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

A maritime risk services company has warned shipowners of a crypto scam in which fraudsters, posing as Iranian authorities, are asking for bitcoin or USDT payments in exchange for 'safe passage' through the Strait of Hormuz. At least one vessel is believed to have fallen victim to the scam, resulting in it being fired upon while attempting to navigate the strait. The scam involves fraudulent messages asking shipping companies to pay cryptocurrency fees in order to transit the strait unimpeded. The messages, which are believed to be scams, assure the shipping companies that their vessels will be able to pass through the strait at a pre-agreed time after paying the crypto fees. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment, and Iran has not made any official statement regarding the matter. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely blocked by Iran since late February, resulting in approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters being stranded in the Gulf. The US has initiated a naval blockade of the strait and has seized an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. Tehran has proposed crypto tolls on vessels in exchange for safe transit, with the fees likely to be charged in bitcoin.