A Greek maritime risk services company has warned shipowners of fraudulent messages asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The scammers, posing as Iranian authorities, are demanding bitcoin or USDT payments. At least one ship is believed to have fallen victim to the scam and was fired upon while attempting to pass through the strait. The warning comes as shipping traffic through the strait remains largely blocked by Iran.
The scammers' messages claim that after providing documents and being assessed by the Iranian Security Services, a fee will be determined and paid in cryptocurrency, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded. The maritime risk company has assured that these messages are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources.