Scammers Target Ships Stranded by Hormuz Blockade with Fake 'Safe Passage' Offers

Shipping companies have been receiving deceptive messages asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting that 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 firms have been targeted by scammers posing as Iranian authorities, requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The incident occurred amidst a significant blockade of the strait by Iran, which has resulted in the stranding of approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters in the Gulf. The blockade was initiated following the US and Israel's actions against Iran, and has since seen the US impose a naval blockade and seize an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. In a recent development, Tehran proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe transit, with the fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. However, Marisks has assured that the messages received by shipowners are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages, cited by Marisks, claim that upon providing the necessary documents and assessing eligibility, the Iranian Security Services will determine the cryptocurrency fee to be paid, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time.