MHLW’s Commitment to Security:
The MHLW is committed to protecting the privacy and security of citizens and businesses. They are actively working to combat phishing attacks and other cybercrimes. They encourage everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
In Conclusion:
Stay alert and exercise caution when dealing with emails claiming to be from the MHLW or related to the Monthly Labour Survey. By being aware of the risks and following the guidelines outlined above, you can protect yourself from falling victim to phishing scams. Remember to always verify the authenticity of any email before clicking on links, opening attachments, or providing personal information. Your vigilance is crucial in combating these malicious activities.
毎月勤労統計調査を装った不審なメールにご注意ください（令和７年４月30日）
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-04-30 03:00, ‘毎月勤労統計調査を装った不審なメールにご注意ください（令和７年４月30日）’ was published according to 厚生労働省. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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