Scammers Target Ships with False Promises of Safe Passage through Hormuz, Demanding Crypto Payments

Shipping companies are being deceived by fraudulent messages requesting crypto payments in exchange for secure transit across the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting that at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning after several shipping companies received fake messages from individuals posing as Iranian authorities, demanding 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, following the initiation of a conflict between the US, Israel, and the Middle East country, leaving approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The US has since imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seized an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. In response, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with 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 claim that upon providing documents and assessing eligibility, the Iranian Security Services will determine a cryptocurrency fee, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time. The shipping company has yet to respond to requests for comment.