Shipping companies are being deceived by fake messages requesting cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning about several shipping firms receiving fraudulent messages from scammers impersonating Iranian authorities and asking for bitcoin or USDT. The company believes that at least one ship was duped 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, following the initiation of a war by the US and Israel, resulting in around 20,000 oil tankers and freighters being stranded in the Gulf.
In response to the US naval blockade, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage. Marisks has assured that these messages are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources, warning shipowners to be cautious of such fraudulent requests.