Deceptive Crypto Scam Targets Ships in Hormuz, Demanding Bitcoin for Safe Passage

Fraudulent messages are being sent to shipowners, requesting crypto payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one vessel reportedly falling victim to the scam. Marisks, a maritime risk services company, has issued a warning about these scam messages, which are purportedly from Iranian authorities and demand bitcoin or USDT payments. The company believes that at least one ship has been targeted and was fired upon while attempting to navigate the strait. The warning comes as shipping traffic through the strait remains largely blocked, with approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The situation has been exacerbated by the US and Israel's conflict with Iran, which has led to a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Recently, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. However, Marisks has confirmed that the messages requesting crypto payments are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The scam messages assure shipowners that upon providing the required documents and paying the cryptocurrency fee, their vessels will be allowed to transit the strait unimpeded.