Scammers Target Shipping Companies with Fake 'Safe Passage' Offers Through Hormuz

Fraudulent messages are being sent to shipowners, asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for guaranteed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. According to a warning issued by Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, several shipping companies have received messages from scammers impersonating Iranian authorities, requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship was targeted and came under fire while attempting to navigate 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, leaving approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. In response to the US naval blockade, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured that the messages are scams and do not originate from official Iranian sources. The fake messages claim that upon providing documents and assessing eligibility, the Iranian Security Services will determine the cryptocurrency fee, allowing vessels to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time.