Hormuz Blockade Scam: Crypto Con Artists Target Stranded Ships

A wave of fraudulent messages is targeting shipowners, asking for crypto payments in exchange for unhindered passage across 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 masquerading as Iranian authorities, requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship was duped and came under fire while attempting to navigate the strait over the weekend. The strait has been largely blocked by Iran since February 28, when the US and Israel initiated a conflict in the region, leaving approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. In response to the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with the fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured shipowners that these messages are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages, cited by Marisks, claim that upon providing documents and eligibility assessment by the Iranian Security Services, a fee in cryptocurrency will be determined, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time.