Scammers Target Ships with Fake 'Safe Passage' Offers Through Hormuz

Shipping companies have been receiving fake messages asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one vessel reportedly falling victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning after several shipping companies received messages from scammers claiming to be Iranian authorities, requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship was targeted and came under fire while attempting to pass through the strait over the weekend. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely blocked by Iran since February 28, leaving around 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The U.S. has initiated a naval blockade of the strait and seized an Iranian vessel trying to evade the operation. Last week, Iran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels in exchange for safe transit, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured that the messages are a scam and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fake messages claim that after providing documents and assessing eligibility, the Iranian Security Services will determine the cryptocurrency fee to be paid. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment.